don sees the world

Bones of Ancient Mountains and Threatening Skies in Garden of the Gods

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 15 Aug 2026 22:48:00 +0000

There is a profound sense of awe in wandering among the red monoliths of Garden of the Gods early in the morning. These towering sandstone fins are actually the eroded bones of an ancient, long-vanished mountain range, thrust up and sculpted over millions of years into dramatic shapes. With the early light framing the distant Rampart Range through the natural stone arches, we set out to explore the park before the August heat—and as it turned out, some very serious Colorado weather—arrived.

Framing the distant foothills through the morning sandstone.

Our first stop was the famous Balanced Rock, where testing our strength against 700 tons of ancient stone quickly became a mandatory photo ritual for the entire family.

Putting in the heavy lifting at Balanced Rock.

Paxton stepping up for his turn holding up the boulder.

Everyone took a turn playing Atlas, trying out different angles and viewpoints around the giant boulder field.

Aligning the shot behind the lens.

Surveying the red rock kingdom from high ground.

Even with the sheer weight of the rock looming over us, nobody seemed to break a sweat during our morning workouts.

Snapping the best vantage points in the park.

Taking on the 700-ton boulder without breaking a sweat.

Moving into the Central Garden area, the golden hour light really brought out the rich crimson hues of the stone walls as we strolled along the paved paths between the giant fins.

A quiet moment framed by the towering rocks.

Walking the paved trails through the giant sandstone fins.

Crisp morning light highlighting the red sandstone towers.

Ancient stone monoliths reaching straight for the morning sky.

Jagged red rock thrusting straight through the tree line.

Looking closely along the trail edges revealed plenty of native summer flora and birds returning to high roosts in the vertical rock faces.

Spotting native wildflowers blooming along the trail edge.

A rock dove rests up for her next flight.

Rock doves circling back to their sandstone perches.

As we continued down the path, we bumped into a pair of curious mule deer fawns grazing in the brush, completely unbothered by the human visitors passing by.

Mule deer fawns caught having breakfast.

Oops! It seems that they caught me!

Helen and Graham – candidly caught on the trail ahead.

They caught me trying to get a candid shot!

Yahaira and Eric find a cool place to pose for a portrait.

Higher up on the monoliths, rock doves watched us from high perches while parkgoers navigated the rock scrambles below.

A trio of pigeons taking in the view from the heights.

High-altitude sentries resting on weathered sandstone peaks.

Colorado sandstone showing off against the mountain pine backdrop.

Wandering the rocks at Garden of the Gods is always a treat - one never knows what you will find.

Mother Nature’s pocket change embedded into the cliff face.

There is so much to see and to do and there is a scenic change for a selfie and a rock to scramble over at every turn.

Catching Eric and Yahaira lining up
their quintessential rock shot selfie.

Eric and Yahaira strolling through the boulders.

Paxton, navigating the sandstone,
scrambles like a seasoned pro.

By mid-morning, however, the sky began to dark and look increasingly menacing. Not wanting to get caught in a high-country downpour, we decided to wrap up our loop and head back north toward Denver while the roads were still dry.

Wrapping up an incredible morning hike before the midday crowds.

It turned out to be a brilliant decision. Shortly after we made it safely back home to Denver, the storm clouds unleashed absolute chaos along I-25, dropping a staggering three feet of hail in parts of Douglas County! We certainly counted ourselves lucky to have traded an afternoon storm for a perfect morning among ancient stone.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always time your journeys well and outrun the storm.

Don Bergquist – 15 August 2026 – Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Bighorn, Birds, and Bluebird Skies on the Cog Railway

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 18:28:00 +0000

If you are looking for an unforgettable morning in Colorado, taking a trip up America's Mountain aboard the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is hard to beat.

Dramatic rock formations along the railway ascent.

The historic line winds through dramatic boulder fields and steep alpine valleys, offering vistas and high-altitude wildlife you simply cannot experience from the highway. From soaring birds gliding over the peaks to bighorn sheep resting in the tundra above tree line, it is a journey well worth every minute.

Catching high-altitude flight above the distant peaks.

Arriving at the summit platform via the cog railway.

A raven surveying the tundra from rocky crags.

Bighorn rams lounging along the high mountain slopes.

Two bighorn rams grazing above the tree line.

Wherever your travels take you today, may your tracks lead you to summits with clear skies and breathtaking horizons.

Don Bergquist – 14 August 2026 – Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA

When Road Trips Go Jurassic: Family Fun in Woodland Park

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 21:42:00 +0000

On our way down toward Manitou Springs, we decided a proper Colorado road trip wouldn't be complete without a detour into deep time.

Narrowly escaping a prehistoric ambush outside the center.

We stopped in Woodland Park to check out the Rocky Mountain Dinosaur Resource Center, which turned out to be an absolute hit for everyone in the crew.

Helen, Graham, Sarah, Paxton, and Eric photobombed by a dinosaur.

Paxton getting an up-close look at razor-sharp fossil teeth.

Between life-sized outdoor predators eager for a photo op, towering fossil skeletons, and plenty of dramatic poses, we managed to make it through the museum without actually becoming prehistoric lunch.

Paxton keeping a safe distance from a charging T-Rex display.

A fun time was had by all, even us old guys!

Tim and Don touring the museum beneath giant fossil mounts.

A dramatic face-to-face encounter with the king of dinosaurs.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always find time for a fun, oversized detour along the road.

