Conditions weren’t great when we attempted our Rocky Mountain hike but I grabbed a few photos to share. Those photos weren’t very colorful so I tinted them just a bit and like the effect.
I really liked this view.
The stream with all those rocks was beautiful. While we didn’t spend a lot of quality time in the mountains, we certainly enjoyed the experience anyway.
Denver weather was windy but otherwise ideal during our visit. So it was quite a shock to leave the mid sixties of the city for the gusty, cold of Estes Park.
This town of less than 6,000 residents was once home to Arapaho Indians. Today it’s home to dozens of small businesses and is a destination for outdoorsy types looking for some R&R or for excitement in the Rocky Mountain National Park.
Winter sports are a big deal here as is the Stanley Hotel. This stately old hotel overlooking the town inspired Stephen King to write his bestselling book The Shining.
We visited the Stanley and then headed up the mountain to sightsee. We actually planned to hike some but the wind was so strong it would knock you over. When we arrived in Estes Park the temperature was 36 degrees but felt 19. It was significantly colder when we set foot on a trail and it started to snow.
You can’t tell from this picture but, trust me, it was frigid.
We were layered up but it was simply too windy to be enjoyable. We drove some but the roads started to turn slick so we did the only logical thing to do. We headed back to town, got lunch and shopped! Yes, we are weak of body but strong of shopping spirit.
It was a grand day.