Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park

We spent a week in Estes Park with my family.  It was a grand reunion and a celebration of my parents 80th birthdays.  My mom turned 80 in January and my dad will turn 80 in November.  We came from far and wide and also close:  Paul and Corinne travelled from Anchorage, Eileen and Jose came from Charlottesville, VA.  Anne and Jason, Dylan and Nell were the "locals" and drove from Denver.    We took possession of both the Ranch House and the Guest House.  Both houses were very spacious, with plenty of room for the 12 of us to live comfortably for the week.  Plenty of places to gather, both inside and outdoors.  We spent many hours relaxing on the porch outside, watching the deer and other wildlife.  Being in the mountains refreshes the body and soul.  Nothing like the crisp Rocky Mountain air and the picture postcard views.




Enjoying a meal together inside.

 

Relaxing on the spacious porch. My 80 year old dad with Dylan and Anne

 

As lovely as the houses were, we didn't spend much daylight time here, because our priorities were to hike and explore Rocky Mountain National Park.   We experienced some fantastic hiking.  Beautiful waterfalls, gorgeous alpine flowers and mountain vistas were our rewards every day.



It doesn't get much better than this!



My nephew Dylan takes a rest. 



Nell and Anne take a break, too.



Nell and Dylan scale the rocks above Gem Lake. 



 

Gem lake was indeed a gem. 

A pretty scenic fishing spot. 
 

Trail Ridge Road is the highest paved road in the USA.  The air is thin at the highest elevation on the highway, 12,183 feet.  Plenty of photo opportunities abound.


The "Girls" - Mom, Anne, Eileen, Mary and Nell. We're taking a breather at a rest stop on Trail Ridge Road. 

The alpine tundra is it's own micro-ecosystem.  The temperature can be 30 degrees warmer near the surface of the ground than it is 6 feet above.  So, when you are cold in the mountains, hunker down to warm up.  

The delicate tundra.  Tread carefully, please. 

Wow! Photo opportunities around every corner along Trail Ridge Road.  


Always be camera-ready.  Who knows what wildlife may cross your path!

 

My mom did much work in advance preparing for this trip.  She planned meals and packed supplies months in advance.  She is a real trouper.    Thanks, Mom! 



Mom, you're on top of the world!