- seven of us Luther Norsemen (Jonesie, Carolyn, Kathi, Katie, Lynn, Linda and myself) gathered in Estes Park, and stayed at the YMCA of the Rockies. Touring the site, we were offered free beer and supplies at the historic 100-year old Mountainside Lodge and the outdoor chapels of the Y. On Sunday, we worshiped together in the YMCA's chapel, with an illusionist. While here, we hiked to Bear, Nymph, Dream and Emerald Lakes, and Alberta Falls. We ventured up Old Fall River Road, and made stops at Chasm Falls and the Ranger cabin, where we picnicked among wildflowers in full bloom. Wildlife welcomed us around every corner: pikas, moose, elk, marmots, turkeys, birds, ground squirrels and chipmunks. Lots of memories of our Luther days were shared, games were played, Colorado wines and brews were sampled, and laughter echoed through our cabin. Soli Deo Gloria!
- an overnight camping trip to Long Draw Reservoir, just outside of RMNP on the northwest side, witnessing ten moose (a moose family of bull, cow and calf) and a beautiful morning at the lake in a mountainous setting,
- a picturesque trip through Poudre Canyon, visiting Chambers Lake, Poudre Falls, Fort Collins Gateway Natural Way, and countless stops along the way,
- a trip up Old Fall River Road, a gravel, hairpin turning, primitive road built by convicts in the 1920s, up to 12,000 feet, stopping at Chasm Falls, and then continued westward to Arapaho Bay on Shadow Mountain Lake, witnessing some hints of approaching fall with the yellowing leaves of the aspens,
- dined with most of my colleagues at a Polish restaurant, Villa Tatra, to honor five of our Polish co-workers, eating delicious cabbage rolls and perogies,
- attended a seminar on western explorers/expeditions, featuring Zebulon Pike (Pike's Peak, Stephen Long (Long's Peak), Lewis and Clark, priest Escalante, and others,
- observed a nearly total eclipse (93%) at 12,000 feet with Grease Monkey glasses, (pictures are from a colleague that went to Wyoming for totality)
- chatted with Sherry and Vern, longtime friends, who visited the store,
- explored RMNP with great friends, Sandi and John, appreciating the wildlife of moose, elk, marmots, pikas, birds, ground squirrels, and chipmunks, picnicking, strolling around Sprague and Lily Lakes, ice cream and pizza eating, and sampling brews @ Rock Cut Brewery,
- hosted an "Imported Wine Night" on the balcony with co-workers,
- dined with Amery friends, Marge and Adam, along the Big Thompson River, and enjoyed street music while catching up with what's happening,
- admired the creative talent of Estes Parks artists, who are painting storage boxes along the riverwalk,
- hiked the Kruger Rock Trail in Hermit Park Open Space (the equivalent of our state/county parks), absorbing the beauty of abundant wildflowers and watching an approaching storm, and rewarding myself with visits to Lumpy Ridge and Rock Cut Breweries,
- perused the Estes Park Farmers' Market weekly to enjoy the fresh produce and foods: corn on the cob, Palisades peaches, Rocky Ford melons, bing cherries, wonderful breads, salsa, almonds, dips, Swiss chard, and tomatoes,
- had an "Imported Beer Night" on the balcony
- traveled to the west side of RMNP with two Americans and two Taiwanese, and ventured up Old Fall River Road, stopping at Chasm Falls and the Ranger cabin, Poudre Lake, the Continental Divide, Grand Lake, Grand Lake Lodge,and Holzwarth Historic Lodge, spotting elk, a swimming moose, marmots and pikas along the way,
- drove to Lava Cliffs for a sunrise, hearing a ptarmigan and then seeing it, as well as a moose, elk, marmots, and pikas, and later being witness to a mama moose and its calf in Beaver Ponds,
- and celebrated with Rock Cut Brewery (one of the top 10 craft breweries in Colorado) on its second anniversary with several co-workers!
Enjoy this wonderful summer, and I'll see you soon!
Love,
Amy
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