Don Bergquist – 13 August 2026 – Woodland Park, Colorado, USA

An Early Morning Washout with a Silver Lining

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 13:22:00 +0000

Setting the alarm for the crack of dawn to catch the tail end of the Perseid meteor shower requires optimism—and a cooperative atmosphere. Unfortunately, the clear skies promised for this morning completely failed to materialize over the foothills. We managed to catch just a handful of quick shooting stars through the gaps before the clouds claimed the dawn. Still, staying local meant we didn’t have to drive halfway across the state for a washout, we were greeted by a pair of quiet mule deer grazing beside the picnic area road, and besides—we certainly need the rain.

A pair of mule deer grazing along the quiet roadside.

Wherever your travels take you today, may every clouded morning still bring unexpected wildlife and welcome rain.

Don Bergquist – 13 August 2026 – Morrison, Colorado, USA

Pivoting for the Perseids: Matching Shirts and Backyard Skies

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:47:00 +0000

Stargazing road trips always require a degree of flexibility, especially when Mother Nature refuses to cooperate. We had originally planned to drive down to the dark skies of Westcliffe for peak Perseid viewing, but the forecast predicted an uncompromising 100% cloud cover with near certainty. Rather than driving three hours just to stare at a blank overcast ceiling, we decided to scrap the trek and try our luck right here at home in Lakewood. In the meantime, my sister-in-law Helen made sure we stayed in high spirits with these fantastic, custom-designed Colorado 2026 vacation shirts for the entire crew.

Back Row: Don, Tim, Andrew, Eric, Graham

Middle Row: Mary, Yahaira, Helen

Front: Paxton

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always adapt with good humor when the skies refuse to clear.

Don Bergquist – 12 August 2026 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

A Staycation for the Pups Ahead of Dark Skies

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 18:18:00 +0000

The family vacation for our dark-sky Perseid meteor shower gathering is officially underway, but the first order of business was making sure the four-legged family members were properly settled.

Settling in for playtime at the pet resort.

Having a house full of visiting guests can be a whirlwind for the dogs, so we brought them over to Overland Pet Resort for their own little getaway. Judging by the immediate bursts of energy and full-speed laps around the turf run, they had zero complaints about kicking off their vacation while we get ready to host ours.

Burning off boundless energy in the outdoor play yard.

Wherever your travels take you today, may your loved ones—both two-legged and four—find plenty of joy along the way.

Don Bergquist – 10 August 2026 – Denver, Colorado, USA

Backyard Raptor: Inaugurating the Solar Fountain

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 21:18:00 +0000

When you set up a new solar-powered birdbath in the backyard, you typically expect finches, robins, or chickadees to be the first to test the waters. Our local wildlife had slightly different ideas this morning. An adult Cooper's hawk swooped in, claiming the rim with an air of absolute authority and giving the new setup an official stamp of approval. Needless to say, the neighborhood songbirds will likely be waiting for the all-clear before they come in for their turn.

A Cooper's hawk officially christens the new backyard birdbath.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always welcome unexpected visitors with open arms.

Don Bergquist – 04 June 2026 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

25 Years of Philanthropy: Celebrating the Charles Millican Legacy Society

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 02 May 2026 22:18:00 +0000

Returning to UCF always feels like coming full circle. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Charles Millican Legacy Society, celebrating a quarter-century of philanthropic dedication to the university.

Program cover for the Charles Millican Legacy Society event.

Anniversary inscription commemorating a quarter-century of university support.

I owe so much of my career and life trajectory to the exceptional preparation provided by UCF and the enduring guidance of my college advisor, Dr. Thomas Morgan. Giving back through charitable gifts is simply my way of paying it forward to the next generation of students.

Catching up with longtime friend Maggie LeClaire on campus.

Reconnecting with Maggie and Jay during the anniversary reception.

It was wonderful catching up with long-time friends like Maggie LeClaire, who served the dean’s office for many years, and her partner Jay, while celebrating a milestone built on community and vision.

Standing alongside the UCF Victory Knight statue under Florida palms.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always find meaningful ways to pay forward the opportunities that helped shape your life.

Don Bergquist – 02 May 2026 – Orlando, Florida, USA

Breakfast, Broadcasting, and Old Friends in Orlando

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Fri, 01 May 2026 16:18:00 +0000

Whenever my travels bring me back to Central Florida, making time for breakfast with my college advisor and longtime friend, Dr. Thomas O. Morgan, and his wife Karen is an absolute priority. We spent a wonderful, relaxed morning catching up on life, reminiscing about the good old days at UCF, and talking shop about the ever-evolving broadcast industry. Good mentors shape our paths early on, but having them as lifelong friends is the real treasure.

A wonderful morning catching up with Doc and Karen in Orlando.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always find time to reconnect with the mentors and friends who helped guide your journey.

Don Bergquist – 01 May 2026 – Orlando, Florida, USA

Patience at the Gate: Heading Home to Florida

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:27:00 +0000

Heading down to Orlando this weekend for the 25th anniversary celebration of the Charles Millican Society at UCF. Naturally, modern air travel had a familiar surprise waiting for me at the concourse—a departure delay. Watching our United jet maneuver across the ramp offers plenty of time to reflect on old college memories while waiting for the boarding doors to finally open. With a bit of luck and clear skies ahead, I should still make it to the Sunshine State in time for the festivities.

Watching my delayed ride taxi toward the gate in Denver.

Wherever your travels take you today, may your delays be short and your flights be smooth.

Don Bergquist – 30 April 2026 – Denver, Colorado, USA

An Evening on the Patio in Colorado Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:53:00 +0000

There is nothing quite like gathering the family together for dinner outdoors on a pleasant Colorado evening.

Liz, Tim, and Dennis enjoying dinner on the sunny patio.

My niece Liz and my brother Dennis came down to visit us in Colorado Springs, giving us the perfect excuse to settle into a comfortable patio for good conversation, hearty laughs, and great food. We were not entirely alone in our dining, however. Perched high above us on the roofline, a rather plump Eurasian collared dove kept a watchful, curious eye on our table the entire time—presumably hoping someone would drop a crumb.

