Monday, December 29

Rocky Mountain National Park

The weekend before Joey's accident we were road trippin' through Rocky Mountain National Park. It was weeks later before I even downloaded the photos to my laptop. Then another week before we even looked at them. So I guess it's no surprise it's months before I get around to blogging about it. BUT...In order to fully experience our drive through Rocky Mountain National Park with us, you must first turn up the stereo. If you're reading this through a reader I tried to embed the music player but it wouldn't work, so if you want to get the full experience you'll have to take that extra click to get you there, to my actual site. I know..the horror. But I like to think it's worth it.

Starting point, our guest room at The Longbranch Restaurant in Granby, CO:
The Longbranch Restaurant & guest rooms

Lake Granby, outside the park
Lake Granby

Rocky Mtn Nat Park

road to the top of the World

Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Clean up for lunch
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Rocky Mtn Nat Park

While everyone else gets ready to eat, Jewel can't put down her new caterpillar friend.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Stopped at another creek:
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

This is where I make them stop what they're doing and smile for the camera
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 225

Hike to the bridge:
Rocky Mtn Nat Park 220
Notice the Swift Water sign?

I had an ambush waiting for me once I reached the bridge:
Rocky Mtn Nat Park 223

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 227

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 236

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 240

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 241

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 245

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 247

Rocky Mtn Nat Park 257

Kick off your shoes...
Rocky Mountain slippers

We've got more exploring to do..
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Jewel's getting brave.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park 269

Maybe not.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park 270

The boys are tough, though...they can handle it. they can handle anything.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Well......maybe not Jake...
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

Just don't go past that big rock.
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Not a problem for some.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park

But of course he can't let his little brother out do him.
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Jonas up to his neck in melted Rocky Mountain snow.
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Wearing a shirt made the water somehow less cold, he says.

He felt so good about himself he allowed a photo.
All dried up

We went to Moraine Park Museum next, where we edumacated ourselves on glaciers and mountains and Indians and buffalo and.....and....
Moraine park Museum

We bypassed Estes park and planned on heading home. Then we saw Lily Lake.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park, Lily Lake trail
Who could resist?
Lily Lake

By the time everyone figured out it was longer than they thought, it was too late..they couldn't turn back. Jewel didn't mind at all.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park, Lily Lake

Even Jonas caught the fun walking bug.
Rocky Mtn Nat Park, Lily Lake

Rocky Mtn Nat Park, Lily Lake
I could follow these people forever.

Lily Lake trail

Every once in a while though I get a: Are you coming?
Rocky Mtn Nat Park, Lily Lake trail
I could have stayed out here forever.
Lily Lake

We topped off the day with a poolside room in, I believe, Eagle, CO. I do know for sure it was a Holiday Inn Express (quickly becoming my home away from home away from bus).
Holiday Inn in Eagle, CO
We got a nice discount on the room, then the free poolside upgrade, along with the boys' desire to swim and play until pool closing......we splurged and treated ourselves to room service, wonderful room service, including dessert.

As beautiful as the Park was, the kids declared the hotel the highlight of the weekend. I loved it all. Joey just dreams of being able to walk across mossy rocks in swift water again.

After rereading this post I realized there's not one mention of how it was crowded as hell and we couldn't get a parking spot at any of the major sites. The only way to see the the most popular parts of the park was to take the shuttle bus....and that wasn't happening. It also rained a lot. The massive people is what I remember as my biggest turn off for the park, but we quickly found cool, off the beaten path places and had a great time, probably even better than the key tourist places. I took a gazillion pictures this day, and thankfully!! because when we looked through the pictures on the computer we had COMPLETELY forgotten about swimming in the icy cold river and hiking around Lily Lake. All I remembered was we were there, and there were too many people. ( Joey's accident turned everything else into a big blur)The pictures bring it all back for me and each one has it's own story behind it. Not a story with words, just a lot of good feelings. Feelings that we can't wait to get back to someday...soon.

13 comments:

organic tribe said...

It is so good to see a post from you! I've missed them. Your pictures are beautiful!

PEACE!

lisafer said...

Great pictures and great music! I second what organic tribe said, it's good to see you back. Hope you're all on the road again soon.

Deanne said...

As always, your pictures are absolutely stunning! Good to see/hear from you again too. Happy New Year to you & your crew.

Show Us The World said...

So great to see you posting again. Gorgeous pictures as always and great tunes! Hope all is well with your family.

Anonymous said...

what a wonderful landscape!!!
keep posting!! i love to read about your adventures!
Francesca from Italy

Anonymous said...

I am so happy you posted !! I have been waiting to see a post from your family.

Those are wonderful pictures and what a wonderful suprise to have music too. I love to follow your families journeys

I hope Joe is doing well.

Prayers and Hugs to You and Your Family

Cindy

hahamommy said...

What a perfect soundtrack ;) I'm glad I followed orders!
(((((Vicki))))

Anonymous said...

Love the Pics! So glad you posted, I've really missed your adventures. Happy New Year and I hope your husband is doing well. Again, so glad you are back!

Kathy said...

So glad to see the long awaited update! The pictures are absolutely amazing - really you have such an amazing eye!

Madeline Rains said...

beautiful! I love the music and it perfectly suits your family and pictures.

Heather's Moving Castle said...

It was awesome to see you all!! i was just re-reading your blog and seeing stuff we saw while there! it all looks great here, but really much better in person!! I love the song on your blog! I meant to tell u that the other day. You're so groovy!!!

I cant get the vids to upload to flickr. i got them to upload to my computer fine. :( I'll try to upload again later. Let Jewel know.

Hugs,
Heather

Jody said...

Beautiful.

i was wondering when you would pop in with a post. How are you all doing? Still in the land of cows and lots of "ya'lls"?

Excellent taste in music!

laurie l. goodman said...

touching and beautiful

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