Hiking RMNP

Hi y'all

We have been working way too much and finally got a 2 day reprieve today and tomorrow.  Although the work is very demanding and so is the schedule, we're having fun and enjoying our time with Photos by Dill.

It was great not having a wakeup call & getting a little extra time in bed this morning.  After a rainy day yesterday, it was great to get the sun back.  Incidentally, we had three family reunions to shoot during the rains.  That was an experience. 

Last week, we went to a Big Horned Sheep presentation, at RMNP.  The presentation is given daily, by one of the Park Rangers.  Very informational!

Afterwards, we took one of the many roads in the park.  This one, as you can see, it is as beautiful as all the others.  It leads to an abandoned campground that has been transformed to day use only.  Mainly for picnics.  That worked out just great for us right next to a quiet stream.

 

We have continued to be entertained by the elk in our campground.  This big guy was hanging around outside our trailer.  He was unconcerned with the number of campers taking pictures of him from every direction!  

 

We visited Sprague Lake again today.  We took one of the many trails available and hiked for almost one hour.  We encountered many additional trails leading in varied directions.  It was peaceful, quiet and a great cool breeze that made the walk very enjoyable.  We found ourselves at a much higher altitude than when we started but it was a great trail.  The only depressing thing was having to watch the trees.  We were among the pine forest.  The smell of pine permeated the air but the sight was difficult to watch.  The great majority of  the trees had been infected by "pine beetles" and many of the trees are dead or dying.

At an intersection with signs in every direction providing the distance to many other distant locations, we decided to turn back.  Then we walked around the lake to be amused by the many fisherman in the water trying their luck.  By the look of things, it seemed that their time was more productive being in the water than by what they were attempting to catch.

 

Drove into town for lunch and diesel fuel.  Not recommended these be mixed.  An enjoyable day relaxing under our awning with great cool breezes for the afternoon was the "business of the day".

Tomorrow we plan on visiting the park again to take a gravel road up the side of the mountain that leads to the Alpine Visitor Center.  It is supposed to be a beautiful ride.  Stay tuned....