Our rooftop companion closely supervising the table from above.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always find yourself surrounded by good company and watchful feathered friends. Don Bergquist – 18 April 2026 – Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Putting My Nikon on the Map

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 19:37:00 +0000

Sometimes an afternoon drive isn't about chasing breathtaking vistas, but rather about dialing in the gear. The Nikon Z5 is a reliable workhorse, but its lack of onboard GPS has always meant an extra chore when organizing photo archives. Today’s mission was simple: take a drive south of Denver to field-test a new hot-shoe geo-tagger designed to inject live location coordinates straight into the image EXIF data. This rugged, sunlit hillside served as the test subject—and the camera finally knows exactly where it was standing.

Testing EXIF geotag coordinates on a quiet hill south of Denver.

Wherever your travels take you today, may you always know exactly where you are on the map.

Don Bergquist – 04 April 2026 – Littleton, Colorado, USA

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig!

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:02:00 +0000

The journey is officially complete, and the transition from the humidity of Florida to the familiar air of Colorado is finally settled. The flight and the drive home were singularly uneventful. Which is always a good thing!

There is a specific kind of domestic chaos that follows a trip—suitcases splayed open and the inevitable mountain of laundry—but it’s a small price to pay for the comfort of being back in our own space.

The best part of the return was, of course, the reunion with the dogs. They made it very clear that while our travels were exciting, our presence at home is much preferred. The rest of the day is dedicated to some much-needed downtime and mental preparation. With the alarm set for 6:30 tomorrow morning to dive back into the automation and workflow world, I intend to make the most of these final quiet hours.

Wherever you are today, may your return be warm and your laundry piles be manageable.

Don Bergquist - Feb 22, 2026 - Lakewood, Colorado

Homeward Bound Under a Florida Sunrise

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 14:42:00 +0000

A quiet, hazy sunrise over the tarmac as ground crews prepare for the day's first departures.

The final morning in Florida began well before the sun had any intention of joining us. After a whirlwind trip filled with the energy of UCF and catching up with family, the alarm at 4:30 AM felt like a polite suggestion we weren't quite ready to take. Nevertheless, we were checked out and navigating the pre-dawn roads toward the airport by five.

The usual travel anxieties were spiked by news of a potential government shutdown threatening TSA Pre-Check operations, but our luck held. Clear lived up to its name, whisking us through the security gauntlet in record time. It allowed for a brief, quiet moment of reflection over a cup of coffee in the United Club—a much-needed sanctuary before the final leg of the journey.

As much as I cherish the connections in Florida and the pride of being back at UCF, there is a certain fatigue that comes with a schedule this packed. I’ve reached the age where a "vacation" shouldn't feel like a marathon. Looking out at the tarmac as the sky began to glow, I felt that familiar, welcome pull toward home. Denver is calling, and I couldn't be happier to answer.

Wherever your travels may lead, may the lines be short and the coffee be hot.

Don Bergquist - Feb 22, 2026 - Orlando International Airport

A Launchpad for the Future

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 05:42:00 +0000

Dr. Alexander N. Cartwright:
President Cartwright detailing the $3.5 billion vision for the university’s next twenty years.

Florida may be known for its theme parks and beaches, but this weekend, Tim and I were focused on a different kind of magic: the future of the University of Central Florida. We joined five hundred of the university’s closest allies for the "Go For Launch" event, an evening dedicated to the next mission of this remarkable institution.

Don and the Victory Knight:
Standing with the original Victory Knight, the inspiration for the Alumknight award.

"As life is action and passion, it is required of a man that he share the passion and action of his time, at the peril of being judged never to have lived."
— Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Standing on campus, I was reminded of how far we’ve come. I even took a moment to visit the Victory Knight statue. For those who have visited our living room, you’ve seen the Alumknight award sitting on the shelf; seeing the full-scale original in the Florida sun really puts that "action and passion" into perspective.

Ready for the "Go For Launch" gala at UCF.

Even the mascot knows how to dress for a mission-critical evening.

The evening was a whirlwind of innovation. President Cartwright laid out a $3.5 billion vision that positions UCF as "Florida’s Technological University." Over the next twenty years, the focus is squarely on the frontiers of space, AI, and cybersecurity. It’s about more than just growth; it’s about a "Campus Without Boundaries" where the next generation of discovery is fueled by the very students we were there to support.

The UCF Marching Band bringing the energy to the "Go For Launch" celebration.

The energy was infectious, bolstered by the UCF Marching Band and a very dapper Knightro. It was a perfect way to celebrate the university’s trajectory before Tim and I headed out to catch our early flight home.

Chelsea, Don, Tim, and Tony
Celebrating the future of UCF with friends and allies.

Wherever your travels may lead, may you always find a mission worth launching.

Don Bergquist - Feb 21, 2026 - University of Central Florida

Orlando Interlude

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 22:51:00 +0000

"I don't know about you," I said to Tim over a leisurely breakfast in the hotel, "but with all the dashing to-and-fro around Central Florida that we have already done this week—and the fact that we have the event tonight and have to fly early in the morning—I would be just as happy doing nothing today!"

I was relieved that he agreed.

So, after a game of cribbage and a soak in the hot tub, I decided to take a nap.

To quote Hannibal Smith from The A-Team: "I love it when a plan comes together." Even when that plan is no plan at all.

Wherever you are today, I hope your plan is coming together.

Don Bergquist - Feb 21, 2026 - Orlando, Florida

A Day at the Resort

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 21:44:00 +0000

While the cat's away, the dogs will definitely play. Lev and Neshama have been making the most of their stay at the Overland Pet Resort here in Denver, Colorado. It is always a relief to see them so active and engaged, trading the living room rug for a proper sprint across the yard.

