When we arrived for our tour with Mountain Mushers in Vail Valley, the dogs were all split up into their teams and ready to take off. Our musher introduced us to Max, Pearl, Toto, Barbie, Sadie —(ok, I can only remember so many names) but we had quite the team of Alaskan Huskies pulling us! The snowcapped mountains were so calming that I barely acknowledged that my toes were freezing. I just wanted to sit back in the sled and take it all in. A nice treat awaited us at the top of the mountain as well—hot chocolate and pumpkin bread. It was the perfect time to pet the dogs, let them rest, and take some pictures to remember the day by. The return downhill brought a few bumps and speeds up to 30 mph, a thrill all in itself. I had to make sure I held onto the camcorder as we flew down the mountain. Check out a short video clip I took from the sled!

Alaskan Huskies at Mountain Musher Dog Sled Rides

Product Try-Out & Fly Fishing Learning Center Lesson Pond

If you were an outdoor enthusiast, this is where you were going to find some great bargains. Hunters, fly fishers, rock climbers and campers were among the many sportsmen that filled the convention center for four days of presentations and exhibits. There were a number of interactive events allowing you to participate and join in on the fun. The Discover Fly Fishing Center brought newcomers and experts alike to the large man-made pond where you could pick up some tips on the sport or even test out new products. In the aisle over, you could show off your skills at the fly casting pond.

What a Catch!

Fly Casting Pond

Not far away, the rock climbing wall garnered much attention as did the archery range where you could test your accuracy on moving and pop-up targets.

Eastmans' Trophy Deer Display

The rock wall brought out many climbers.

But I have to say that my favorite of all was the Dockdogs Contest. As a lover of dogs and an owner of two myself, watching the dogs take mighty leaps into the pool to fetch was definitely a crowd pleaser. As you see below, some were a little more shy than others!

Rocky pumps up the crowd as the Nuggets take on the Warriors.

Last night I went to my first Nuggets game of the season. When I saw we were going to be playing the Golden State Warriors, I immediately thought ‘easy win’.

With the Warriors record a dismal 9-23 and the Nuggets 21-13 going into the game, I was sure I’d be people-watching, chatting up my friend, and occasionally catching a play or two on the court. This game would be cake.

Wow, was I wrong! Of course it didn’t help that Melo, Birdman, and Billups were not in the game. The score stayed close throughout the whole four quarters, but the real tension came with just seconds on the clock. This is where you could really feel the excitement of the crowd.

Granted, the attendance at the Pepsi Center was way lower than it would have been had we been playing a team like the Lakers or Cavaliers. But when it came to clinching the game, every fan was on their feet and gripped by the score. A win is a win, regardless of who the opponent is. We were down by 1 and it was a jump ball with 3 seconds left. (Ok–I admit I had little faith that we were going to pull this off). But Denverites’ prayers were answered as a foul on J.R. Smith gave us the opportunity to first tie and then win the game 123-122.

No question, the Nuggets defined talent and J.R. Smith defeated pressure in the final seconds against the Warriors. Let’s also not forget the fans–the 6th man–that brought their energy to Pepsi last night. Players thrive on it. They use it to get motivated. And they NEED it to win. So good job last night to all that cheered on your Denver Nuggets!

]]> http://www.thedailyscout.com/1315/denver-nuggets-and-the-power-of-fans/feed/ 0 http://www.thedailyscout.com/1308/denver-nuggets-2010-tickets/ http://www.thedailyscout.com/1308/denver-nuggets-2010-tickets/#comments Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:35:46 +0000 Keara http://www.thedailyscout.com/?p=1308 With a current record of 22-13, the Denver Nuggets are getting 2010 off to a great start! Mention The Daily Scout or KDVR- Fox 31 and Get your DISCOUNTED tickets for the following games:

1/13 versus Orlando Magic-www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/jan13

1/25 versus Charlotte Bobcats-www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/jan25

2/1 versus Sacramento-www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/feb01

2/3 versus Phoenix-www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/feb03

2/9 versus Dallas-www.pepsicenter.com/groups/nuggets/feb09

Or Call 303.405.6188 to order now!

Are you curious to see what it feels like to skydive but not yet ready to fall from the sky? Then head to SkyVenture Colorado—the ONLY place you can go indoor skydiving in Colorado. I always wanted to try this out and I am so glad I did! Have you ever put your hand out the window when you are driving and feel the wind pull you back. Well imagine 125 mph winds pushing you up into the air. It is such a crazy feeling! Just the slightest movement can change your direction when you indoor skydive. The temperature inside the wind tunnel is around a comfortable 80 degrees and trust me when I say the wind gets loud! You’ll communicate with your skydiving instructor via hand signals and he/she is always there to guide you with encouragement. The cool thing about indoor skydiving is that no matter your age, you can do it! As they say, whether you are 3 or 103 years of age, SkyVenture Colorado can take you flying. Better yet, if you want to become a more experienced indoor skydiver (like going upside down or doing flips) they have special rates for frequent fliers. Perhaps you just found your new sport!