The "Spilli Chilli "Fest

While we were in Golden we went to visit the wolf education centre and we were able to see and learn about the effects on the eco system of the North American culling of wolves ( a top predator) in the early 1900's. Now they are trying to preserve and increase what remains of that population in order to protect other species. The effects have been closley studied in Yellowstone National park,so we may learn even more next week.

"Chili please!!"

There is a cluster of houses, a small community just outside of Golden called Spillmacheen and every year they have a chili festival . They call it the "Spilli chili". Much like a beer festival...you pay for a little cup and go round the chili stalls tasting the chili and then vote on taste, decor and merchandise
We arrived at Spillmacheen and could not see any sign of much happening at all. I asked at the petrol station/grocery store and they said to carry on for 1 km until we see the cars on the road. We parked up and followed a small dirt track through the trees until we came to a clearing. There we found lots of stalls with lots of chili pots, a stage with live bands and singers and in the middle was a fire pit.

Just chilling at the "spilli chili"