Monday, December 4, 2023
I came to Chatfield State Park as a matter of convenience. I needed to come to Denver to have some work done on my new van, at the place where the conversion was done, Contravans. I wanted a place to stay close by to Contravans the night prior to bringing it in to them. Chatfield was a good choice. It was not as close as I’d like, it was about a 45 minute drive, but it turned out to have some great benefits that were not anticipated. The two main benefits were it had a good road for bicycling and it provided a fantastic sunset.
They completed the work on the van by 1:30PM and I was back at the campground around 3:00. By that time, with the weather being decent, and not having a plan as to where else I might stay that night, I decided to stay another night at Chatfield. I went for a bike ride, which I “needed,” as I had not ridden in four days! I do not become cranky when I go that long, but I also do not feel as “up” and excited about things. Going for walks, taking a hike, doing a bike ride, these are all things that seem to be wired into my being and are reflected in my way of thinking and actions, as well as my general sense of fulfillment. It is as if they are hardwired into me. So, I felt really good doing a ride Monday afternoon. I had no idea, when I decided to come to Chatfield, that it offered such great cycling. The roads and trails are fantastic.
I did a short ride, about an hour, which was more or less around the perimeter if the park, including a mile along the top of the dam for Chatfield Reservoir. It was a fantastic, out and back ride, mostly flat, a few rolling hills to get the blood pumping a little more. I loved riding atop the dam. The Sun was nearing it’s descent behind the mountains of the Front Range. It reflected on the clouds and water in an inspiring, feel-good way. But it wasn’t all fun and games, as there was also a strong wind. The wind can be a challenge on a bike ride, as much mentally-emotionally as physically. Maybe more so mentally-emotionally. The wind can make things hard, difficult. Then again, it can make you stronger! So, I dealt with the wind, kind of a mind game, and used it to my benefit.
As I did my return ride, the sky was turning into an amazing spectacle. Colors of phenomenal shades were appearing. It was so vast, too, running up and down the length of the north-south running mountains and extending out over the landscape eastward. I had to stop riding and just take it in, as well as take some photos.
We can stop and take in the sunset, or sunrise, any day we like, or not. Every day - if we choose to do so. Often, the sunset and sunset are not dramatic in appearance. Many days, they are not particularly colorful. How they affect someone depends, in part, on one’s location, activities and responsibilities at the time. Let me suggest that sunset and sunset are not only about the physical passing of the Sun above or below the horizon. It is about an awareness of the present. I have written before that it can seem to stop time. https://www.otomola.com/post/the-sun-rises-and-sets-so-do-you
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