Beautiful Boulder CO – The Birthplace of Crocs!
Boulder is breathtaking – and not just because the air is thin here at 5,400 feet. Everywhere you look you’re surrounded by mountains, trails, and streams. I was excited to be here, not only for the scenery but to participate in two days of activities with nine other finalists in the Crocs Ambassador Contest. It was an honor to make it this far and I had many friends and family members to thank. Their votes helped get me here and now it was up to me to prove I truly deserved the nickname Croc Lady!
Liz, Kat, Chris, me and Caroline
I started meeting the other finalists at the airport Wednesday afternoon and by the 7PM cocktail reception I realized how glad I was not to be in the Crocs executives’ shoes, as comfy as they may be. How could they choose from among so many interesting Crocs lovers? I decided then and there we were all winners. I relaxed and started to feel the love! You can see it for yourself in this photo with finalists Liz, Kat, and Chris and cool Crocs exec Caroline. That’s me in my blue Mary Janes enjoying the camaraderie at the Wednesday night affair!
It was a whirlwind few days which included a welcome package of Boulder-made goodies (including, among other things, the most delectable chocolate and two pairs of brand new Crocs), a sneak peak at next season’s shoes (you will absolutely love what’s in store), many fine dining experiences, a secret assignment (not revealed until after lunch on Thursday) that had us all as anxious as contestants on The Apprentice, and, the most nerve-wracking for me, a video shoot and photo session. Yikes! I just hoped the editors would be kind! Friday morning, after breakfast at the famous Boulder Tea House, we were to have one-on-one interviews. We were all a bit nervous about those despite the fact that everyone on the Crocs executive team was so down to earth and easy to talk with. And what a team they were. They did everything right for this mini-conference and I can’t thank them enough. I got through my interview and left beautiful Boulder thinking that no matter what happens I have made some wonderful new friends, Crocs lovers all.
On a side note, no matter where I am or what I’m there for I just have to step into my Crocs and head out into the open air. If there are trails nearby, that’s all the better. And boy does Boulder have trails!
Outside the St. Julien
So, shortly after 6:30 am on Thursday morning I left the comforts of my bed in the luxurious St. Julien Hotel & Spa (that’s me in front) and after a quick trip to the local coffee house I was on the Boulder Creek Path in a matter of minutes. It was literally right across from the main downtown area. Yes, like the Crocs executives, Boulder does it right. There are miles of trails that are easily accessible to everyone. I followed the path west, against my better judgment because that’s the uphill direction, but I couldn’t help it – the mountains were calling. After running out three miles I knew it was time to turn around or I’d never make the morning Crocs session. I made a quick U-turn and took advantage of the downhill as I flew back towards the St. Julien.
Boulder Creek Path
This is just one small part of the Boulder Creek Path, with the creek rushing alongside. Even though it was early, I saw several other hikers and joggers. And sure enough I heard my favorite comment “Hey! How do those Crocs work for you?” You know what I told them, right? “I LOVE them!!!” I was wearing my trusty brown Caymans (now called the Classic, BTW) but I’m thinking the adventurous folks in Boulder might prefer the Crostrail or Trailbreak. Rugged and outdoorsy!
Later in my stay I visited Chautauqua Park and Open Space. Here I found miles of trails at the base of the majestic Flatirons. You can see why they’re so named in these pictures. I can’t wait to return to Boulder one day soon to explore more of these glorious trails!
Chautauqua Park and the Flatirons