Lev leads the charge across the artificial turf with Neshama keeping a watchful eye from the background.

The staff has been great about keeping them moving. Whether it's a game of tag or just investigating every corner of the enclosure, they clearly aren't spending their time moping by the gate. I love the fact that they get the attention they deserve and that they get to run and play in the yard while we are off gallivanting! Seeing these two with their tails up and ears alert makes the time away much easier.

Mid-stride action as Lev and Neshama navigate the yard near the shade of the trees.

Wherever your travels may lead, may you always find a welcoming place to rest and play.

Don Bergquist - 24 Feb 2026 - Lakewood, Colorado

Sarasota Sunsets and Family Reunions

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 06:52:00 +0000

After a morning of academia and automation talk at the University of Central Florida, the scenery shifted from the blackboards of Orlando to the coastal charm of Sarasota. The day was a whirlwind of strategic meetings at the College of Sciences, but the evening offered a much-needed pivot to family.

A quiet moment amidst a very busy Florida itinerary.

Catching up and sharing a laugh before the sun went down.

We gathered for dinner with Aunt Jennifer, Uncle Rollie, my sister Mary, and her husband Corey. It was one of those evenings where the conversation flows as easily as the drinks. We even had an uninvited guest attempt to join the ranks; a local "rando" decided our family fun looked too good to pass up and staged a photobomb.

The whole crew assembled and ready for a great meal in Sarasota.

While the camera struggled to capture the chaos—resulting in a blurry, neon-hued abstract—it perfectly captures the spirit of a night that didn't take itself too seriously.

A blurry souvenir of the moment a stranger tried to join the family.

Wherever your travels may lead, may you always find a table big enough for family and a sense of humor for the unexpected guests.

Don Bergquist - Feb 20, 2026 - Sarasota, Florida

A Reunion and a Feast in Oviedo

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 04:51:00 +0000

After a busy day, the journey led to Oviedo for a wonderful dinner at Yao's. The evening was spent catching up with Melodye, a friend from school, and her brother, Tim. While the conversation was the highlight, the food certainly held its own. The portions at Yao's are famously generous; even after sharing a fried rice, there was still plenty left over for Melodye and Tim to take home. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day with good company and even better flavors.

Don, Melodye, Tim, and Tim enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and great food at Yao’s in Oviedo.

Wherever your travels may lead, may you always find yourself surrounded by old friends and a table full of good food.

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Oviedo, Florida, USA

The Glass-Bottom Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 23:55:00 +0000

Florida's Silver Springs State Park:
The iconic entrance arch welcoming visitors to one of Florida's most historic natural wonders.

After a refreshing morning at Juniper, we decided to make it a "springs double-header" and headed over to Silver Springs State Park. Despite having lived in Florida for years, I’m fairly certain I had never actually visited this particular landmark before—a realization that made the afternoon feel like a true discovery. The timing wasn't quite perfect for manatees; the mid-February air was a bit too warm for them to be huddling in the relatively temperate waters of the spring creek, but the lack of sea cows was more than made up for by the sheer abundance of other locals.

Silver Springs, Florida.jpg:
A classic glass-bottom boat navigates the crystal-clear run, a tradition at Silver Springs for over a century.

We started with a hike through the towering cypress stands, where the Spanish moss hung in thick curtains against the blue sky. Then, we took to the water on the legendary glass-bottom boats. It’s one thing to see the river from the bank, but peering through the glass offers a window into an underwater world of limestone boils and swaying vegetation. On the banks, the resident Rhesus Macaques—descendants of a colony released here back in the 1930s—provided plenty of entertainment as they patrolled the trees. Between the macaques, the alligators, and a stunning male Wood Duck paddling through the shadows, it was a classic Florida afternoon that was well worth the detour.

Bald Cypress draped in Spanish Moss:
Towering Bald Cypress trees reaching toward the sky, heavily draped in curtains of Spanish Moss.

Spanish Moss and Bald Cypress:
Looking directly up into the canopy of a moss-laden cypress, a perspective unique to the Florida swamp.

Silver Creek:
The clear, tranquil waters of Silver Creek winding through the dense hardwood hammock.

Kayaking on Silver Creek:
Kayaks offer a modern way for visitors to peer into the limestone depths of the spring run.

Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor):
A nimble Tufted Titmouse scouting for a meal among the mossy cypress branches.

Leap of Faith:
A Rhesus Macaque captured mid-air as it navigates the canopy along the riverbank.

White Ibis and a Little Blue Heron:
A White Ibis and a Little Blue Heron foraging together along the muddy banks.

White Ibises (Eudocimus albus):
A pair of White Ibises probing the shallows with their iconic curved bills.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus):
A close-up of an Ibis navigating the duckweed-covered shallows of Silver Creek.

Florida Cooter (Pseudemys floridana):
A Florida Cooter gliding effortlessly through the clear, sunlit water.

Rhesus Macaque (Juvenile):
A young macaque observing the human visitors from a safe perch in the trees.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus):
A Red-shouldered Hawk keeping a sharp eye on the river from the treetops.

Wood Duck (Aix sponsa):
A strikingly colorful male Wood Duck paddling through the shadowed reflections of the cypress.

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus):
A Tilapia hovering over the sandy riverbed, seen clearly through the boat's glass floor.

Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta):
An adult macaque peering cautiously from behind a cypress trunk.

North American Alligator:
A large alligator basking among the aquatic vegetation—a necessary Florida sighting.

White Ibises (Eudocimus albus):
A trio of Ibises perched high in the bare upper branches of a cypress.

Juvenile Macaque:

A curious juvenile member of the resident monkey colony exploring the branches.

