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:


Lake Granby, outside the park








Clean up for lunch




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


Stopped at another creek:


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






Hike to the bridge:

Notice the Swift Water sign?

I had an ambush waiting for me once I reached the bridge:
















Kick off your shoes...


We've got more exploring to do..




Jewel's getting brave.


Maybe not.


The boys are tough, though...they can handle it. they can handle anything.


Well......maybe not Jake...


Just don't go past that big rock.


Not a problem for some.


But of course he can't let his little brother out do him.


Jonas up to his neck in melted Rocky Mountain snow.

Wearing a shirt made the water somehow less cold, he says.

He felt so good about himself he allowed a photo.


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


We bypassed Estes park and planned on heading home. Then we saw Lily Lake.

Who could resist?


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.


Even Jonas caught the fun walking bug.



I could follow these people forever.



Every once in a while though I get a: Are you coming?

I could have stayed out here forever.


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).

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.

Estes Park on Dwellable

Slight detour

Originally we planned on heading straight home after Jordan's deployment but we felt bad for not taking the kids to an aquarium while we were in San Diego so we promised them we'd take them to another place they've been wanting to go. Can you guess where?




Hint: Colorado River runs through it.


You're so smart. The Grand Canyon!

We came up through the southern entrance, staying outside the park the first night and catching the Grand Canyon Movie at the IMAX theatre before heading into the park the next day. The movie claims to be "the most watched IMAX movie ever" but they really should call it "the most expensive IMAX movie ever that really isn't even worth it" but, at least I have the ticket stubs for my empty scrapbook. It was good in that it told the story of the peoples of the canyon, rather than the geological history, which was cool, but it definitely needs to be updated....it's probably also the "oldest IMAX movie ever".

This was our very first view of the canyon.

Yes...I was surprised to see snow. It was nice, though. I didn't cry, I was saving that for Colorado.


I was also wearing red, and one lady asked me if I did that on purpose so I could find everybody. So maybe I'm a little obsessed with red.

We drove the entire length of the southern side and after the locals gave us the stare down we decided against staying another night.


We exited throught the eastern gate and kept on going. And so did the canyon. Outside the park has almost as many pullputs for viewpoints as inside, only they're surrounded by local artisans, making uncomfortable at times to even pull over. One particualer spot, I believe they called it "The Little Grand Canyon" had probably fifty booths set up at it, and in order to get to the viewing point they actually fenced off the parking area forcing you to go right down the middle of their booths. Joey stayed in the car while the kids and I attempted to make it through without buying anything. One dream catcher later, and we made it.


Just the hike alone was worth it.


Having the kids fight over giving eachother bunny ears while standing on the edge was a little scary.



Luckily, no one got hurt and they remain best friends forever.