| COLOPALOOZA 2001: Denver "The Ultimate Destruction Of Duke" |
| Did we really destroy this man?!?! HELL YES!! |
| Yet another Palooza adventure is launched with the first official toast between John Wayne visitors, Sean and Craig. |
| With Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda as his backdrop, Dukie thinks to himself, "You know what, I was born to be wild". |
| Looking fresh and chipper, the Paloozians embark on their twisted journey in the much-maligned PaloozaVan. |
| The Colopalooza #6 namesake is proudly displayed upon the dash of the PaloozaVan--a glowing symbol of heroism and charm. |
| Palooza regulars, ClemBox and Dinky finally arrive to take their place in history's coldest round of golf ever recorded. |
| Big Al ignores the cold weather and launches into another spectacularly struck tee shot at hole #2. |
| But before they could really get going, they're assaulted with a painful barrage of frozen hail, icy wind and bad opening tee shots. |
| With storm clouds swirling around them, the Paloozian faithful discuss club strategy for the ever-tricky opening hole at Pole Creek. |
| His first Paloozian activity literally shot down by the hands of god, all are reminded of the Dukie's pending "ultimate destruction". |
| So the Paloozians decide to test fate by getting back on the course--only this time with a startling array of Colorado's finest. |
| Dukie, gazing at Hummer as he "tees up", mumbles to himself, "Damn, if this is my ultimate destruction, sign me up!!" |
| DAY 1 |
| DAY 2 |
| Night vision goggles capture what appears to be some sort of alien deerlike creature wandering around in the woods near the Log Palace. |
| Having worked up an appetite on the course, the Paloozians move on to Hernando's for the annual pizza binge and sing-along. |
| And then it was back to the Log Palace for a little poker, where Milo fittingly "fleeces" his fellow Paloozians for several benjamins. |
| In a shocking turn of events, the Paloozians experience their first snowfall--an amazing occurrence for early September. |
| Luckily, the sun began to peak through the clouds around the Log Palace and the Paloozians decide forge ahead and fish. |
| By the time the Paloozians arrive at Colorado River Guides' luxury shack, the sun is out and they're ready to reel in some big ones. |
| Several Paloozians shame their brothers by donning cute little fish booties to protect them from the icy cold water. |
| Big Al, The Guapster and Clem all went on to snag some trout...well, I guess that guppy Milo snagged was technically a trout anyway. |
| Dinky and Hummer make their way to the shore, ready to polish off the remaining frosty-cold Tecates and swap fish bootie stories. |
| Another successful trout excursion complete, Paul does the honors and cleans the Paloozian bounty. |
| Clem, fresh off a fly-fishing clinic that may last him a lifetime, goes mano-a-mano against the hill climbing prowess of the PaloozaVan |
| Here's Wreckage Kremmling's freaky hunter bar. The eclectic patronage just loves our special blend of fish stank and classic rock. |
| Later that night, the Paloozians are exposed to something not worthy of film, as Sean actually bitches about his share of a restaurant bill. |
| DAY 3 |
| Day 3 starts with a lot more of the white stuff--about 6 inches worth. It was so cold that the entire landscape turned blue. |
| Here's Wreck enjoying the warming environs and delightful scent of the PaloozaVan, protected from the harsh conditions outside. |
| Hot lattes were just the ticket, as the boys stopped in Winter Park for a little breakfast before moving on to Boulder. |
| Clemmie, Dinky and Hummer launch into another one of their patented computer, coding, web design discussions. |
| The Buffs stormed into action and stomped the hapless San Jose Spartans, while the Paloozian brethren fought off the icy cold rain. |
| And following the game, Dukie officially enters the Paloozahood with the traditional tongue-kissing of the Colopalooza brick. |
| Dukie replaces Clem in the circle of trust formed to allow for the incessant discussion of computers, coding and web design. |
| Several Paloozians walk to the far end of the fieldhouse behind Folsom Field for a breathtaking slow 100 yard dash. |
| After dinner at Rio Grande and a taste of Boulder bars, all hell broke lose at the hotel. Here, Wreck fittingly dons the trash can. |
| And even more fittingly, Big Al (just a sneeze away from 40), somehow manages to sleep and scratch his shiny scalp simultaneously. |
| DAY 4 |
| The next day, the suddenly refreshed Paloozians headed out to scenic Coors Field to take in a Rockies-Giants game. |
| In what has proven to be his most important game down the stretch to 72, Barry Bonds (rounding 2nd) hits the first of three homers. |
| Although it's hard to see in this photo, the scoreboard in right read, "Welcome Colopalooza 2001 & Pledge Dukie" |
| Dinky stretches out a bit, just seconds before he was pelted in the mullet by a towering fowl ball. |
| El Guapo, clearly displaying the painful combination effects of early parenthood and Paloozian sleeplessness is ready to go home. |
| DAY 5 |
| After the Coors Tour, the Paloozians re-connect with their roots and hit the Mile High Kennel club for some high-stakes dog racing. |
| Upon leaving the track, the Paloozians discover a great Big Mac deal running at McDonald's. Needless to say, they stock up. |
| With Big Al & The Guapster safely tucked away back in OC, the remaining Paloozians ventured on into Day 5 and the Coors Tour. |
| Our guide did not appreciate Wreck's unique brand of beer-tainted humor, taking every opportunity to cut him down to size. |
| Aaaaah, the fresh taste of 1 day old beer. Smalls & Dukie toast to a successful Palooza over a lovely arrangement of pink carnations. |
| Then as a fitting conclusion to a great week, the remaining Paloozians enter Invesco Field for the Broncos-Giants game on MNF. |
| In what may prove to be the last aerial stadium flyover for a while, the Blue Angels soar over the pre-game festivities. |
| National anthem at Invesco. Check out the fans forming the Broncos logo in the upper deck. Broncos beat the Giants to go 1-0. |
| DAY 6 |
| Tuesday's pre-flight wake-up call was not what we were expecting, as we watched the WTC collapse from our Boulder hotel room. |
| But the Paloozians acted quickly--stealing the PaloozaVan and heading home. Here Wreck & Dukie relax at the Hard Rock in Vegas. |
| Embarking on the first Colopalooza bonus day, Wreck, Smalls & Dukie pass "God Bless America" signs on the drive home. |
| And soon it was time to bid farewell to our trusty friend, the PalooozaVan--as it was dropped off at desolate John Wayne Airport. |
| DAY 6 |
| And as we close the books on yet another fine Colopalooza and turn to face the prospect of a possibly less innocent time in this country, it's important that we all remember the importance of the Paloozian experience--of having good friends, good times and of course, beer. Oh, and green chili. And the log palace. And pre-moistened fajitas. Oh yeah, and SOMA. And Milo's fleece. And Benny's. And Ralphie. And the Colorado River. And don't forget that Rocky Mountain spring water. Or Rocky Mountain oysters, for that matter. Or the ClemLord's funny notes. Or margs at Rio. Or Hernando's with honey. Or the Palooza brick. Or Dinky's old pads. Or the south stands at Mile High. Or Crocks. Or even Cuddles & The Bear. Onward- Craig |