Rhesus Macaques:
An adult and juvenile macaque foraging on the forest floor along the river's edge.

Rhesus Macaque:
A close-up of a macaque searching through the leaf litter for a mid-afternoon snack.

Wild Turkey:
A wild turkey showcasing its iridescent feathers as it roams the park's hammocks.

Great Blue Heron:
A Great Blue Heron standing as a silent sentinel among the cypress knees.

Anhinga and Little Blue Heron:An Anhinga drying its wings on a log while a Little Blue Heron hunts in the foreground.

Florida Cooters:
A pair of Florida Cooters stacked on a log, competing for the best sunning spot.

Wherever your travels may lead, I hope you find a clear view of what lies beneath the surface.

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Silver Springs State Park

A Tradition in the Scrub

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 21:12:00 +0000

We kicked off our Florida trip this week with a bit of a "sightseeing first" strategy. With a full slate of meetings at UCF on Friday and the big campaign event on Saturday, we carved out Thursday to head north into the Ocala National Forest. For me, a visit to Juniper Springs is more-or-less required by tradition—it’s a place that feels like a homecoming every time I pull into the lot.

Juniper Springs Water Wheel c. 1965:
The historic CCC-built millhouse and waterwheel, which once provided electricity to the campground.

Juniper is a highlight of the historic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, and walking through the grounds is a masterclass in 1930s rustic architecture. We spent part of the morning hiking through the woods, where the air was thick with the scent of palm and damp earth, and resurrection ferns were out in full force along the oak limbs. The centerpiece of the site remains the old millhouse and its waterwheel, which once provided the only power for the camp. Of course, despite the packed schedule ahead, I wasn't leaving without a swim. The springs stay a constant 72 degrees, and there is something uniquely centering about drifting in that crystalline water before the busy weekend begins.

The state tree of Florida, the Sabal palmetto, towers over the hammock near the spring run.

Taking advantage of the clear, spring-fed waters before heading back toward Orlando.

A quiet moment in the headsprings where the water remains a steady 72 degrees regardless of the season.

While striking, these bright red berries belong to the invasive Coral Ardisia found along the hiking trails.

A sun-drenched saw palmetto leaf showcases the iconic fan-shaped silhouette of the Florida scrub.

Vibrant resurrection ferns blanket the bark of a live oak, springing to life after the morning humidity.

Classic Florida clouds begin to tower over the pine canopy of the Ocala National Forest.

Looking back toward the millhouse from the lower bridge, showcasing the rustic stonework and the wheel in action.

Wherever your travels may lead, I hope you find a clear spring to wash away the day.

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Painting the Prairie

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 20:12:00 +0000

The first lesson of agency life is that the world actually stops turning between December 24th and New Year’s Day. After decades in broadcasting, where "dead air" is the only mortal sin and the signal never sleeps, the discovery of a paid company closure was a shock to the system. With the calendar wiped clean and the office lights officially dimmed, Tim and I decided to take advantage of the rare winter lull. We pointed the car south, leaving the familiar sprawl of Lakewood behind for the high plains of El Paso County to explore the Paint Mines Interpretive Park.

Vivid bands of oxidized iron and selenite clay create a natural rainbow across the soft Paleocene-era formations.

Walking into the gulches of the Paint Mines feels like stepping into a Paleocene-era fever dream. While the surrounding prairie is a study in muted winter tans, the mines themselves are a riot of oxidized iron and selenite clay. We spent the afternoon navigating a labyrinth of white sandstone hoodoos capped with harder rock, protecting the vibrant bands of purple, gold, and pink that give the park its name.

The vast El Paso County horizon meets the ancient Dawson Formation, stretching out under a deep winter sky.

There is a strange, quiet dignity to the place. Standing among formations that have witnessed nearly nine thousand years of human history, it’s hard not to feel the weight of the time. Above the ancient Dawson Formation, modern wind turbines churn the steady prairie breeze, a striking juxtaposition of the prehistoric and the present. It was exactly the kind of spontaneous, unhurried adventure this new chapter of life allows—a chance to see the world in high definition before the Monday morning reset.

Shadows dance across the textured "paint" walls as the afternoon sun begins its descent.

Weathered fences and well-marked trails help preserve this fragile archaeological and geological district.

A fork in the trail offers a choice between exploring the high ridges or the deep, colorful gulches.

Low-angle light emphasizes the deep orange and gold tones of the lower sediment layers.

A brilliant display of purple and pink hues, created by varying levels of mineral oxidation within the soil.

The bright January sun highlights the crystalline structures and selenite deposits found within the clay.

Capped sandstone formations illustrate the process where harder rock protects the softer, colorful clay beneath it.

An isolated evergreen tree stands resilient amidst the crumbling spires of the interpretive park.

From the upper rim, the scale of the "paint" deposits becomes clear against the stark white of the Dawson Arkose sandstone.

Heavy erosion reveals the layered geological history of Colorado, dating back roughly 55 million years.

Dense clusters of white hoodoos resemble a frozen, terrestrial coral reef along the valley floor.

Sparse prairie vegetation clings to the edges of the colorful clay deposits, marking the transition from grassland to badlands.

Delicate stalks of winter grass offer a soft contrast to the rugged, chalky textures of the background sandstone.

An isolated evergreen tree stands resilient amidst the crumbling spires of the interpretive park.

A winding path leads travelers deep into the labyrinth of hoodoos and spires sculpted by millennia of erosion.

Modern wind turbines stand as silent sentinels on the high prairie above the prehistoric gullies.

Wherever your travels may lead, I hope you find a splash of color in the winter landscape.

