Denver, CO- Shine Music Festival & Fun!

Day 1:

   The travel group embarked on an exciting road trip to Denver, Colorado! The journey began with a hearty lunch at Culver’s, followed by a couple of restroom and fuel stops. Spirits were high as the van crossed into Nebraska, with everyone buzzing with excitement.

    Dinner was a delightful experience at an Asian Buffet, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. After a satisfying meal, the group continued driving and singing their hearts out, for a few more hours before reaching Kearney, NE. There, they checked into a cozy hotel for the night to rest and recharge.

    Tomorrow, the adventure continues with the final leg of the journey to Colorado, which is approximately six hours away! The group is looking forward to the beautiful landscapes and new experiences that await them in Denver.

Day 2:

  The day began with an early morning breakfast at the hotel, filled with excitement for the day ahead. After a few hours of driving, they arrived in Denver and ventured to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. The picturesque landscapes provided a perfect backdrop for spotting graceful mule deer, though the bison remained unseen.

Upon heading to their Airbnb, the group was thrilled with their cozy accommodations, setting a welcoming tone for the next few nights. Their explorations continued at Meow Wolf, where the immersive and vibrant art installations captivated everyone’s imagination, offering a unique and memorable experience.

As the day drew to a close, the group gathered for a delightful pizza party at the Airbnb, sharing laughs and stories from their adventures. The evening was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure allowing everyone to reflect on the day’s highlights.

Day 3:

The day began with everyone getting ready at the Airbnb, where a tasty breakfast was enjoyed before setting out for the day’s adventure. The first destination was the Denver Zoo, where a vibrant world of wildlife awaited. The group marveled at majestic lions lounging in the shade, playful penguins diving into the water, and gentle giraffes stretching their long necks to nibble on leaves. A special highlight of the visit was the Asian elephants, who put on an impressive show that captivated the crowd.

After taking in all the wonders of the animal kingdom, the group returned to the Airbnb to relax and recharge. With the afternoon heat reaching the high 90s, the cool air conditioning at the mall provided a welcome relief. Shopping was a hit, with everyone eagerly exploring the stores, selecting souvenirs, and indulging in treats. The evening culminated in a luxurious movie experience, where waiters provided service as “Twisters” played on the big screen—a thrilling film that kept everyone engaged. As the day wound down, the group returned to the Airbnb, excitedly preparing for bed and looking forward to tomorrow’s big event—the Shine Music Festival.

Day 4:

    The Travel group started the adventure by heading to Hammond’s Candy Factory. They were greeted with the sweet aroma of freshly made confections as they toured the factory, learning about the intricate process of candy-making. After the tour, everyone eagerly picked out their favorite treats from the shop. The next stop was Red Rocks Amphitheater, where campers marveled at the stunning natural rock formations and took in the breathtaking views. Lunchtime brought them to Denny’s, where they refueled with classic diner fare.
  The afternoon was spent at the Shine Music Festival, an inclusive event celebrating the power of music and community. The festival featured a range of musical acts, accessible to people of all abilities, making it a vibrant and welcoming space for everyone. The group mingled with vendors, soaking in the festival atmosphere, and rocked out to the performances. As the day wound down, the group returned to their accommodations, where they relaxed in the Jacuzzi and packed up for tomorrow’s travels. The day ended on a flavorful note with a taco dinner, a satisfying close to a day filled with exploration and fun.
Day 5:

The road trip back home began with a stop at Buc- ee’s, where the group couldn’t resist grabbing a variety of snacks and souvenirs. The aisles were filled with endless options, and everyone walked out with their hands full, ready for the next leg of the trip. The energy from the visit carried them to Council Bluffs, where the travel group planned to spend the night.

Before heading to the hotel, the group made a stop at Cracker Barrel for the final supper meal. The comforting atmosphere and homestyle cooking were a perfect way to wind down after a long day of travel. As they savored their meals, the conversation flowed, reflecting on the day’s adventures and the excitement of what tomorrow would bring.

 

Final Day:

   The final day of the trip began with breakfast at the hotel, the meal featured a satisfying spread of waffles, eggs, and sausage, fueling everyone for the day ahead. After packing up and checking out, the group hit the road for their first stop, where one camper was dropped off. The journey continued to Raising Cane’s for lunch, where four more campers were picked up by their families.
   The last leg of the trip brought the group back to Camp Courageous, where the final two campers were reunited with their loved ones. The week had been filled with exciting adventures and memorable experiences, leaving everyone with stories to tell and smiles to share. Till next time.