The Loch Vale Promise

All of the Oliver’s set off on this adventure to fulfill our promise to disperse David’s ashes at The Loch in Estes Park Colorado. This 3.2 mile hike up 1040 feet is a moderate hike by all standards. I began training shortly after the memorial service- twice a week at the Arch and then walking as much as possible in between. It became my mission- a new goal. I am now physicially ready- are we all emotionally ready to release David’s ashes into the place he loved so much- holding onto his essence in all our memories.

July 24-26

The Oliver’s are all coming from different directions and at different times- all meeting together on July 31 outside Estes Park for a celebration dinner with David’s closest friends. The Mike Oliver family (minus Matt) has set off for the great Southwest- visiting national parks and treasures. The Brad Olivers set off one day later heading northwest and doing the same.

Jessica, Christina, Ollie and I head out straight for Estes Park- we call ourselves the lead team. Arriving for a week, Debbie wants to adjust to the altitude and continue training as well as getting all things prepared so we have a celebration worthy of Davids praise. We are off to a great start! Stopping first at Topeaka Ks for the night and then Boulder we manage to keep Oliver (now 2 years old) entertained and occupied- as well as dry given his Potty training! He is an angel although sleeping is a bit of a challenge and a couple of bumps in the meals. We meet Bob Sieble for brunch on Sunday - poor Jess trying to deal with Ollies sudden fatigue and constrant trips to the bathroom, not to mention spilled milk. Lucky Bob has grandkids so has seen the challenges before! We enjoy our visit and set off to find our home away from home.

This mountain home was selected in October with David’s encouragement and blessing. He wanted us all together and knew we needed to book early to get it on calendars and get what we needed. Sight unseen we booked a 6 bedroom mountain home on 11 acres just outside the park for $700 per night! The photos were reviewed by all, including David, and it looked spacious and peaceful. We got the final directions two weeks before and while saying it was minutes from the Stanley Hotel and 15 minutes from the entrance to the park- it appeared differently given the directions- but we will manage.

The fact is it is near Glen Haven, the absolute center of the flood of 2013! While the house was not harmed all roads in and out were completely gone- and are still, two years later, being replaced. The roads in and out are dirt- narrow- and under construction. In fact- signs warn of a 1 hour delay Monday-Friday. Hmmm.

We follow directions, up and down and around and across. The drive comes to an abrupt stop when you must make an immediate sharp U turn into the drive way and at the same time climb a steep narrow driveway. Not looking over the edge is critical as you are sure to plunge to your death! When reaching the “end” of a long narrow climb you have a sharp hairpin curve and climb higher. All of a sudden the “pavement” stops and you are on gravel- still climbing until a sudden stop at the garage. After breathing a sigh of relief and questioning my sanity and applauding my success we see Frank- the keeper on the step. The entire journey on dirt and narrow roads we are commenting how much David would have loved this!

Frank laughs when he sees us and tells us he was not expecting anyone until Wednesday!! YIKES! Its ok though the house is apparently ready. He tells us  more about the challenges of driving these roads and gives us a few hints. We enter the house and are pleased with what we find- very spacious- plenty of sleeping and play space as well as 2 kitchens. We will survive. As with most of colorado there is no air conditioning but a great breeze and numerous decks will keep us comfy.  No cell service but we have Internet!

We must brave the drive down so we can get food and supplies- and to say we are fearful is an understatement. I drive remembering everything David taught me about mountain driving- only thing was that was not on gravel! There is no place on Old Fall River Road as bad as this driveway! After driving in first gear we decide its worse going up than coming down thank goodness. We head to town deciding to try the other way- less construction but a 45 minute drive vs 20. Hmmm. We get groceries for a couple days, eat at Momma Rosas and head back before dark.

Our first night felt a bit like Psycho! Pretty scary in the pitch black for three women and a little man-especially knowing bears were plentiful! The owner of the house checks in and says he does not know why Frank was here as he should not have been- that also concerns us. We were wishing we had some guns or at least one more pepper spray! We lock all doors! The view is fantastic on the mountain! The stars and moon are right here. From the balcony we hear the stream rushing below that did all this damage! Ollie announces hes ready to sleep and we stay up visiting before all collapsing with fatigue.