Don Bergquist - Jan 04, 2026 - Paint Mines Interpretive Park

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 20:27:00 +0000

Christmas 2025

Christmas 2025

Dear Family and Friends,

You might recall I ended last year’s letter with a bit of a cliffhanger, noting that I was "semi-retired." To be honest, that was just a polite way of saying that after 14 years, my previous employer decided they still needed my knowledge, they just didn’t want to pay my full salary. They cut my pay in half and converted me to part-time.

Well, that arrangement didn't last long.

In January, I was in New York City on a final trip for Operative when I received a call from the personnel department at GroupM Nexus. I accepted their offer and turned in my resignation the moment I returned to Denver. Considering they had already relegated me to "part-time" status, I figured a standard two-week notice was more than sufficient! It was satisfying to watch the sun rise on W 45th Street in Manhattan one last time, knowing the sun was setting on that chapter of my career.

I decided to treat myself to a couple weeks off in February to decompress. It was a rare luxury to just hang out at home, and tackle some projects around the house before starting the new gig. By March 3rd, I was back in the saddle full-time as the Associate Director of Workflow and Automation for GroupM Nexus. The job description is basically "professional efficiency expert"—I spend my days figuring out how to tweak our systems so the team can work smarter, not harder.

Of course, April in Colorado threw its usual tantrums. One day we woke up to a heavy blanket of spring snow covering the bird feeders, and just ten days later, the snow was gone, the grass was green, and we had a mallard duck stopping by the yard for a morning visit.

By June, we were ready for some travel. Tim and I flew down to Fort Lauderdale and Miami to join a massive family gathering to celebrate a cluster of birthdays. Since Tim had never been to the main Everglades National Park, we took a day to head down into the Glades. We did the classic tram loop at Shark Valley, and later, joined my niece Sarah for an airboat tour.

Now, I grew up on the doorstep of the Everglades and have been on hundreds of Swamp Buggy tours, but as I sat there, it hit me: I had never actually been on an airboat before. How is that even possible? It was a fantastic trip, from the "River of Grass" to the lighthouses on the coast.

Back in Colorado, we escaped the July heat by hiking in Genesee Mountain Park, barely making it back to the car before the afternoon thunderstorms rolled in. August was a "heads-down" month at work as my agency rebranded to WPP Media, and I focused on keeping workflows smooth during the transition.

In September, I traveled back to Memphis to attend a memorial service for a dear friend and mentor, Helen Coop. It has been over twenty years since I was last properly in Memphis. While the city has changed so much I barely recognized parts of it, it was wonderful to reconnect with old friends and colleagues.

October was the busiest travel month. Tim and I pointed the car toward the Black Hills and the Badlands for our annual "leaf-peeping" trip. The drive up was lovely, but the weather had other ideas. It rained or snowed almost the entire time we were in the Badlands. After looking at the forecast for day two—which promised to be just as miserable—we squeezed in a visit to Devil's Tower and headed home a day early. We definitely made the right call!

I then headed to Minnesota for the annual Korkowski Cousins' Lunch in Urbank. It is always worth the trip to see the extended family, stop by the old homestead, and visit Vining to admire the... shall we say, quirky... statuary. However, the timing meant I was heartbroken to miss the funeral of my dear friends, Colonel and Mrs. Karrer, at Arlington National Cemetery, as the service occurred while I was traveling.

November brought "Friends Thanksgiving," which I hosted this year—complete with turkey, all the trimmings, and a great day of gaming with friends.

Now that it is December, I am discovering a perk of this new agency life. Coming from decades in broadcasting—where the signal never stops—it is a shock to the system to discover that WPP Media actually closes for the last seven business days of the year. A paid company closure? What a concept!

I am looking forward to a truly quiet, peaceful end to a busy, transitional year. As the song says:

"No matter how far away you roam, if you want to be happy in a million ways, for the holidays you can't beat home sweet home."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The Bergquist Christmas Eve Story

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 03:42:00 +0000

There are a few things that are more-or-less given at the holiday season. One is that you will get socks and underwear from your grandparents (if you are lucky enough to still have them around to give you gifts), another is that someone is bound to wax nostalgic for the movie A Christmas Story, and the third is that every theater guild and television station will insist on trotting out Dickens in one or more of its incarnations.

To that inevitable list, I wish to add the perennial return of The Bergquist Christmas Eve Story.

This story has been with me for a long time. It first took shape back in 1985, when I was a traffic clerk processing commercial copy at WFTS by day and a stand-up comic by night, performing for drinks at the local bar across from the station. Back then, I used to tell the crowd I was making "six-thousand a year and all the food stamps I could lick." While the income may have been slightly higher and the food stamps were purely metaphorical, the desperation of a young comic was very real.

Over the last forty years, the story has evolved. I have refined the dialogue, updated the legal understanding of my six-year-old self, and polished the rougher edges of the pacing. But at its heart, this is the tale you would have heard on that Christmas Eve in Tampa, 1985—a bare, unvarnished recounting of exactly what happened on Christmas Eve in the Village Green section of Miami in 1969. Plain, simple, and utterly true.

Sort of...

--- 🎄 ---

The Bergquist Christmas Eve Story

By Don Bergquist

It's Christmas Eve, 1969; the place is Miami, Florida. Outside, the Village Green section of the city is brightly festooned in red and green, but in the kitchen of the little green and white house on 122nd Avenue Southwest, the scene is far more noir. The time is shortly before nine in the evening (I guess—I’m only six and still can't tell time) and the reason we are here is to witness the aftermath of a crime. The Bergquist children are in a lot of trouble.

Again...

The entire Bergquist brood; my sister, Mary, my brothers, Denis and Chip, and I are all lined up against the kitchen wall. We're a police line-up in miniature. Dad is doing his best Columbo impersonation as he strides back and forth before us. It seems that my parents have just discovered the crime.

