Estes Park Colorado - September 19-22

Following our hair raising drive along Trail Ridge Road from Grand Lake (see previous post) we arrived in Estes Park. We checked into the glorious Rockmount Cottages where we always stay. Beautiful peaceful cottages by the Big Thompson River just a couple of miles from the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. And most times we are there, a herd of Elk will sidle by to drink and spend a few hours in the adjacent meadow. Not this year though.

On Saturday 20th, we decided to hike the Gem Lake Trail and Lumpy Ridge Loop up towards the "Twin Owls" rock formation, which you can see from anywhere in town. It is a marvelous hike, where there are mix of easy and steeper bits and the views keep changing. Each time there is a break in the trees the views back over the valley and town are wonderful. At the top is a small pond and a rock face where the climbers like to play, while the rest of us eat our sandwiches.

Sunday, we took it easy and had a lazy morning reading at the cottage followed by a naughty lunch at the excellent Bird & Jim, where they don't trouble you if all you want to do is graze on appetizers and wine. We consider that a good reward the day after a fine hike.

Monday we flew home. Another trip wrapped!