steve.sparhawk

About Steve Sparhawk

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So far Steve Sparhawk has created 39 blog entries.

Hike The Devil’s Head for Fall Foliage

September 14th, 2016|Life On Deck|

If you are a Denver native, then you already know about the amazing Devil’s Head Fire Tower hike in the Front Range. The trailhead is about an hour from town, and the hike itself — a 2.8-mile round trip — will take a couple hours to complete. But whether you’ve done this hike a dozen times or never before, you need to hike it once before winter. As September turns into October, the Devil’s Head Fire Tower route turns into the best view of fall colors near Denver. Directions To get to the trailhead, take Highway 85 south from Denver to Sedalia. In Sedalia, turn right on Highway 67 and drive 10 miles. Turn left on Rampart Range Road and go another 9 miles. The trailhead will be on the left. You’ll start seeing gorgeous aspen trees on the way up, especially on Rampart Range Road. Devil's Head Fire [...]

Campfire Dinner

July 14th, 2016|Life On Deck, Outdoor Recipes|

A-camping we will go! A-camping we will go! This summer, go beyond hot dogs and try out this Scout special. You’ll be more than prepared for your woodland adventures after this hot and simple meal. Ingredients: 1/3–1/2 pound hamburger 2–3 onion slices, to taste 1 cup potato slices 1 whole carrot, sliced 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon butter or margarine Salt and pepper Directions Lay down a sheet of heavy-duty tin foil. Put the onion down first. Cover with hamburger, then layer on the sliced potatoes and carrots. Pour the Worcestershire sauce on top, then sprinkle on the salt and pepper. Add butter last. Fold the tin foil to make a closed packet, and carefully place the packet in the campfire coals. Cook for approximately 30 minutes, rotating the packet 180 F halfway through. When finished, let sit for 2 to 3 minutes and enjoy.

4 Ways Roof Additions Can Enhance Your Home and Outdoor Living Lifestyle

July 7th, 2016|Blog, Deck Design Tips & Trends, Decks & Backyard Features|

Porch, deck, and patio roof additions today are nothing like the porch or patio covers you may remember or imagine on your grandparents’ home. In today’s marketplace, deck and patio roof additions are beautifully crafted with design in mind. These sophisticated and luxurious roofs are a beautiful extension of your home, making it look more spacious and upscale. For example, DeckTec’s roofs often feature the rich and substantial look of glulam beams, typically seen in modern churches and office buildings. 1. Control the Elements You built your deck for relaxation and entertainment in mind; however, adding a roof addition will greatly increase the amount of time and enjoyment you will be able to experience. No matter the weather, you will continue to enjoy your space in the heat of the summer or during an afternoon rain shower or thunderstorm. Increasingly popular infrared outdoor heaters can be integrated into the structure to take the chill out of the morning or evening air and [...]

The New Generation of Outdoor Furnishings

July 1st, 2016|Life On Deck, Outdoor Living|

Not long ago, if you wanted to experience luxurious outdoor furnishings, you would have to stay at an expensive resort. They had everything from outdoor bars to lounges with extravagant sectionals with deep-seated cushions surrounded by beautiful landscaping and pools. They provided the environment for you to be able to relax and enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful day. Today, with rising demand and ever increasing sophistication in outdoor living, it has never been easier to replicate the same level of luxurious comfort in your backyard. An incredibly wide selection of fine outdoor furnishings can be found just about anywhere you look! Specialty patio stores, big-box stores, and even the grocery stores have large display areas dedicated to outdoor living! Gone are the days of using cheap, disposable, lightweight furniture that is uncomfortable, unstable, and simply doesn’t last! When you are creating your ideal outdoor living space, you want to [...]

Wine Pairings for Whatever BBQ You’re Making

June 21st, 2016|Life On Deck, Outdoor Recipes|

Not sure what wine to pair with your next barbecue? Don't worry, DeckTec has got you covered with wine pairings for whatever barbecue you have planned. Spare Ribs & Mourvedré Spareribs and Mourvedré are practically soul mates. They have so much in common, and the differences they do have only complement each other. Both are meaty yet tender powerhouses that love a good dose of spice. Take into consideration that well-sauced spareribs bring out Mourvedré’s floral and plummy fruit notes and that spareribs’ richness is absorbed by Mourvedré’s heavy tannins and fresh acidity, and you couldn’t find a more perfect union. Try: Dirty & Rowdy “Familiar” Mourvedré, $30 Grilled Salmon & Gamay Nothing proves you can’t have red wine with fish like gamay. With its light body and low tannins, gamay is one of the most food-friendly varietals, but its bright fruit and acidity are a beautiful contrast to the [...]