On July 4th, in the past I tended to avoid people and all the associated celebrations by going on solo hikes. This year, since this might be my last summer in Colorado, I decided to enjoy the festivities by going to Crested Butte and watching the annual Gothic to Crested Butte 1/3 Marathon and the Fourth of July parade.
The marathon finish line in Crested Butte. I arrived early in the morning so there weren't many people around yet.
I saw a Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) - lifer!
Since I had some time before the runners would cross the finish line, I went for a short hike outside of Crested Butte.
I saw a Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli) - lifer!
A beautiful Ruddy Copper Butterfly (Lycaena rubidus).
After the marathon was the parade. I hanged out with some of the RMBLers and looked at the veratrum costumes that everyone had created. For those not familiar with this RMBL tradition, scientists wear clothes decorated with veratrum foliage during the parade. Here is an article published in the Wall Street Journal a couple of years ago.
This was RMBL's float during the parade.
Even a stuffed bear is decorated for the event.
Crowds getting ready for the parade.
Beginning of the parade.
Flag-waver
Handshake
Tricks on a motorcycle.
Trump truck
People everywhere!
More motorcycles and flags.
Dance party on a float.
Some running school.
Colourful costumes
Another flag-waver
Dr. Kailen Mooney in front of the RMBL crowd.
RMBLers were at the very end of the parade, and then people continued to walk through the crowd.
I realized that there was a water fight at the end of the street.
Watching the water fight from a safe distance.
A couple of thoughts after the parade:
- Americans are very patriotic.
- The parade was a candy-collecting time for the kids, almost like Halloween.
No comments:
Post a Comment