41 replies to this topic

[Marvman]

Got a "Note From The Trail" from Arrond today, thought everyone would like an update.


Hey folks, just a note to let you know things are going well. We had a couple of minor issues crop up, but it was nothing I couldn't handle. I am a seasoned veteran, after all.

Jenny and the kids are having a great time, it's nice for all of us to get to spend quality time together, all day, every day. Each waking hour, every moment, all the time. What day does school start?

A side note to all the campers out there, be sure and check your site VERY well before you decide on where to set up your tent. Location is very important, as illustrated by this story...

We arrived at Buffalo Rump campground, just inside the east entrance of the park, on Sunday. With all the problems we had experienced with the reservation system, we were a bit worried about getting a decent spot. Luckily many sites had been vacated by people only there for the weekend. We picked a nice, treed site not too far from the restrooms (but still far enough away, you know). With a fire ring, picnic table and one of those "grills on a stick", it seemed to have everything we needed. So, we proceeded to set up camp.

The tent was pitched, with the door facing the most scenic view (meaning "away" from the bathroom). We put down the sleeping pads and bags, and put the children in the tent, with a couple of Strawberry Pop Tarts, to keep them busy and out of the way, while we finished setting up the camp site. When we were done, we zipped up the tent, piled back into the van and went out to explore RMNP.

We spent the entire day in the park, went back down to Estes for dinner (McDonalds drive thru, kids choice). For some reason, the punk in the drive thru thought he recognized me. "Dude, do I know you?" "Thats nice of you, yes, I'm the Grand Poobah of RMNPforums.com" "No, thats not it, wait, your that dude in the newspaper". We hurried back to the campground.

The sun was just setting when we returned to the campsite. We fired up the lantern, played cards and board games, and let the kids run off whatever energy they had left over. About 9:30, we finally decided to call it a night, and get everyone tucked in.

As we lay in the tent, listening to the sound of the wind as it rustled through the trees, the kids breathing, an old man, bashing his shin against a tree on his way back from the bathroom; I hear Jenny say...

"What in the world?" "Owww" "Aaron, they're ALL OVER ME!!!"

The next thing I know, Jenny and the now-awake children are trying to claw their way out of the sleeping bags and tent. Then I start feeling things crawling on me.

Anthills are found across all of the United States, including Colorado. Little did I realize that there was a fairly large colony of ants, directly beneath the floor of our tent. I also failed to take into consideration, that, when children eat Pop Tarts, only 62 to 67% of the Pop Tart actually get consumed. The remainder falls to the ground, in this case, the floor of our tent. Add to this the fact that the bug netting on the door of the tent didn't get completely closed, you can see how this recipe is starting to take shape.

We are enjoying our condo very much, we consider ourselves very lucky to find one on such short notice. The can of bug spray is sitting on the counter, just in case.

Aaron

[Malok]

Marvman,

You've got great writing skills. You need to consider writing a book. I look forward to reading more of Aaron's adventures tomorrow.

Malok

[Marvman]

Yep, next installment, Aaron goes hiking and has a run-in with one of Gods little creatures.

Thats all I'm allowed to say. ;)

Marvman

[Aaron]

I wish I had more time to read these. Just read a few...funny. But I gotta go the cranky librarian keeps smacking my hands off the keyboard. (p.s. the newspaper was not supposed to print those photos)

--Aaron

[Veik]

How nice, I got a post card from Aaron's son today. It reads:

We saw a bunch of big animals today. My mom said they are elks. My dad tried to get real close so he could take a picture and one of them started to run after him. I never saw my dad run so fast.

Then we drove on a road that was real scary. When we stopped we saw a bunch of chipmonks next to a big rock and my dad tried to feed them crackers. I know you aren't sposed to feed the chipmonks because I'm learnin to be a junior ranger. I was going to tell my dad to stop but it was too late. Mister ranger already saw him do it. Mister ranger said "you're Aaron from Nebraska aren't you. I heard you were visiting." Everybody knows my dad here. Then he said "Don't feed the animals".

Then we went to the visitors center and they made me a junior ranger. Everybody clapped. It was cool except that my dad always wants to wear my junior ranger hat. I think he wants to be a junior ranger too.

