First, a fun drive up the canyon beside the Big Thompson River (and some flood damage is still visible from last summer). It's nice that it is only an hour from Fort Collins. Then a quick picnic lunch in the city square.
Followed by lots of window-shopping. Estes Park is a fun, touristy city.
Wading in the river as it goes through town.
We had an extra for the day, but she was fabulous! Everyone was genial and game.
The reward of an ice cream cone might have had something to do with that.
While one van went back to Fort Collins with little ones who needed a nap,
Our van ventured into Rocky Mountain National Park, even though the forecast was not
great. (And especially since a couple of people were hit by lightning there recently.)
Vacation is just not complete until I've been in the mountains. My soul is nourished!
We were at 12,005 feet at the top of this little walk. The air was quite thin and I huffed and puffed up the stairs, but it was still easier than climbing on the Great Wall. And it was SO cold! Tundra!
As we came down in elevation, the warmth returned (and so did the sun).