Someone has carved two small (practically invisible, really) notches etched into the top drawer of one of the cabinets. Mom is off in another room somewhere. Wherever she has gone, we can still hear her ranting. She is "so mad she could spit tacks," as she says. (Something all of us would love to see if she can really do... but none of us ever has had the nerve to ask her to demonstrate.) She cannot believe that she gave birth to someone who could be so dastardly. (Though these are not the exact words she is using, it more-or-less conveys her intent. I've cleaned it up a bit because this is a family story!)

Dad stops his pacing mid-stride. He doesn’t have the rumpled trench coat—that being a bit heavy for the Miami humidity—and his cigar is currently unlit, but he has the squint down to a science. He leans in as if he’s about to ask about an alibi.

"Now, here, you see," he says, holding one of his carving knives. It really is dramatic how he brandishes the knife at us—the heavy one usually reserved for the holiday roast. "And over here," he says, slamming the knife onto the counter right above the drawer with an overly dramatic flourish, "you see the gouges in the kitchen drawer!"

Dad displays the evidence as he explains it to us and then looks at us expectantly. His intention is clear. But that doesn't stop him from stating the obvious. "One of you has hacked at the drawer with this knife. I will find out who did this. One of you will admit to it or one of you will tell me who did it!"

We've all seen the TV show. We know he is waiting for one of us to crack, but we just stand there looking at him. Well... Mary, Denis, and I look at him. Chip just kind of fidgets. I'm not sure that he has made the connection between our current predicament and the Detective Columbo we watch each week.

Now, about this time, I expect that you are saying to yourself "But, Don..." which is strange, unless your name happens to be "Don" and you are in the habit of talking to yourself, but I digress…

You're probably asking yourself, "Don't your parents see your name written all over this one? Given your established reputation for mischief, shouldn't they know to place you at the top of the list of suspects? Have I asked enough rhetorical questions for you to resume the narrative yet?"

To which I say this: "You sure ask a lot of dumb questions! Whose story is this anyway? Would ya let me tell it?"

No, but seriously! You raise perfectly good and valid points. They should suspect me! They should just naturally assume their troubled middle son was the primary person of interest. But no! My parents are idiots! My siblings and I cannot believe how incredibly, excruciatingly, unbelievably, mind-numbingly dim our parents actually are! We keep fearing that the men from the government will one day arrive at our door and inform our parents that they are just to nit-witted to have children and we will never see them again! But that is another story. Back to the kitchen.

So here we are, all cool as cucumbers (you know; the little kind that they make sweet pickles out of—gherkins, I think they're called) standing against the kitchen wall and none of us willing to speak up and claim responsibility. Dad is livid. "Okay, then" he decrees "we'll just let you sit here and think about it. When one of you wants to tell us what happened, your mother and I will be in the living room."

The idea here, you see, is to let us think about the ways that they might punish us and have us turn against each other so that the guilty party would turn themselves in. It is a sort of mental manipulation that one day the yet-to-be-created Homeland Security Administration will call "enhanced interrogation." But on the eve of the seventies, this is still called "child-rearing."

Dad's plan is devious enough for me to appreciate, but not good enough to trap me (uh, I mean to trap the guilty party whoever that might be). And so, we sit there.

…and sit there…

My thoughts are on Santa Claus. I know that he is on his way toward South Florida and that he will not be stopping at our house if the Bergquist children are still in the kitchen when he makes it to Miami! I have to think of some way to get us out of the kitchen so that we can all enjoy Christmas. It is a noble and selfless act, if I must say so myself.

"Look," I say to Chip, eyeing my elder siblings conspicuously and lowering my voice to a conspiratorial stage whisper, "Chip, we've got to get out of this kitchen before Santa makes it to Village Green or there will be no Christmas here. Now, I would go out there now and tell Mom and Dad that I did it, just to get us out of the kitchen you understand, but you see the laws in the state of Florida say that any kid over the age of six can be legally killed by their parents for acting this bad."

I look to my elder siblings for support. Not a word of back-up!

"Now, whichever of them," I continue jerking my thumb at Mary and Denis, "did this horrible thing to Dad's kitchen is in for it! They're old enough that they are goners for sure! You don't want Mom and Dad to kill whichever one of them did this, now do you?"

"As I said, I'd tell them that I did this, but I can be legally killed." I say again. "Now, who do we know who is under six years old who could save Mary or Denis...?"

"I'm three and a quarter." Chip says proudly.

"That's right! You are only three..."

"Three and a quarter!" Chip corrects indignantly.

"You're three and a quarter," I amend. "So you're too young to be killed and since you're the youngest and the cutest they would let you get away with anything. You could tell them you did it and save Mary or Denis... whichever of them has done this horrible thing!"

It is a lovely plan! I am really proud of it. I am still basking in the glow of my own genius when, only seconds after Chip left the kitchen, Dad comes back with Chip in tow. He explains exactly how unlikely it is that Chip is actually guilty. He is way too short to reach the knives. He isn’t able to reach the drawer. And he can produce no reason he would want to do what he has claimed to have done. No, Dad, for all his lack of mental capacity, had seen right through my beautiful plan. Chip is allowed to leave the kitchen and the time passes.

And I'll tell you: coming up with a Plan B isn’t easy. Not with the minuscule half-life of my Plan A, the prospect of Santa bypassing our house, and the sight of Chip dancing past the kitchen door—undoubtedly fueled by one of Grandmother's Swedish Spritz cookies—mocking us with a "Ninny-nanny-boo-boo!"

I needed a Plan B, and I needed it now. If for no other reason than to get out of that kitchen and thump my brother for so effectively spoiling my first attempt at freedom.

