Although we had ambitious plans of rising early and going on the most popular hike in the park, arriving at the trailhead before 7:30, this did not happen. We both were tired, and the 6:30 came and went and neither of us got out of bed. At about 8:00,Dick suggested a new agenda for the day: a chill day. No big hikes, no huge drives. Just hanging out, reading and napping, chocolate-covered doughnuts for breakfast, a little laundry right in our building. We both HATE to miss out on enjoying anything beautiful, but the sky is overcast, and the temperature is 46 degrees ( more than 60 degrees colder than we had a few days ago. Actually, it is cold and we had to dig out our jeans and sweatshirts. What a change elevation and going north makes!
We also got some Noosa yogurt. This is the brand from the company that our friend, Aaron, in Fort Collins works for. It is “Aussie Culture, Colorado Fresh. Delicious! Including Strawberry Rhubarb! And then for lunch, we got to enjoy the New Mexican Tumbleweed Soup, that friend Hank Bruce sent along with us, made of young tumbleweeds (before they dry up and roll down the road). Delicious, and a very cool experience, although nice to eat something warm on a cool day. We have such interesting friends, eh?
A hang out day was just the ticket. We know we will have many more lovely mountains coming up. For now, how about a murder mystery? Yes!
So the hangout day went very well. At about 3 o'clock Dick suggested we head back over to the National Park for a short stroll along around Sprague Lake. By this time it had warmed up to the mid-60s and the sun was out. As we get near to the park Patty realized there was a park ranger session park ranger park ranger about volunteering in the park. We joined about 10 other volunteers who spent about 45 minutes picking up litter in the campground. It was led by an enthusiastic park ranger Who let us in a discussion about why we should pick up litter. At the end of the time we all brought back our buckets filled with paper glass, plastic, ropes, photos, and Dick even found it carefully wrapped plastic bag full of dog poop. Altogether in our short time, we collected a little less than 5 pounds of trash. In a campground that was amazingly clean.
Just after leaving the campground, we looked up the valley in which we had hiked yesterday.The sun shimmered on the Big Thompson River with the mountains dramatically at the end of the valley. Of course, we had to find a place to stop and take some photos. We loved the sights and fresh air. Delightful!
Then we set off for our lovely stroll around Sprague Lake. This 13-acre lake was once part of a fine resort in the area. It now has a lovely walking path around it and we enjoyed watching and chatting with the many other people who were enjoying the day.
The mountains in the lake we're beautiful. We also ran across the end of a couple of weddings in this lovely setting. What a great spot for a wedding. We even had ur photo taken by the lake. And we watched a number of anglers including some doing fly fishing. Mostly fishing not much catching.
Instead of heading back to cook dinner, Dick suggested we go to the busiest spot in Rocky Mountain National Park: Bear Lake. Our plan had been to go there early in the day before the crowds were crazy. Instead, we arrived late in the afternoon when the crowds have died down. We thought we might just stroll a bit around the lake but ended up going all the way around. There were so many beautiful views. The reflection in the lake different ways of seeing the different mountains. This is indeed a very special beautiful spot. We were both so glad that we came out and got to see it when the weather had warmed up with a beautiful blue sky.
As we approached Bear Lake several people excitedly told us that there was a moose just a few yards up the trail. We could see an animal laying down in the thick brush but could not tell if it was a moose When it got up, it definitely was not a moose. It was a female elk. A while later as we continued along the trail, we found another animal This time is was much smaller and clearly a chipmunk.
On the way driving back down the mountain, Patti had declared she wanted to see you some elk and deer. Her wish was granted. In several spots, we saw particularly beautiful elk as well as a deer or two. So much fun, so beautiful.
Then back to our resort to cook for the lovely dinner and spend a little more time looking at her photos and thinking about our blog. Tomorrow we leave to head up to Wyoming. Our time in Colorado has been divine.
We wanted to give you a little sound bite from our walk today. We have been near so many streams, big and little, and the sound is always wonderful. Enjoy!
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