12 replies to this topic

[Scrapinator]

I love to go to Ouzel Falls. They are one of my favorite falls in the park. So, on Wednesday, we decided Ouzel Falls it would be. We got there early, thank goodness, because when we got down the closest parking was a mile or two from the trailhead. The water, as everywhere else in the park, was running fast and high along the trail.



Just prior to getting to Calypso Cascades, I noticed this little guy that had managed to find what looks like the peel of an apple.



Calypso Cascades was beautiful. I love all the water and the sounds. It was too late for the orchids, though, unfortunately.



We were passed by a few horses on the trail.



We got to Ouzel and took a few pictures. By this time, we had decided that we would go to Meadow Mountain Cafe when we got back from the falls. We probably didn't stay at the falls as long as we would have had we not known we had to get the Meadow Mountain Cafe before they closed and they close at 2:00.

I did get a few shots and a video of the falls.



Ouzel Falls Video

And a rainbow in the mist.



Another ho hum day in the park, so far. We headed down. Just after the cascades we passed a couple who said there was a moose a bit further down on the trail. Well, I'm not that naive. Let's see -- heard on the Cub Lake trail "There was a moose in the lake just about 15 minutes ago." Heard on the Big Meadow Trail "There was a moose at the bridge, just about 10 minutes down the trail." Heard on the Fern Lake Trail "You just missed a moose. He was right on the trail." So, I know that moose on the trail is just a park myth.

We continued down the trail and turned a corner to see this:



That, folks, is a momma moose and she had two calves with her. The babies were as curious about us as we were about them.





I took some video of Momma and one of the babies. Moose Video

I kept my eye on where the momma and babies were. I didn't want to accidentally get between her and them. However, the calves were staying very close to momma.

Edited by Scrapinator, 14 August 2011 - 04:11 PM.

[Scrapinator]

I stayed for a while taking more pictures before moving on.











And then they turned and disappeared into the underbrush.



What an amazing experience! The babies were absolutely gorgeous. The momma kept her eye on us, but seemed unperturbed by our presence. We headed on down the trail. At the trailhead, i shared the sighting with the rangers who were there. They looked through my pictures and said I had to stop at the ranger station to show one of the other rangers my pictures. One of the rangers said he would rather not have her close to the trail. It is too tempting for people to try to get close and either inadvertently or intentionally get between the momma and babies.

We did stop at the Meadow Mountain Cafe in Allenspark. If you've never been there, you should go there sometime. It is tiny and you might need to share a table with people you don' t know.



I had the Even Better Burger -- avocados, yum!



I hated it



The burger was followed by Blackberry Cobbler. It was so good no one thought to take a "before" shot!



Overall, it was an amazing day and one I won't forget for a long time.

Edited by Scrapinator, 14 August 2011 - 04:12 PM.

[Allie]

What a great day you had. So glad you saw momma and the babies, loved those photos. Never been to the Meadow Mountain Cafe. Their food looks delicious, especially the blackberry cobbler, YUM!

[Monica]

Wow, what an incredible day!
I would be so tickled about the mamma and babies.
Those are great pictures!
I think Jo has recommended the Meadow Mountain Cafe before. Your burger looks delicious. I love avocado and put it in sandwiches a lot.

[mistylady]

So glad you got to see moose on the trail! They appear to be all over the park now - not just on the west side. We went to the Meadow Mountain Cafe for the first time last September. We went for breakfast. It was the best breakfast ever! We plan on going back this September. May try the lunch this time. Very yummy. It is a tiny little place but I highly recommend giving it a try.
I really enjoyed seeing the force of the water at Ouzel Falls. The falls are nothing like that in September.

[mwilson]

What a great day you had! Love to hike along rushing water and the moose shots were wonderful!

[John]

Great shot of Ouzel...love the mist spray coming off the falls.

[randyman]

Very nice, Ouzel Falls was the first hike I ever went on in RMNP.....Aaron is to blame.
Thanks for sharing.....

Randyman

[B-Jay]

What a thrill to see the moose so close and in an unexpected spot! I only hope I can be as lucky someday.

B-Jay

[Aaron]

Great photos and food talk as well! @monica - I love avocado as well.

--Aaron

[goatboy]

thanks for the tip about the cafe, i have wondered about it before but never made a trip to do it, thanks

o yeah, nice trip report too

[HighPlainsMedic]

Now that is a treat.. Moose, good times, good food.... excellent!

[jflo]

awesome day... morning and afternoon!!