20 replies to this topic

[ProfHall]

I thought of this after reading RhondaM's comment about her Bear Lake photo on this week's "Weekly View" (CHECK IT OUT!). Do any of you have anything like a traditional first thing to do when you go?

IF we start out on the EP side, the first thing we do is the family walk around Sprague Lake with photos taken on the same rock every year.

IF we drive over TRR to the GL side, the first thing is the stop at Forest Canyon overlook for the family "Christmas card" photos! And, the first evening at the cabin is always grilled hamburgers followed by a trip to Grand Lake Chocolates for !

How do you start your trip?

[Malok]

I usually start each trip by opening the door. After that, I have no idea what will happen next. Wasn't it Bilbo who said, "It's a dangerous thing, Frodo, stepping out that door. And if you don't follow your feet there's no knowing where you'll be swept off to... "

[ProfHall]

Yes, Malok, "the road goes ever on..."

And, that door comment is almost too cruel to bear for the rest of us!

[John]

First thing we do is go to the backcountry office and pick up our permit so we're set for an early start the next morning. Then it's off to Poppy's Pizza for supper, then to the hotel to check in, then to get ice cream at the place near the "Mall" in downtown Estes, then to the library to check email one last time, then to the hotel to get the pack ready, then to bed, then to the Big Horn Restaurant at 6 a.m. for breakfast, then to the trailhead. Same routine every year, with little variation.

[GLENNinPA]

Find a bathroom!

[dryad]

We generally get to GL in the evening, so after getting settled in, we run into the park for animal-watching. The next morning generally starts with a trip up to the AVC, and at least as far as RockCut.

[Gandalf]

I thought I MUST respond since Lord of the Rings was brought into the thread. I see I'm not the only fan.

The only "first thing" I have to do is take a deep breath of mountain air, and that seems to erase all my stress/worries/troubles.

This is quickly followed by pictures and a bathroom break.


--Gandalf--

[BukElgle]

The first thing we do is drive to Alluvial Fan and walk up to the over look.
It's also the last place we visit before we head back to the flatlands. Over
the years it's become a tradition.

Rick

[Melanie]

Before we even get to our cabin Allie and I head to Horseshoe Park/Alluvial Fan area just to breathe it in. Then we head to our room to unpack, and then it is right back into the park.


Melanie<><

[chipper]

First thing we do is buy our RMNP pass and go up to Rainbow curve. Then we go to Safeway and get groceries - go check in - then back up TRR to that first pull-over above Horseshoe Park and we sit on the big rocks and just enjoy!!!

[Andy]

Being a local, my S.O.P. is obviously different but goes something like this:

Water and snacks... check.
Appropriate clothing... check.
Map and compass... check.
Sunglasses and cap... check.

All good - hit the trail.

[gwallaia]

Depending on what time we arrive in Estes Park, we will stop by the grocery store and load up on food and drink. After checking in we drive to our campsite in Moraine Park. This is especially satisfying when there is someone with me that has never been to RMNP, the oohs and ahhs sound pretty good.

Unload the car and set up camp then relax and soak in the sights. Have lunch and take a short hike.

To cap off the first day we always make sure to attend the program at the ampitheater that evening. We try to make it every evening if possible.

The last thing we do is always the hardest, leaving RMNP and hitting the road for the long drive home.

[foxfire]

Since Sharon and I always go to EP/RMNP the last week of Sept. or first week of Oct., we do have a plan! We arrive Sat. evening about 6:00ish, settle in to our accomodations and grab a bite and then buy supplies at Safeway. This not being to interesting, I will move on to what I would consider our "1st" thing we do. We go into the park Sunday morning using the north entrance and go right to Old Fall River Road and go up to the AVC and take in all the beauty of that little trip! Weather permitting ofcourse! Just incase it is closed soon after we arrive! If we have time we might just drive to Bear Lake and back down. Usualy just avoiding the weekend crouds and just acclimate, and wait to begin our "touring" on the much less crouded Monday! If we do the Donut Haus that day we go in the south entrance and eat at a place we call Donut Rock. Yepper, the one south of 36 and just above Upper Beaver Medows! Yepper!

[goatboy]

hi all,
well the absolute first thing to do at vacation time is before we leave home put in the joe walsh cd and tune up song 17, ROCKY MOUNTAIN WAY ! the first thing once we get to the mountains is to it on the deck outside the cabin and say hello to the big thompson river flowing by and let the worries float away for about an hour
seeya
goatboy

[misssilly]

Well, like Andy and Erik, I have a bit of a different strategy. (Boy, it sure feels good to say that!)

My first stop used to be Many Parks Curve, to see the views, on my way to the west side where I like to camp. Have you ever woken up with elk and moose next door? It's just too cool. The west side is actually my favorite 'area', but this fall, I actually didn't get over there.

Anyway, this fall, I've pretty much had hikes set when I left Ft. Collins, so after doing them, I always go by Horseshoe Park in the afternoon, after the rain. I just love to watch the clouds break and the sunlight start coming through. Fall River Canyon is so awesome at that time of day!!!

Jen