Promoted To Be A Father

13th November 2014 - a very special day for me and Ani. The day we were blessed with our little Ikey.

It was bit too fast that he entered our life. I am still wondering at that cute little face. Can't believe that there is someone who is a part of us, with us now.

A very different feeling indeed. We know that it is a great responsibility to raise him, aligned to the word of God. A new journey begins...

Hoping for the best.

Red Rocks Park Amphitheatre

I heard a lot about this place from my colleague, couple of weeks before the Colorado trip. I didn't know much about this place then. 

Once the trekking through the Red Rock Mountain Park trail was over, I sat for sometime to read about the amphitheater. Learned this research and preparation from Ani. She collects all the information about the place to visit much ahead of the trip that we could really understand the significance of the place we were in.

The best part I loved about this amphitheater - no one built it. It is a naturally formed venue, a perfect architecture for an amphitheater. You can enjoy the concerts, enjoying the music and staring at the star studded night and mystical natural ambiance embracing your heart and mind. One step closer to heaven is what I can say about that feeling.

The entrance of the amphitheater. There wasn't much visitors around when I reached this place. There was preparations going on for a concert that night. Logistics teams were busy ferrying the equipments to this place.

Towards the amphitheater is the visitor center. Past to this is where the back row of the theater begins. Its like a slope towards the stage.

The gathering area outside the theater.

And I am viewing a natural marvel. The best amphitheater in the world. Goosebumps!

The venue getting ready for a big concert of the evening.

A concert at Red Rock Amphitheater

Red Rock Mountain Park

I noticed this park while on the Dinosaur Ridge bus tour. The park was so visible as it looked so reddish. The rock formations were strange and unique, the red colored mountains and the terrain looked so beautiful. I decided that to be the next location to visit.

Red Rocks Park is a mountain park in Jefferson County, Colorado. The park is known for its very large red sandstone outcrops. Many of these rock formations within the park have names, from the mushroom-shaped Seat of Pluto to the inclined Cave of the Seven Ladders.

When I reached the park, which is very close to the dinosaur ridge, there wasn't much people around. The place was so calm and beautiful. I could listen to the joyful voice from the mountains, from those who were trekking along the beautiful park trails.

Parked the car and I just couldn't take my eyes from the beauty of the mountains around. It felt like the place might get a shower, but it only enhanced the beauty of that place. So soothing to the heart and I got refreshed with the cold breeze around that place.

From the parking lot, we have to walk few miles to reach the center of red rock mountain. Saw a couple who were so excited to cycle up the mountain. When they saw me clicking pics around, they wishes and waved at me. Spoke to them for sometime and got some interesting information about the park. I decided to walk up the mountain then.

The rocks at this place are formed about 290 million years ago. I was right in the center of a historical gem at that moment.

This small passage through the mountain took me to another exciting part of the Red Rock Mountain park. The world renowned amphi-theatre. I never realized its significance until I spoke to the theater director, who gave interesting facts about that place.

This world is so special, filled with views that will never quench our thirst to travel. I was enjoying each and every moment of the journey. Walking through the lands which I thought I will never see in my life...

Everything Is Big In Texas

And the storms too :) I faced couple of storm warnings while in Texas and to be frank, I was happy to meet the below ones younger brother.

Dinosaur Ridge - The Old Ocean Base

That was an another beautiful day at Colorado. Got up in the morning and flipped through the list I had for the next destination. Rocky Mountains - topped the list. But it was too early to reach that place. So decided to pick once more destination to fill the gap. TripAdvisor picked up the Dinosaur Ridge and I headed to visit the same.

After the visit and the van tour, I realized one fact. The place was authentic. Not a normal visiting area. It has the world's best dinosaur sightings. Couldn't believe the fact that the land I was standing then was under the ocean for years. Wow, am impressed.

Dinosaur Ridge is part of the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark located in Morrison, Colorado, just west of Denver.

The Dinosaur Ridge area is one of the world's most famous dinosaur fossil localities. In 1877, some of the best-known dinosaurs were found here, including Apatosaurus, Diplodocus, Stegosaurus, and Allosaurus. In 1973, the area was recognized for its uniqueness as well as its historical and scientific significance when it was designated the Morrison Fossil Area National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service.

Bus tour on every 45 minutes. And I was right on time, so didn't want to wait for long. 5$ trip, but it was worth the journey.

That's the tour bus. The guide was smart and resourceful. And he made the trip so exciting with interesting information about the place.

Life size dinosaur structure at the visitor center. Took this timer picture while waiting for the bus.

I mentioned about this place under the ocean. The ripple marks on the mountain is due to the water movement. Interesting!

One of the few spots of the bus tour. Dinosaur foot prints all over the place.

Million year old rocks. Highly protected and preserved.

So I took some rocks in my hand. I have a deep root history on my palm.

Different type of rock formations over the years made this place looks like an architectural marvel.

Because of the historical significance, I couldn't even collect some rocks. I would have done that as I learned from the Arkansas visit that rock collection is a highly appreciated hobby :)

That was a real dinosaur bone. Real mean real. Wow - I was so happy to touch and feel the remains of my nightmare :)

Kids were the most excited people in the group. I left the group when small kids started asking questions beyond their age. I couldn't take that :)

Someone built a home around this place and it looked fantastic. Blended with the nature, that house had all its beauty in it.