My mom said we will cook hotdogs on a campfire tonight at Buffalo Rump campground. We had icecream yesterday. The door on the icecream place was stuck but my dad got it open.

[Marvman]

This just gets better and better.

Marvman

[Marvman]

I got another "Note From The Trail" from Aarond today, enjoy.


Wednesday, I had an opportunity to do some solo hiking. I guess waking to a light rain, with a forecast of no blue sky that day, didn't strike Jenny as particularly perfect hiking weather. She stated that she would be happy to stay with the kids, and let me have the entire day to commune with nature. What a woman I got!

She dropped me off at the Elk Pellet Trailhead, gave me a peck and a hug, and then headed back towards town. She would pick me up later that afternoon at a predetermined point, some 8 miles away from my current location.

I started off up the trail, feet clad in my oh-so-familiar hiking boots. Daypack slung across my back, containing all manner of necessary, and perhaps not so necessary items. My body wrapped in my "Mr. Drip" rainpants and poncho. Undoubtedly, the finest raingear known to man. Strong, lightweight and impervious to the elements. And in a dark, manly color. Not that bright yellow or orange, preferred by women and accountants.

(Please note - the management and administrators of RMNPforums.com do not condone or support the use of stereotypical generalizations when describing certain traits and characteristics of groups and types of peoples. We in no way support the above statements made about accountants. As far as the women comment goes, everybody knows chicks love bright colors.)

Today’s trek would take me through open meadows, along tight trails nestled between cascading waters and steep hillsides, through serene pine forests and along steep, rocky outcroppings. The light rain falling did little to dampen my spirits or enthusiasm, as I was well prepared. I am, as I stated, a seasoned veteran.

I continued on, stopping often to take a photo of some feature that caught my eye, or to ransack my daypack for water, gorp, or to refer to my map. Mid-day, I made a tarp of sorts out of my poncho and some cording I carry with me. This allowed me a somewhat dry spot to enjoy my lunch. After a short exploration of the surrounding area, I packed up and continued on.

Mid afternoon found me nearly three quarters of the way to my destination. By now, I had left behind the meadows and river valleys of the lower elevations, and was moving into less forested, more rocky terrain. I was still well below tree line. With the rains forecasted for the entire day, I planned a route that kept me well below that point, in case of lightning. The rains had one advantage; I had yet to see anyone else on this trail through my entire journey. It was as if I had the entire place to myself.

Ahead, I saw a rather large rock formation, extending over the trail. This created a large, dry area sheltered from the rain. It appeared to be a great place to take a break and get out of the rain for a bit. I peeled off my poncho and daypack, laying them on rocks, then sat on a medium-sized rock and enjoyed the opportunity to watch the rain from a protected location.

Chipmunks spend their entire lives searching holes, crevices and burrows. They also have a keen sense of smell. They are built for one thing, to forage and collect food. So, when a chipmunk comes across a hole, let’s say the opening in the top of a daypack, they are more than ready to investigate. Add to that a whole symphony of smells coming from that opening, and there is no way any chipmunk could walk away. Certainly not this one.

My rest stop comes to an end, so I replace the cover flap over the opening in my daypack and slip in on. Next, my poncho goes back in place, to keep me dry and comfortable for this last leg of my trek. It has a built in hood, to keep my head dry, and it effectively seals my entire upper body from the elements. I continue on, and notice a couple approaching a short distance up the trail.

The chipmunk, feeling his entire shelter shifting and moving, decided it was in his best interest to vacate, no matter what tasty delights he had found. In the dark, chipmunks will move up, away from the pull of gravity to try to get to open ground. Whether it be a hole, crevice or a backpack. And they will keep moving in that direction until they see some source of light.

I am walking down the trail, towards the couple, when I feel movement in my daypack. There is not much to it at first, but then it becomes more and more insistent. Then I feel the weight shift from the top of my pack to my shoulder, and then I feel something “dig in”. The next thing I know, I have something scurrying about under my poncho, apparently trying to find a way out.

The couple approaching have now come to a complete stop, watching this person in front of them begin to spin and flail his arms in a vain attempt to remove some unseen menace out from under his poncho. Physical contact with the chipmunk only further confuses and terrifies the animal, already desperate to remove itself from its current surroundings.

