North of Ken Pratt Boulevard to where it meets up with 3rd Ave., south of 3rd, east of Main

Total for today: 37,810 steps and 6:17 time.

This area is shaped like a torpedo, with the eastern point of it being where Ken Pratt Blvd. and 3rd Ave. meet.  This will be one of  my longest walks and largest areas covered for the year.  It’s largely business, industrial, and open space, and only a handful of homes.

I’m afraid I took a TON of pictures today, about 140.  I’m putting about half of them in here… so don’t feel bad if you don’t stick it out to the end.   There are a number of pictures I took along streets and roads I have never been down…. the road by the railroad leading up to the water treatment plant, 1st Avenue east of Martin, and far east Rogers road, for example.

BARNS

There were a selection of barns along the way; one of which, D-Barn is a business which hosts special events.

 

 

LONGMONT FOODS / THE OLD TURKEY PROCESSING PLANT

It was Butterball when it closed…  it was owned by ConAgra at one time too.  I believe in the 1980’s  it was one of the major employers here in town.

Butterball closing  Times-Call article

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOULDER COUNTY FIRE TRAINING CENTER

As far as I know, this street sign leading in to the Boulder County Fire Training Center is the only street sign in town that has a complete address on it, rather than just a street name.  Does anybody know of any other examples?     It’s a pretty easy address to remember…  111 1st Avenue!!!

 

 

THE CANNERY APARTMENTS /  DAN SIMMONS

This is a former canning factory that has been converted into apartments.  It always reminds me of multiple award-winning local author Dan Simmons, although perhaps it shouldn’t.  I read his book ‘Carrion Comfort’ many years ago, and I believe it had a place called the Cannery referenced in it.  At a book-signing here in town, I asked him about that, and it seems he did not think of  that as an influence.

Mr. Simmons mostly writes in horror or science fiction, although he goes beyond those genres at times too.  In my opinion, he compares favorably to Stephen King.  I’ve read one of his early novels, ‘Song of Kali’, three times, and each time it creeps me out.

His web site indicates he still resides in the Front Range area, but I don’t know whether he still has a home in Longmont or not.   If he does, he may be pulling a J.D. Salinger recluse bit!!  (appearance-wise, not output-wise)

Dan Simmons wiki

Dan Simmons  web site

 

 

 

Left Hand Brewing had a tribute band festival, which I think would have been fun (it was the day before this walk).  I think  it may be an annual event, however, so maybe next year.  I would particularly like to see Dread Zeppelin, a Led Zeppelin cover band… which wasn’t there this year.

Leftapalooza 2013

Dread Zeppelin  Immigrant Song youtube

 

EAST OFF OF MARTIN — INDUSTRIAL AREA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

if you’ve made it this far, thank you for being so persevering….

but there’s still 39  more…

AND THE BEST OF THE REST of the photos…