Estes Park, Co

Early this summer my mom asked if I wanted to go to Estes Park in August.  Of course I said, "YES!  But, I have to talk to Trav.  It's harvest you know".  But, since I am probably married to the best guy ever(!) he said, "that sounds like a great idea.  Do you think you could make me some freezer meals before you go?"

Estes Park has been a special place for my family (particularly the Cyphers family) for a very long time.  My Grandma Joyce's aunt and uncle were teachers in Denver, Co and spent the summers at a lodge they owned leading excursions and classes into Rocky Mountain National Park.  I have a copy of a picture of my grandma's family at the top of Trail Ridge in a snowbank.  (Grandma Joyce is a toddler who did not make the picture because she was sleeping in the car).  My grandparents went to Estes Park for their honeymoon, my mom, sister and I all worked at the YMCA during a summer during college, my parents first held hands on a hike in Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park, Trav came with me to celebrate my grandparents 55th wedding anniversary the summer before we were engaged, and now we try to visit at least every other year.
  
If you ever have a chance to visit, you won't regret it! 

We had a great time hiking, hanging out around the cabin, picnicking, driving up Fall River Road, visiting Uncle Todd and Patricia in Denver, visiting Liam's future wife and her family (Hazel, that's you!), eating at a few favorite restaurants, and having a great time relaxing with Grandma Diane and Katie and Cam.   

 On the deck at the cabin

Above Mary's Lake

 Endo Valley picnic area.  Anna & Paige spent at least an hour crossing the river by walking across the logs in the background. 

 At the top!  If you look just above Liam's head you can see the road we came up. 

 In Uncle Todd's office with Patricia; 47 floors above Denver.  

 Getting ready for a hike.  

National Geographic Magazine put on a BioBlitz in Estes while we were there.  It was set up for elementary school kids with displays of all the different types of bats, butterflies, reptiles that are in the park, pelts of various animals, a petting zoo that included a wallaby, large turtle, goats, sheep, and a six week old camel, an area to create arts and crafts, and groups like the Forest Service, NOLS, the Sierra club, Waste Management, etc.  It was amazing.