I pull at the hood of my poncho, trying to get it past my head and off my body. Trying to get whatever this is under my poncho away from my neck and head, where I fear it could do the most damage. Finally, the garment slips free, and I throw it to the ground. The couple look at me in amazement, while, perched on my shoulder, the chipmunk struggles to get his bearings. Seeing the ground in front of him, the chipmunk jumps and scurries off to safety.

The couple bursts into a fit of laughter, having never before seen anyone attacked by a chipmunk. First terrified, and now indignant, I pick up my poncho, shake it off and slip it back in place. They have now calmed down enough to speak. The “gentleman” makes a statement; “that was the most unbelievably funny thing I have ever seen”. The two of them then break into another attack of laughter. I continue on, leaving them there to enjoy themselves. As I round the corner, I hear the woman state “Isn’t that the guy from the paper?”

I only had to wait at the pick up point for 20 minutes or so for Jenny to show up. I decided it best if I not share my days adventures with her.

This morning, she read the front page headlines to me –

Trash Can Man Attacked By Chipmunk

I’m looking forward to Colorado Springs. We should have a good time there.

Aaron

[Malok]

[DeeCeeM]

Aaron has sent in his first restaurant review.

Traildroppings Restaurant & Gift Shop

Atmosphere - **½
The decor was pleasant enough, but for some reason I just didn’t feel comfortable here. Maybe it was because the other customers were rather snooty. They all kept leaning close and whispering to each other, and nobody would make eye contact with me. It could have been just my imagination, though, since everybody else seemed to be enjoying themselves, judging by all the giggling that was going on.

Service - ****
It took a whole 15 minutes of ordering, changing the order and then starting all over again before the waiter broke his first pencil (previous record was 12 ½ minutes.) We even went through 3 people before the rest of the wait staff refused to come anywhere near our table again. I thought sailing the bill to us in the form of a paper airplane was a really original touch - the kids found it quite amusing. Great place for families!

Food - ***
Cleans up quite easily and didn’t stain nearly as bad as I thought it would. I would comment on the taste, if only the manager had let me stay long enough to eat it.

Price - **½
This was really hard to call. The food itself wasn’t too bad by Estes Park standards. However, by the time you add the tee shirts for the kids, aspen necklace and matching earrings for Jenny, toys for me - uh, make that toys for the kids, books, magazines, post cards, candy bars, new calendar (note to myself - got to trash the old one before Jenny really does see it) . . . where was I? Anyway, $147.63 just seems a little steep for lunch. Oh, make that $150.32 - I forgot to add the $2.69 for the fake nose and glasses I got the urge to buy before we went in.

Overall - ***
I would like to say that we will definitely eat here again. However, the manager made it perfectly clear as he saw us out that won’t be happening. On the other hand, if you’re looking for somewhere to eat and shop close to the park, this is the place to stop. Just don’t make the mistake of telling them I sent you.

[DeeCeeM]

Jenny e-mailed me a picture from the trip with a note.

Thought you might like to see a vacation picture of Aaron. I took another one just moments later, but it didn't come out. The background is fine, but Aaron is just a blur. He says I did something wrong to cause that, but I don't see how.

By the way, the kids and I are having an absolutely hilarious time here. I don't know when I've enjoyed myself more on vacation.

Oops, gotta go - Aaron just walked into the room. He's got a kinda funny look on his face, so I'd better see what's happened now.

Later,
Jenny

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[Marvman]

I'm sure we can write some excellent trip reports for him while he's gone

Have I mentioned what an absolutely BRILLIANT idea this thread was!



Marvman
(its a beautiful thing)

[ProfHall]

I got an urgent email from Aaron today...I guess he sent it before leaving EP on the way to the "Four Star" hotel in Colorado Springs. He had this to add to the stories of his vacation:

As you forum visitors can tell, I checked in on you from the Estes Park library. I’m glad to see that my reports are making it back on for you all to enjoy. I did notice that either (1) DeeCeeM forgot to include this part in her story, or (2) I forgot to include it in my report to her. I’m guessing it’s the second one, since that day had been terrible and my mind was already trying to block out some of the more painful/shameful incidents. I also see that Jenny has sent along a picture with an elk…well, let me tell you a bit more about that.