I looked at my siblings. I looked at the drawer. I looked at the dog. Nothing. I looked at the clock—I still couldn't read the numbers, but I could see Christmas Eve ticking away. I knew that with every second that passed, Santa was getting closer to Miami, and our chances were getting slimmer. And then, I had it. It was simple. It was elegant. It was air-tight.

What was Plan B? It was the magnum opus of my six-year career as a world-class troublemaker. It was a performance worthy of an Oscar, an Emmy, a Tony, or whatever gilded statue you’d care to hand me. I was brilliant!

I cried.

I didn't just weep; I flopped apoplectic against the kitchen wall. I launched a full-blown, Class-A, five-alarm tantrum. I screamed until my face was as red as a Christmas ornament. I pointed a trembling, accusatory finger at a spot on the wall midway between my elder siblings and shrieked that whichever of them had done this horrible thing should just admit it!

"Midnight Mass is coming!" I wailed. It was my favorite service of the year, and I made it sound like my very soul was at stake. "If we don't get out of this kitchen, we’re going to miss it—and it will be all their fault!"

Miraculously (and who says that there are no miracles anymore... it is Christmas Eve after all), I was right. It was getting late. Mom and Dad came into the kitchen, herded us each of us off in-turn to the bath, and scrubbed the evidence of my performance off my face. Within the hour, we were stuffed into our Christmas Eve finery—the little group of angels that we (presumably) are—and marched off to church.

The incident was never mentioned again. Santa did, in fact, stop at the Bergquist household that night, and all was, if not actually forgotten or forgiven, at least buried beneath the wrapping paper and the Swedish Spritz cookies, never to be discussed in polite company again.

And I want to go on the record one last time. I didn't admit to it then, and I haven't admitted to it now. I just can't imagine who did, or even could do, such a horrible thing to a kitchen drawer.

Not on Christmas Eve, at least!

Wherever you are today, I wish you a Merry Christmas or a Happy Holiday of your choice.

Don Bergquist - 24 December 2025 - Lakewood, Colorado, USA

A Quick Dash Up the Saddle

noreply@blogger.com (Don-Denver) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 21:14:00 +0000

Sometimes, the best plan is simply having no plan at all. Finding myself with a rare free Sunday afternoon, the lure of the foothills became impossible to ignore. We traded the suburban sprawl of Lakewood for the winding curves of Lookout Mountain Road, eventually pulling into the lot at Windy Saddle Park.

The air was crisp, typical for a Colorado December, but the sun was doing its level best to keep things comfortable. From our vantage point near the summit of Mount Zion, the Front Range unfolded in a series of jagged, sun-drenched peaks. There were no epic stories to tell today—no wildlife encounters or harrowing climbs—just the steady rhythm of boots on dirt and the quiet satisfaction of reaching a high point. It was a simple, spontaneous reminder of why we live where we do; sometimes a quick drive "up the hill" is all the perspective one needs before the work week resets.

The rugged expanse of the Front Range viewed from the trail at Windy Saddle Park under a clear December sky

Wherever your travels may lead, I hope you find a moment of peace at the summit.

don sees the world

Bones of Ancient Mountains and Threatening Skies in Garden of the Gods

Don Bergquist – 15 August 2026 – Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA

Bighorn, Birds, and Bluebird Skies on the Cog Railway

Don Bergquist – 14 August 2026 – Manitou Springs, Colorado, USA

When Road Trips Go Jurassic: Family Fun in Woodland Park

Don Bergquist – 13 August 2026 – Woodland Park, Colorado, USA

An Early Morning Washout with a Silver Lining

Don Bergquist – 13 August 2026 – Morrison, Colorado, USA

Pivoting for the Perseids: Matching Shirts and Backyard Skies

Don Bergquist – 12 August 2026 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

A Staycation for the Pups Ahead of Dark Skies

Don Bergquist – 10 August 2026 – Denver, Colorado, USA

Backyard Raptor: Inaugurating the Solar Fountain

Don Bergquist – 04 June 2026 – Lakewood, Colorado, USA

25 Years of Philanthropy: Celebrating the Charles Millican Legacy Society

Don Bergquist – 02 May 2026 – Orlando, Florida, USA

Breakfast, Broadcasting, and Old Friends in Orlando

Don Bergquist – 01 May 2026 – Orlando, Florida, USA

Patience at the Gate: Heading Home to Florida

Don Bergquist – 30 April 2026 – Denver, Colorado, USA

An Evening on the Patio in Colorado Springs

Putting My Nikon on the Map

Don Bergquist – 04 April 2026 – Littleton, Colorado, USA

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig!

Don Bergquist - Feb 22, 2026 - Lakewood, Colorado

Homeward Bound Under a Florida Sunrise

Don Bergquist - Feb 22, 2026 - Orlando International Airport

A Launchpad for the Future

Don Bergquist - Feb 21, 2026 - University of Central Florida

Orlando Interlude

Don Bergquist - Feb 21, 2026 - Orlando, Florida

A Day at the Resort

Don Bergquist - 24 Feb 2026 - Lakewood, Colorado

Sarasota Sunsets and Family Reunions

Don Bergquist - Feb 20, 2026 - Sarasota, Florida

A Reunion and a Feast in Oviedo

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Oviedo, Florida, USA

The Glass-Bottom Perspective

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Silver Springs State Park

A Tradition in the Scrub

Don Bergquist - Feb 19, 2026 - Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Painting the Prairie

Don Bergquist - Jan 04, 2026 - Paint Mines Interpretive Park

The Bergquist Christmas Eve Story

Don Bergquist - 24 December 2025 - Lakewood, Colorado, USA

A Quick Dash Up the Saddle

Don Bergquist - Dec 14, 2025 - Windy Saddle Park