May 19 Arrival in Estes Park

David stands at the entrance to Bear Lake Trail! 

May 19 – Estes Park, Colorado

         We awake early, walk Chewy, enjoy an excellent breakfast in the Otis & Henry Restaurant, win $140 at the slot machines, pack our bags, load the car and Chewy, and off we go to Estes Park.

48 inches of snow- trail covered and packed

         Highways 119, 72, and 7 from Blackhawk to Estes is often referred to as the “Peak to Peak” highway, and again, it did not disappoint. A beautiful drive brought us up close and personal to the heaviiy draped mountains in pure white snow. The road was dry and clear with little to no traffic. We stop in Nederland for coffee, soda, and a stroll. In all, we make the drive in 1:30 minutes and as we approach Estes we count 8 Elk, view a herd of 20 or more on the golf course, one on the Stanley grounds; they are everywhere. Later on the river walk we see four deer on the hillside. The animals are ubiquitous!

         Arriving early (prior to Chewy’s appointment), we picnic in the park next to the Visitor’s Center and use the facilities there. It is 70 degrees, clear blue sky, snow is confined to the high peaks; life is good.

         Chewy seemed to be OK with his new digs (“Linda’s Pet Services”) and after a brief visit with her and her new dog, Scout, we found our way to Riverstone on the Fall River. The owners Ken and Kathy allow us to register early so we unload and survey this lovely setting along the river; our cabin is only 20 feet or so from the running water; the sound of it is enchanting.

  
We enjoy dinner at one of restaurants along the river walk and following Debbie’s urging, we drive into the Rocky Mountain National Park. It is about 7:15, and to our surprise there is only a handful of cars in the park and fewer still on the way to Bear Lake. Immediately upon entering the park we encounter hundreds of elk spread about the valley. Many are very close to the road and we are amazed at the winter coats on their bodies and fresh antlers decorating the male heads. On the other side of the road we find deer, and then, to top off the live zoo experience, we are forced to stop the car while elk cross the road on the way to Bear Lake (we get a great picture of them).

Debbie at Fall Creek in Downtown

Elk still with their winter coat

Fall River in front of the condo 

The road remained dry all the way to the Lake and at several points we were above snow. It was a bit spooky being the only car headed that way. At the huge Bear Lake parking lot, there were only three cars. At the trailhead, snow was pushed back at least six feet high and due to some people traffic a snow-packed trail showed the way to the Lake. Since I was a bit unsteady in my tennis shoes, Debbie climbed the embankment and walked to the Lake that was ¾ ice-covered; later she remarked it was one of those special highlight experiences of her life. The quiet serenity of the environment, the crunching snow beneath her feet, and the wind in the trees combined to create a majestic feeling.

         Upon our return to civilization we pass three wild turkeys and manage to get a picture of one of them, and earlier, we both swore we saw caribou rather than deer in one of the meadows. Needing groceries we make our way to the city market and have stocked our refrigerator and cabinets with nourishment for our stay; we doubled up wishing to meet the needs of Steve and Susan when they arrive.