As was reported, we thought it would be great to go to the west side and get some ice cream (I mean, come on, we’re already THIS close!). I read that report about my driving over Trail Ridge, and I found it to be a bit exaggerated. Yes, the tires did squeal a few times on some curves, and yes, the kids were wondering why Jenny was just staring at me the whole time with THAT look on her face. But, hey, we’ve done the trip many times before, and as Marvman reported, I’m a seasoned veteran. Along the way to Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road parallels Kawuneeche Valley with the Colorado River winding through. We saw a moose in the willows, and quite a few elk and mule deer out in the meadows. We were hungry for ice cream (and everyone seemed to be anxious to get out of the van for a while), so we decided to go on to town and stop for wildlife watching on the way back.

The ice cream incident occurred. Ok, now that we’ve passed that, you need to get a little bit more information about the “visit” to Grand Lake. Jenny didn’t even give me a chance to take my hikers off! Squish, squish, squelch. There was a change of clothes (I’m beginning to be suspicious about why Jenny thought to bring that along on a trip to town), but I had to make do with wet shoes. As Paul Harvey always said, “Here’s the REST of the story…” On the way back up Trail Ridge, we did indeed see lots of elk and deer, and like many Trail Ridge drivers, we pulled over (safely, of course, ‘cause I am a seasoned veteran!) to get a better look. I moved ever so quietly and cautiously toward a nice vantage point for the perfect picture. But those wet shoes…squish, squish, squelch…as I got closer the noise carried right over the quiet meadow, and the big buck decided I needed to go. Not one to argue with large animals over territory, I immediately turned to run to safety…and stepped right in elk poop.

When we get back, I’m relabeling all my maps so that this will now be known as the Daddyneedssomenewshoes Valley.


I can't wait to hear about the family's visit to the big hotel. That could just be more than I can "bear."

[DeeCeeM]

I was online checking out the Denver area news this morning when I ran across this interesting article.

TOURIST ATTACKED BY MOUNT EVANS GOAT
DENVER CO - AP
(see related photo)

A family excursion to the top of Mt. Evans took a bizarre twist when a man was attacked by one of the goats that live on top of the mountain.

Sources say the family had been staying in Estes Park and were on the way to Colorado Springs for the remainder of their vacation when they decided to take a side trip to Mt. Evans, the highest road in the United States. Details are sketchy, but it is believed that they had made it to the top and had started back down when they came upon several of the goats blocking the road. When repeated honking failed to clear the way, the driver exited the car. There are conflicting reports as to exactly what happened next, but all agree that the man was trying to get one of the goats to move when it suddenly attacked him. According to one eyewitness, “That man shoulda knowd a goat ain’t gonna take it kindly if you try to push him from behind.”

The victim was shaken up but sustained no serious injuries. He refused to give his name, but several of the witnesses identified him as the man dubbed “Trash Can Man” after having to be cut out of one by the Estes Park Fire Department recently. He may also be the same man who was questioned but released regarding an attempted break-in at Grand Lake the same week.

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[Marvman]

Aarond sent another "Note From The Trail" today -

Finally made it to Colorado Springs. All in all, it has been a very nice trip. Went through Garden Of The Gods today, that was very nice. Checked into the hotel early, just to see what we were getting for our money. Very nice, much better than sleeping in the campground with all the bugs, and stuff.

Stitting in a little cyber cafe in Manitou, while Jenny is looking through shops with the kids. Thought I would take this time to check in. Still forwarding stuff through Marvman. They charge by the minute here, with an add on for bandwidth. Thats why I can't send a whole lot of pics right now. But I do have two that I want to share.

This first pic is of us arriving in Estes Park on Saturday. A gentleman was nice enough to take this shot for us.

[Marvman]

(the second part of Aarons "Note From The Trail")

This second pic is of our tent at the campground. I know, its kind of small for a family of four. But we like the togetherness.

Thats all for now, gonna go see how much this connection is going to cost me. It shouldn't be too bad, the cappalattaspressa was only $11.95!

Aaron