My Colorado Root Beer and Sugar Cookies article and photo by Jim Hurd Sagebrush and grass had nearly obliterated the old road which led to my grandparents' homestead. More than six decades had passed since my last visit, yet I had little trouble finding the place. They had settled in northwest Colorado in 1917. Grandpa had selected a tract of land between Craig, Colo., and Baggs, Wyo., and there on Little Bear Creek he built his castle. An old stove door, a few scraps of decaying wood and some carefully placed stones revealed where the sturdy log home, barn and chicken house once stood. The buildings were all gone but not my memories. Visits to our grandparents' home were always eventful. Easter meant searching for eggs among the scrub oak behind the house, followed by a fried chicken or rabbit dinner. The tantalizing aroma of sugar cookies baking in the old Quick Meal stove graced every occasion. On hot summer days Granny would take us, cup in hand, to the root cellar for a cool drink of her tangy homemade root beer. I had never tasted anything so delicious. At Christmas a bobsled—runners squeaking in the frigid snow—took us to the enchanted site where a tree was decorated with familiar ornaments, colored paper and candles. Santa always paid a visit. We never questioned how he could find us in such a remote setting or why he had a Danish accent like our Uncle Frank. The shadows were growing long as we headed to the car. Near the creek we passed a large mound of dirt. I paused, recognizing the remnant of that magical root cellar and I wondered what kind of memories our own grandchildren would have. It will take some doin' to beat these. Do you have a special memory or humorous story about living in Colorado? EnCompass is looking for original essays that capture the uniqueness of our state. Payment is $60 upon publication. Entries must be typed, double-spaced and 200-300 words. Please include a daytime phone number. Entries will not be returned. Mail to EnCompass, Attn: My Colorado, 4100 E. Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO 80222, or e-mail: editor@colorado.aaa.com. A response to a submission may take six to eight weeks. »» Return to Table of Contents

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