#36: [26-Jun-19]

#33: [01-Sep-17]

#35: [27-Apr-17]

#31: [18-Oct-16]

#30: [18-Oct-15]

#29: [13-Jun-15]

#28: [07-Aug-14]

#27: [23-Jun-14]

#26: [24-Aug-12]

#25: [18-Aug-11]

#24: [13-Dec-10]

#21: [15-Nov-08]

#20: [12-Nov-08]

#19: [02-Oct-08]

#18: [27-Sep-07]

#17: [31-May-07]

#16: [21-Jul-06]

#15: [14-Jul-06]

#13: [01-Apr-06]

#10: [11-Nov-05]

#9: [05-Nov-05]

#12: [12-Oct-05]

#11: [26-Sep-05]

#8: [22-Feb-05]

#7: [15-Jan-05]

#5: [14-Aug-04]

#4: [27-Apr-03]

#3: [01-Feb-03]

#2: [21-Sep-02]

#1: [15-Jun-99]

#37: [12-Jul-24] (incomplete)

#23: [07-Dec-09] (incomplete)

#22: [10-Aug-09] (incomplete)

03-Apr-2006 -- Feel free to roam! [At least that’s what the homepage says for the development company poised to significantly alter the landscape at the confluence point closest to Boulder, Colorado…]

Being in Denver to talk to students at Morey Middle School about the American Civil War, a confluence visit seemed like the perfect complement to the task, especially when combined with a visit to Buffalo Bill’s grave. Given the whirlwind nature of my visit, I decided to forego the previously proffered hospitality and expertise of Denver’s leading confluence hunter, and instead introduce my friend the landscape architect father of one of those Morey students to the exciting world of the Degree Confluence Project.

As Joe and I skirted Golden and headed north towards Boulder, I speculated on the odds of running into another confluence hunter at Colorado’s most frequently visited point. Joe noted most of the Denver population was focused instead on the season opener of the Colorado Rockies major league baseball team (and traditionally one of the last chances of the year to see the team in first place!). Later that evening I learned not only had the Rockies won (!), but that we had missed David Mower’s April Fool’s Day visit by a mere 53 hours! But I am getting ahead of myself…

Joe was prepared to give me a grand tour of Boulder, but all of a sudden we were at the intersection with Highway 7/ Baseline Road, and the urgency of my excited “turn here, turn here!” overrode any of his plans to show off the sights of Boulder. On the east edge of town, Baseline Road became the 40th parallel and the GPS indicated we were closing in on our target. To the right (south) side of the road, we saw signs of the start of a big multi-phase development. Subsequent investigation revealed this to be Anthem Colorado at Broomfield, a project by two industry giants, Pulte Homes and Del Webb.

Building on the model of the Del Webb Sun City communities for active adults (i.e., “senior citizens”), Anthem communities were established by Del Webb to offer “unsurpassed lifestyle offerings in a resort-like setting for residents of all ages.” Anthem Colorado is the third Anthem community in the U.S. and features 2,648-acres split almost equally between Anthem Ranch by Del Webb for residents “55 years and better” (i.e., older), Anthem Highlands for residents of all ages, and a planned multi-use commercial, office, retail, and town center. Much (most) building remains to be done, but the marketing department already has their advertising vision in place: “Experience Anthem Colorado and you'll agree this is truly one remarkable place tailored to fit the way your family lives, works and plays.”

We saw landscaping work already underway on the western end of the Highway 7 Right of Way. Indications are wide curved sidewalks and an occasional metal bison will eventually line all of Anthem’s northern boundary. At present, the nearest rusty art buffalo are at the Sheridan Parkway intersection, overlooking to the east the confluence point below.

We parked just off the south side of the road, and walked to the cp through a break in the fence. Obviously, there was little change in the two days since the last documented visit, so, to add some variety, I include photos from the corners rather than from the cardinal points. Long’s Peak, appearing slightly hazy to the northwest, is still the dominant feature visible along the Front Range.

Here’s some more propaganda from the Anthem website:

"Feel free to explore! Amidst wide-open fields, spacious, sun filled western skies, and majestic views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains is the pristine location of Anthem Colorado. With over 865 acres of scenic open lands, manicured parks, miles of trails, lakes, and ponds, living at Anthem Colorado provides a feeling of retreat and escape and yet is within 15 minutes of Boulder and 20 minutes of downtown Denver. From extensive shopping and fabulous restaurants, to a variety of civic and cultural events you'll love the vast selection of options that are just a short drive away. More than a nice place to live - a nice way to live!"

It’s hard to tell if this cp will eventually fall just within the edge of a residential lot. My guess is 40N 105W will sit on community land atop or near a biking/ jogging path, where many neighbors will have the chance to get their daily exercise with a visit to a confluence point. That’s good because as the marketing folks say “Doing is always more fun than watching. Reconnect with family and friends and start living life like you never have before. Anthem Highlands is an opportunity for people of all ages to live the active Colorado lifestyle and enjoy everything from reeling in a fish that's “this big” to rollerblading in the shadow of the Rockies. Life at Anthem Highlands - like being on vacation...every day.” So, there you have it. The burning question is left to future hunters: Will in-line skates become the most common “method of transportation” for visitors to 40N 105W?