Here Come the Turtles for World Turtle Day!

We're excited to announce the long-awaited arrival of our Turtle Wildlights! Did you know a group of tortoises is called a creep? Okay, so these aren't tortoises, but we couldn't resist sharing that fun fact.  They also arrived just in time for World Turtle Day® on May 23rd!  

And they're so cute, some employees needed to buy one before they were even officially on our website (located on page 4). If you're like us and can't resist these guys, place an order on our website,give us a call at 800.441.0132 or shoot us an email!

For some more fun facts about turtles and tortoises, check out this article by Mental Floss.  

Trail Tuesday: Mount Sanitas in Boulder, CO

It's been raining for what seems like weeks here in Colorado, meaning many trails are closed down or extremely muddy - which, for us, is a really depressing thought.  So we thought we'd talk about another favorite hike in Boulder, CO: Mount Sanitas.

The Details: A trail map can be downloaded here.  The parking lot at Centennial Trailhead is usually packed, but you can also park along the south side of Mapleton Ave.  If you get there early enough (and I mean by 7am!), you can usually find a spot without much trouble.

Mount Sanitas is incredibly versatile and can make for a casual hike or a strenuous hike.  It's well-traveled (of course, because it's in Boulder) so it also makes for a good solo-hike.  It's also a great hike even in the winter, so long as you have traction devices.  

 

Overlooking Boulder, it has beautiful views year-round.

If you want a challenging hike, go up Mount Sanitas trail.  This is the StairMaster of the Rocky Mountains!  It gains around 1200 feet in the first mile and makes for a great, heart-pumping workout.  No matter how quickly you go, there will be folks doing it much faster than you, so don't worry! 

If you want a more casual hike, go up the Sanitas Valley trail and turn around before you reach the East Ridge trail.  

This also makes for a fun sunrise hike (although bears and mountain lions are sighted here often). Go with a group of people for safety.  If you don't want to leave the comfort of your bed too early, hike up Sanitas Valley Trail and sit on the bench about 1 mile in.  The view is worth it!  Plus, you can grab breakfast in Boulder right after before the crowds take over.  (We recommend Snooze or The Buff - both extremely crowded if you go later in the day.)

Trail Tuesday: Waterton Canyon in Littleton, CO

A favorite trail within easy driving distance of Denver is Waterton Canyon.  This trail is the terminus for the  Colorado Trail, which is a long distance trail going from Denver to Durango. Waterton Canyon trail is gravel and mostly flat with very little elevation gain making for an excellent walk, run or bike ride.   You travel along the South Platte River and usually hear the moving water as you travel the trail.

While you don't really get the feeling of being in the wilderness on this trail, it's fun with gorgeous views and loads of wildlife.  Chances are high that you will see some bighorn sheep and mule deer!  You usually find the bighorn sheep about 2 miles into the trail (and you'll see many folks with their photography gear walking in to take pictures). 

Try counting these sheep to fall asleep!

 

 

The distance from the trailhead to Strontia Springs is about 6.5 miles.  There are bathrooms and picnic tables along the trail, but Strontia Springs has a good place to rest as well as picnic tables, so bring a lunch!  

Note: As of May 8th, Waterton Canyon is closed while they evaluate structural issues.  Dogs are not allowed so as not to disrupt the wildlife.

 

May the Fourth Be With You - Star Wars Products

It's Star Wars Day which, around here, is a pretty big deal.  

Kids absolutely love our Star Wars products! (And who are we kidding? Adults love them too - we're definitely having fun in the office today!)

Check out our fun Star Wars products!

Yoda™ Keylight

 

Darth Vader™ Headlamp (also available as a Keylight and Torch)

 

 

Stormtrooper Headlamp™ (also available as a Keylight and Torch)

May the Fourth Be With You!