Great Day In Estes Park

Even though we got a later start (about 11:45), we made the scenic drive to Estes Park today. We had a nice lunch on the patio at the Wapiti bar and grill, and followed it with a walk through some shops as we made our way to the Scandinavian Festival. The Vikings were battling on the lawn. An axe went through a shield, but there were no serious injuries even though swords and knives were flying. The Big Thompson River is higher and faster than either of us have seen before. It was a great sunny day to follow it along the golf course and to the lake where Elk were lounging and swimming from shore to shore. A curious drake (mallard) kept checking us out as we sat on the edge of the lake watching the Elk. Since the weather was ideal, we decided Rocky Mountain National Park was our destination for the evening. A quick trip to pick up Naked drinks at Safeway and we were on our way to the park. Aaron brought his camera and we hiked down the Cub Lake trail around the morraine area. The sky was blue and the water was really running.

Things were quieter as we moved further from the river. Aaron looked back and me, "Shhh. Marmots. A mom and some babies." What cuties!

Across the morraine meadow, we could see a small herd of elk (at least 20). They were too far away to get any good pictures, but we kept on the path hoping we could get a closer view. (We didn't have our camera earlier in the day when the elk were swimming in the lake). On we walked, always keeping our eyes out for little critters and beautiful flowers. It seemed as though we may get the chance to see those elk closer up -- just down the path a little further. However, once again Aaron reached back toward me, "shh, bear." And sure enough, just in front of us a mother bear and her two cubs were coming down from the forested area to the path. They were wandering our way, so we moved slowly back and over to the side. She lead them from the human path to a game trail just a few feet up. We were able to keep our eyes on this wonderful little family for about a half hour. Thankfully Aaron had his camera and was able to get many cool shots. Carefully we kept our distance, once having to trudge through the swampy water 30-40 yards away from the path so they could have their space. She had brought them back to the path -- now in front of us on our way back. I think Aaron thought it was great fun having me manuever in the smelly, muddy swamp grasses. Good thing I had my Chacos on.

Rock Climbing Puppy!

Up, up, and away!

On Monday, March 26, we spent our afternoon hiking near Boulder. Although we were headed to one trail - we ended up at another. It started at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which we feel to be a nice short hike for our less adventurous visitors. Of course, Phoebe wasn't satisfied with the short, easy hike. We took to the Mesa Trail, which is a part of an elaborate set of trails for Boulder Open Space. We wound up and down from grassland foothills through Ponderosa Forest and eventually into Spruce/Fir Forest. This took us near the famous Flatirons near Table Mesa. The lead dog took us up the winding trail where we came across the nearly sheer rock face to Mallory Cave. The trail marker indicated the correct direction was up the face of the rock. Aaron was going to solo up to the cave while us girls waited below. At least that is what Vicki thought, until Phoebe chose to rapidly scramble up the rock after Aaron. Clawing her way along the crevices, she showed determination when she slid backwards, caught her breath, and charged upward. Of course, Vicki then had to follow - braving her fear of heights and a rock wall with few solid footholds. Crawling through a needle hole crack at the "top" of the segment seen in the picture, we got a great view of the Front Range Valley below. With the ominous clouds moving in, we decided not to continue up to the cave (another steep exposed rock climb). We look forward to sharing this hike with our future guests - the "short NCAR nature hike" for some - and the "Phoebe Hike" for those who want a little more muscle burning activity. (Believe me - Aaron will "push" you up the hill.) Phoebe (never letting us carry her) did lead us all the way back to the car (round trip = 3 miles), at which time she started a nice long nap.