May 22 – Thursday

View of the Mountains reflected in Lake Estes

         Oh my, what a beautiful morning in the mountains – blue skies, snow-packed peaks and warm temperatures. We begin by enjoying a delicious breakfast at “The Egg and I,” our favorite restaurant for such things. What a great way to start the day!

         A stroll around Lake Estes turns out to be simply wonderful. The word “serenity” definitely comes to mind, also “peace,” “tranquility,” and pick your adjective. With few ripples in the still water we take a number of pictures of the mountains reflected on the surface. A huge surprise is the number of different birds along the trail. We spotted and tried to take pictures of yellow warblers, cedar waxwings, western blue birds, western king birds, a bald eagle, two great horned owls, pigeon, crow, ducks, geese, swallows, and more. Steve and Susan were experts are spotting and naming these small creatures and with their binoculars we were able to see them up close and personal. Debbie takes credit as well; she is becoming quite the bird-watcher.

Beautiful birds galore and Susan knew them all!

         Ever working, like Steve yesterday, Susan is tuned in to a conference call as we approach noon, Debbie is required to listen to a National Institute of Health (NIH) conference call for principal investigators on funded grants, Steve handles patient needs over the phone, and daily, all three try to keep up with work responsibilities while I bask in the sun, take naps, reflect on the meaning of life, and thoroughly enjoy the church of the great outdoors.

A horned owl momma was watching over the babes

         Following my son’s suggestion, we ate at one of his favorite restaurants, the Sundeck. It was established in the same year, 1948, that I began coming to Estes Park as a small boy (66 years ago). Two elderly owners seemed to be managing the place – the husband was the cashier while the wife was the waitress. The food, as advertised, was diverse and delicious. Afterwards I drove us into Big Thompson Canyon as far as what used to be the small community of Drake. The September ‘13 flood devastated it! Further, along the way we saw condemned houses, some 50 feet up the side of the canyon mountains. It was so sad and put an exclamation point on the loss and suffering that occurred here just eight months ago.

         By the time we returned to our cabin my afternoon nap was long overdue; but I quickly made up for it. Steve and Susan went for a long mountain hike in the surrounding area and shared with us fantastic photos they took of deer, flowers, birds, and more. Debbie rested and checked out the meteor shower due to arrive around midnight tonight; I do

ubt we will be up for it.

Dinner at the Twin Owls

         What a wonderful evening – Steve and Susan treated me to a birthday dinner at the Twin Owls Steakhouse located in the Black Canyon Resort. What a treat! Before the meal was completed I had consumed Elk (appetizer), Buffalo (Ribeye, main entrée), Lamb (from Susan’s plate), and Rocky Mountain Trout (from Steve’s plate). Debbie, on the other hand, guarded her filet mignon; it must have been good as she devoured it before I could ask for just a morsel. The setting was spectacular and the view of the mountains (Glacier Gorge) from our dining room table was stunning. Established in 1926, through the years much history has passed by the Black Canyon Resort. The resort and restaurant brought memories back to Steve and Susan; several years ago they were here on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the wedding of Scott Williamson.

A beautiful sunset over the mountains

         To walk off the meal we returned to Lake Estes and the Bird Sanctuary. Susan played bird sounds from her iPhone and occasionally she got a response back; it was remarkable. Tomorrow morning she, Steve, and I will enter the Park to join a Ranger Program on Birds at the Cub Lake Trailhead. Both Debbie and I are getting hooked on this bird-watching thing. It was a great day in the mountains.