Second Return Visit to RMNP in 2018

In late May, I flew out out to Colorado to help get the store/cafe open on Trail Ridge Road.  We actually opened a half day sooner than expected due to the deficient snowfall they had in the Rockies this winter.  We had one day that we were stuck in the parking lot at 12,000 feet due to snow and road closure.  I was the driver that day, and we waited for the snowplow to come up the mountain, and then escort us back to Estes Park.  The next day the road opening was delayed until noon.

After two weeks, I flew back to Wisconsin and enjoyed the month of June back in Amery with family and friends.  It was great to see the arrival of summer, with flowers emerging from their winter sleep. I also had a chance to work at Target for a few more weeks, kayak down the Apple River, cuddle/walk with Joey, opportunities with friends and family, and to spend time with my kids, transplanting vegetation at Karen's and James' new home. Time was also spent with Kirsten and Jeremy working on last minute wedding details.

But certainly, the highlight of my June home was Kirsten's and Jeremy's wedding on  June 29th. It was an absolutely beautiful celebration of their love and commitment to each other at The Enchanted Barn, a venue south of Barron.  Many of their friends and relatives from across the United States shared in the event. The eye-watering moment was when Kirsten sang to Jeremy, "Somebody Loved."  That was incredible touching.  The temps were in the 90s, with a heat index of 110, but appetizers, wood-fire pizza, drinks and water kept us quite happy!  Thanks to all who shared in the day with us.

On Sunday, July 1st, I took off after saying "So long" to the kids and Joey.  I made a stop in northern Iowa to view a monument entitled "A Promise of America," commemorating the Norwegian immigrants that settled across the Midwest.  The sculptor was the wife of a Norwegian, but she was 100% Irish, so she put a shamrock on the back side of the trunk.  Nearly twelve hundred miles later I arrived in Estes Park Monday evening.  I made a stop in Cheyenne, Wyoming to appreciate the Old West.  I toured a restored Union Pacific Depot that was transformed into a museum with many miniature railroad trains operating. The city had many painted 30-foot western boots that depicted many scenes/happening of time gone by.

The next morning was my first day of work.  My job description has changed from assistant retail manager to van driver, cashier and warehouse worker.  I had to relinquish my past position due to my hiatus in Wisconsin.  There are many return co-workers, and many new people to get acquainted with.  Almost all of the international students have arrived, and the store is operating at full-speed-ahead.  Wildflowers are abundant everywhere, and the tundra ones are so precious.  Elk, moose, mule deer and marmots roam freely.  Hummingbirds are visiting the feeder I put up. The Colorado wildfires are not near us, but fire danger is at EXTREME here.  Otherwise, life is good!

On my only day off so far, a friend and I visited The Old Mine Cidery while running some errands.  I'd love to hear about your adventures this summer, if you'd like to share.  If note-writing is your thing, my address is 945 Moraine Avenue, Estes Park, CO  80517

Happy Summer!
Amy