For some reason, we were all up by 7:30 this morning....the sun was really strong, the sky was really bright blue......and after a couple of cups of coffee I was coming alive. We went over to the Clubhouse to meet with one of the managers to discuss the things that are around here that we might like to do, besides taking in and enjoying the gorgeous scenery around here.
After the meeting, we packed some sandwiches, chips, drinks, and some suntan lotion....and loading the backpack with jackets, etc.......we were off up into the Mts. We drove up to Lake Lilly....a beautiful lake surrounded by the tall mountains. Checking the NP maps, we decided to take the Lake Lilly Ridgeline Trail.....which then came down on the other side of the lake.....a total of 2.5 miles.
And soooo, up the trail we went......and it did get to the puffing point before long, but nothing was nearly as strenuous as many other I have been on over the years. We really enjoyed the views, the aromatic pine trees, and the deer and ground squirrels/chipmunks that were on the trail. We did make several stops at open spots where we could overlook the lake and across to the high mountains on the other side of the lake. I was surprised at how quickly I have adjusted to the high altitude up here.......there have been times over the years when I was puffing and panting all the time, but.....my sagging hulk seems to be in better shape???? Hmmmm....rather surprising, to say the least.
We made the complete trail on the ridge, continued on around the lake, and returned to the beginning of the trails where we decided to have a bite of lunch. The sandwiches were great.....and the fresh plums and other fruit really tasted great after the turkey/cheese/fresh tomato sandwiches!!!!
The view were just spectacular from the ridge trail.....and I am anxious to go farther into the NP in the day or so to get up on the Trail Ridge Road.....one of the highest roads in the continental USA. As we finished lunch....the clouds had arrived and it began raining on the other side of the lake and was headed our way........so we gathered up our packs, etc....and headed for the car. We eased our way back down the hairpin curves......and enjoyed the sights as we descended into Estes Park. Such a GREAT afternoon!!!!!!!
Returning to the condo, we kicked back and relaxed a while......and then we drove over to the National Park entrance area where we checked out the Visitor Center, watching a movie on the park and all it has to offer. We then returned to the condo...and went back to the Clubhouse to listen to a Park expert give a talk on the wildflowers of the National Park.....and what to expect in this particular time of season changing.
At the condo, we decided to grill some hamburgers, have some wine, and also we put on some red peppers, zucchinni, and cooked some corn on the cob. It was all great......tasty.....and tasted even better with the views of the mountains out of the windows.
It has been a super day!!!!! Tomorrow???? We'll see what the weather does....think it will be about like today: great morning and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. Very typical for mountain summer weather.
HEY....just got a phone call from Matt McDaniel.....a former student who graduated from F'town HS in the mid-90's...and he is now in Vet School at Colorado State Univ in Ft. Collins. We are going to get together for dinner one evening this week.....and I am really anxious to see him!!! The last time we were together was out in Arizona about 3 years ago........!
And sooooo...another wonderful day here in the Rocky Mountains...and looking forward to several more before we depart on Friday for Wyoming. I have to call our friends in Wyoming in the morning....and get our reservations at their RV Park in Thayne, WY for sometime next week! (Hear me out there???).
With such a wonderful place here.....and such great company with Dave and Ruthie......it is, as always.........
LIFE IS REALLY INCREDIBLY GREAT!!!!!!......And, I hope it is for all of you, also!!!!!!!
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