16 replies to this topic

[mistylady]

We arrived in Estes Park on Wednesday, Sept. 7 about 3:30 p.m. to light misting and lots of clouds. The mountains were no where to be seen when we drove into town. As dissappointing as that may be, it turned out to be the only rainy, cloudy day we had in our 25 days in the park. The misting rain even stopped when we got to the campground and began setting up. We decided to head into the park. Stopped at the visitor center at Upper Beaver Meadows, drove to Moraine Park (looking for a sighting of our first elk of the trip), headed around to Horseshoe Park and out the Fall River entrance. Headed on to the Safeway and stocked up. Of course, we had to eat our first dinner at Smokin' Dave's! Very yummy, too.
The next day the rain had stopped, but it was still fairly cloudy over the mountains. We still wanted to head on up to the top. We were not ready to do any hiking yet, as we need a couple days to acclimate (breathing in important to us older folks!). Headed up Fall River Road to the AVC where we had a delicious cup of coffee. We stopped at several overlooks on the way down TRR.

Just took one picture - wanted to say "Hi" to Ida even though she was covered in clouds.

She was still looking pretty good to us!

We saw our first sighting of elk right at the Ute Trail. We were very impressed with the bull and large harem. Of course, we were so lacking elk pictures we had to take at least 20 more!
Here is the "Bull". I was very impressed that he looked so clean, yet there were so many females with him.


And we got to hear our first bugle of the year! I was after a picture of the bull, but, unknown to me at the time, I also got a mama and baby nursing in there, too.


In fact, there were several nursing moms in the herd.


After TRR, we headed to Bear Lake and was greeted by this little guy.


Had to say "hello" to Hallett -


And to Long's -


And to the very special rock. We get a picture of this rock every time we come. I even have a picture of it framed in our house. It brings back many memories of our kids playing on it when they were growing up. Our daughter would be the first one on it, but could never get back from it. Always needed help. Two years ago, she was able to take her son out on that rock. And, no, she didn't need any help getting back any more.


We left with this little guy watching over Bear Lake.


We were really looking forward to our time in the mountains. The next day we were going to do some warm-up hiking. Report to follow later.

[jflo]

Sounds like a wonderful intro!! Can't wait to follow you around!!! Thanks for sharing!!

[Qbert]

Great report. I like the "specialness" of the rock.

[John]

Awesome report! Great crittershots too!

[B-Jay]

Nice way to get acclimated by driving around to some of your favorite places in the park.

I like the shot of the bull elk; he's a good looking guy.

It was also nice of you to chase away the rain and clouds for when John and I got to the park.

B-Jay

[hector]

You are so fortunate to spend so much time in the park at once! Great first report.

[Monica]

What a wonderful first day!
I love that picture with the bugling bull and nursing mom. What a great capture, Terry!

[Rhonda]

Great first day in the park!

[Bill 007]

More, please....

Oliver

[Allie]

Great photos, especially touching are the babies nursing. Can't wait to read and see more of your days in the park.

[Igloo Ed]

Great way to begin your time in the Park. The clouds look beautiful.

[DrCloud]

25 days! Three weeks and four days!! Two dozen days plus 1!!!

I am very jealous. Especially at that time of year.

You plan well indeed. And I'm certain the weather cleared for you. HPH

[Grannyheart]

So, this was the beginning of a VERY cool visit to the park....for Bob and me! lol You and Paul sure packed in a lot of very cool adventures while you were here (can't wait to see and hear more!) and I'm so thankful you let Bob and me tag a long on some of them.

I love your elk pics....especially with the mom and baby. That's something I haven't seen this year. And, I loved learning about your "special rock" at Bear Lake. Those family memories are always SO special. Ya know, I'VE got a "special rock" at Bear Lake now too....and it just happens to be the one where we frolicked together. I LOVE that spot and will always be thinking about you every time I return there!! :)

[Mark Zemmin]

The Elk look so beautiful before they start fighting. Great images.

[GLENNinPA]

Great photos. Especially the Elk ones.