Palmer Park

This past Sunday we finally, intentionally, did a hike out of this book. Like reviewers on Amazon.com state, if you had to find your way solely out of the book, you might spend a fair bit of time feeling distraught, but luckily the Templeton Trail is well marked. (Finding the beginning had us scratching our heads for a minute or two, but that's all.) We ended up doing the trail in the opposite direction than the guide suggests, so maybe that is an unfair review.

Beautiful views of Pike's Peak were everywhere

The trail system in the 730 acre park (just under 3 square km) can be viewed here. It's the largest park within the Colorado Springs city limits. William Jackson Palmer used to own the land, and sometime after founding this fine town, he donated it. Come check it out!

Never mind milk and cookies, this year leave Santa a chocolate-chip cookie dough cone

The local ice-cream shop is ready for Christmas!

There's something unusual about an ice-cream parlour being not only open in December, but also decorated in such a festive manner. What flavours do we think are a big hit at this time of year? Candy Cane Swirl? Cranberry? Ice-creamy potatoes and gravy? What would you sell if you were an ice-cream purveyor?

T.G.I.F... M.B. – Light vs. Dark

In the eternal struggle of Light vs. Dark, Dark wins this battle.

Here we have two completely different beers, sampled last Friday, at the Colorado Springs establishment called Thunder & Buttons. I had been reluctant to enter this pub, but it turns out it's very cute and cozy.

We tried two beer (one each) Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout and Upslope Lager. We could not have chosen two more opposite drinks. The pale-beer lover of the two of us enjoyed the upslope immensely, but I would have preferred a glass of water over that tinted weak tea.

• What kind of beer? Winter Warlock Oatmeal Stout. Says the website: Chock full of highly roasted barley malt and 100 lbs. of flaked oatmeal, the Warlock is a dark and satisfying winter elixir.
• Where is it brewed? Bristol Brewing Company, right here in Colorado Springs.
• Alcohol content? 6.0%
• Tasters' rating? G for Grand! This Warlock cast a spell on me. >Giggle, snort< Come on, it's the Christmas season, allow me to bring out the cheese!