Chris flew in from Dallas for to visit for a couple of weeks. Rather than allow the appropriate amount of time to adjust to the altitude, we immediately drove him up to Grand Lake and were on the hiking trails the next morning. We figure he is still young - he can handle it! First day was Strawberry Creek Trail in the Indian Peaks Wilderness. This is supposed to be a popular hangout for moose...we didn't see any.
Next day we strapped on the backpacks and headed up the trail to Cascade Falls. Thanks to an insider tip (Rich & Erik!) we camped at the world's best campsite* (according to Rich & Erik*) complete with a huge rock outcropping (front porch) and pine needle carpet (living room) with a view of the entire canyon! A previous group of hikers mentioned that they had seen moose on the trail...we didn't see any. We hiked up to Crater Lake the next day - the wildflowers were absolutely spectacular, as was the lake itself. Still no moose.
Next day we strapped on the backpacks and headed up the trail to Cascade Falls. Thanks to an insider tip (Rich & Erik!) we camped at the world's best campsite* (according to Rich & Erik*) complete with a huge rock outcropping (front porch) and pine needle carpet (living room) with a view of the entire canyon! A previous group of hikers mentioned that they had seen moose on the trail...we didn't see any. We hiked up to Crater Lake the next day - the wildflowers were absolutely spectacular, as was the lake itself. Still no moose.
Of course, we had to take Chris through Rocky Mountain National Park, over Trail Ridge Road and across the Continental Divide. Oxygen is overrated anyway - who needs it? 
No moose - but there were some great elk (nice rack!). We stopped in Estes Park where Paul spent many summers during his teenage years working and having fun! 
No moose - but there were some great elk (nice rack!). We stopped in Estes Park where Paul spent many summers during his teenage years working and having fun! 
Upon our return to Denver, we got the message that my newest 'great nephew' had entered the world while we were backpacking - welcome Miles Dennis, and congratultions to Sam, Jess and big brother Marcus!
Paul actually does have to work from time to time, so while he was doing his nursing thing at the hospital, I showed Chris a bit of the Denver area. Of course, the Tattered Cover bookstore was at the top of the list - one of the best bookstores in the country! Our exploring included a brief tour of downtown Denver including Mile High Stadium (it will always be Mile High Stadium to us natives regardless of what the real name is!), a look at my Fillmore Street home from my pre-Castle Rock years, and a stop at the Columbine High School memorial.
No comments:
Post a Comment