AURORA, Colo. -- Labor Day Weekend usually represents the symbolic end of summer activities as vacationers prepare for colder weather ahead. This year, that cold weather is just days away.
"We are enjoying the sun as long as we can," said one beachgoer to Cherry Creek Reservoir, lamenting the fact that it likely will be the "last outing before the temperature changes."
The 100 degree temperature at the reservoir on Saturday made it hard to believe snow is on the forecast for the coming week. The close of the summer season followed by the first gust of winter.
"It has been a tough summer, but we have been able to make the best of it," said Mike Gutierrez, gathering for one last summer cookout with a few friends on the beach. "You gotta enjoy life and take it one day at a time."
His group is enjoying life through cooking. On the grill, Saturday, were carne asada steaks, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and tortillas.
"The recipe is from El Paso," said Gutierrez, explaining his recipe contains "steak seasoning, salt, petter, Maui sauce oranges pepper, onions of course."
Gutierrez says the summer-long small gatherings have been crucial in the age of COVID and social distancing as a way for people to socialize and enjoy the outdoors.
"It is tough with everything that is going on," he said. "But we have been able to make the best of it."
The end of summer means the end of outdoor gatherings, but Gutierrez says it is not the end of good food.
"We won't be able to come out to the lake, but other than that we will still barbecue," he said.