Sunday, July 3, 2011

Rocky Mountain National Park

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We just got back from a trip to Colorado to visit family and friends. We had such a great time.

One day we took a side trip to one of my favorate places in the world (not that I've traveled that much, but I really love it here) the Rocky Mountain National Park and drove up Trail Ridge Road.

We started by driving through Big Thompson canyon, which is the picture you see above.

Once we got into the park, we stopped at a pull-off to see the sights.
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I love the way the area smells, thanks to the pine trees that are everywhere.
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Then we started up Fall Ridge Road. There have been times when we have driven this road and it was sunny and warm down below, but we ran into a snow storm up top. This sign is serious.
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This picture is a shot-out to my internet friend Donna. (Waving at Donna!)
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Yes, that is snow we are driving around. Which is a welcome sight considering it is around 100 degrees here in Texas today.
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We are now above timberline, which is the altitude that trees will not grow above. Yeah, we were that high up.
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We saw some elk several times on the way up. Here's one group of them.
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When we came back down, we stopped in a picnic area and had a nice lunch in the valley.
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After lunch we went to Estes Park. Here's the Twin Owls that overlook the town.
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In Estes Park we had to stop at my favorite place. I have memories of going here when we would come up to visit my Grandparents. Luckily it hasn't changed.
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On the way home we stopped at a pull off in the Big Thompson canyon again and took a couple more pictures.
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Bailey and Rominal had to feel how cold the water was.
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It was sweet of Bailey to hold my car for me too.
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This was a great day. I'll post more pictures later. I've got tons of laundry to do.