May 24 Birds Birds Birds

Baltimore Oriole

Debbie chased another Mountain Bluebird

         Debbie walks in our bedroom with tears in her eyes; she had just read an email to Steve from David Cravens. David, a family physician, who specializes in nursing home care, reported that his wife had died suddenly of a heart attack. His wife Tokie, and David, were very private people keeping to themselves but well liked. In fact, David is one of the best physicians practicing in nursing homes; his patients and the staff love him. Our hearts go out to him in this time of loss and grief.

         Things brightened up as we made our way to “Claire’s Restaurant” located on the edge of the downtown park in which a decorative set of tents had been erected as part of the “Annual Art in the Park event.” We visited nearly every tent and purchased several items: Steve and Susan (a cherry wood bench, a one-year birthday wooden fire truck present for our grandson “Oliver,” and along the main street a cute little bluebird house), and Debbie (coasters with mountain animals on them, and a specially carved Elk horned seam ripper for her quilting hobby). I looked and looked for a picture or painting of my favorite “Loch Vale” lake to no avail.

         Finding a trail extending from the police station into the mountain between downtown and The Stanley Hotel, “Two Sticks” led the way. At the top we had a great view of downtown Estes and the surrounding mountains. Again birds acc

ompanied us and I was grateful for boulders that were perfectly shaped for my tired body and ass. Whew!

         Following lunch Susan found a picture she had taken of Loch Vale Lake when the four of us were here in July 2013. It was exactly what I have been looking for. She and Steve hiked the 3 miles up and beyond the Loch on a very hot day, and one their first days in the mountains, thus it was exhausting. However, the picture they snapped of the lake was simply outstanding. And watching me gush over it, they begin working online to have it enlarged and framed for me. Geez, what a gift! This is the lake into which my ashes will be spread once I am free of this cancer that continues to grow in my body. Thus, very special!

         In the afternoon Steve and Susan hiked up the mountain behind our cabin and again encountered all kinds of birds. Their pictures are stunning. Debbie worked on her sewing and I took a two-hour nap. Being refreshed we drove back into the national park to Upper Beaver Meadows. The winding road was quite long and most definitely picturesque. At the end we parked at the TH46 (Trailhead 46) parking area and hiked up, through, and around the meadows. A few birds serenaded us along the way and were the objects of birders following them with their binoculars. When leaving, Debbie spotted a bluebird, and in rain that had begun to splatter our windows, tracked it through the brush to get a fantastic picture. She is no longer a novice like me.

         We dined at the Trailhead Restaurant at the Fall Pass Visitors Center; my three companions all ordered Elk Stew and loved it, and always being different I had equally good calamari and fish and chips. It was a delightful place for our last meal together with a fantastic view of the mountain range.

         Watching Steve and Susan pack for their trek back to Columbia was a reminder that this great week in the mountains was coming to an end. They will leave early in the morning to drive the entire distance while Debbie and I remain for one last day in this great setting. We will miss them, but again, what a great day in the mountains!