architecture,  clouds,  Documentary/Street,  landscape,  mountains,  National Parks,  Rocky Mountain National Park

Estes Park and RMNP

August 18, 2014
This is a small park area along the river.
This is a small park area along the river.

I decided to make a drive up to Estes Park yesterday. My intent was to grab a coffee and sit along the river to read and write. The thought crossed my mind to maybe have lunch before coming back. I ended up driving up to Trail Ridge Road. What a glorious day to make that drive. Last Fall Estes Park had a flood come through the town and wiped out most of it. Here are a few images. The city is built along the banks for the Big Thompson River and has been a tourist attraction for years. I am amazed at how well it looked. Lunch was probably the best turkey/bacon wrap with a pesto sauce to die for.

Fishing Lure Mailbox
I found this fishing lure mailbox outside a fly fishing shop.
Looking out over the valley towards Estes Park
Looking out over the valley towards Estes Park. You can see the road I just drove up.

I later drove up to Trails Ridge Road which is the highest continuous road in the United States and goes from Estes Park to Grand Lake on the Western side of the Divide. Trail Ridge  Road crosses the Continental Divide at Milner Pass at 10,758ft and reaches a maximum elevation of 12,183ft. Needless to say it is closed for winter. 🙂

Yes, they were riding over the 13,000 foot pass.
Yes, they were riding over the pass. They are younger than I am.
Trail Ridge Looking North near the summit.
Trail Ridge looking north near the summit.
The road goes above timberline where trees are not able to grow.
The road goes above timberline where trees are not able to grow.
That's Longs Peak in the distance at 14,259 feet in elevation.
That’s Longs Peak in the distance at 14,259 feet in elevation.
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep
Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep at one of the turnouts.
Stout, Colorado
I drove through Stout, Colorado on the way home. I’m assuming that number 48, in the population count, is on it’s way.

Retired. Having fun with photography. Journal daily. Meditate daily. Learning haiku/poetry. Have a love for fountain pens.

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