32 replies to this topic

[John]

My wife and I got up early for a multi-destination, mega-mile hike just outside RMNP. Some of you are not familiar with the Loveland Outlet Mall - Fort Collins Foothills Mall loop because only men with a huge capacity for endurance can handle it.

After more than 30 miles we finally bagged our first peak. Just before summitting I snapped this shot.

[John]

My "pack" was considerably lighter after this first summit, so we were making great time toward our next destination, when I met the biggest elk I have ever seen. Please don't try getting this close to an elk or you could suffer serious injury or even death. I am a professional working on a closed course.

[John]

Shortly after the elk encounter, I had my first sighting of a bear. He was kind enough to let my wife take our picture.

[John]

We next trekked to Dress Barn Lake. I got this picture of the outlet area.

[John]

Our next stop was several more miles up the trail, but for me it was the highlight of the day. REI junction is the perfect place to resupply for the remainder of the long journey.

[John]

Having journeyed for about 50 miles in a single day, exhaustion set in badly and I started wondering if I would be able to continue.

[John]

My wife came over and whispered three words into my ear---three words that breathed new life into my tired body and gave me the energy to continue. Sweetly she said, "Cold Stone Creamery."

[John]

Soon I was a new man. Nothing like Banana Caramel Crunch to revive a tired hiker.

[John]

It was a great day! My pack was nearly empty by the end of the day, but it was worth it just to get to use the beautiful privy near Sam's Club Pass.

[R from A]

As usual, John, you have inspired several thoughts:

1) I will have to discuss with you the merits of the "R from A Compromise of 2003", which is a quite verbose piece of legislation between myself and my wife, but basically boils down to "she shops - I hike in RMNP". It's a beautiful thing.

2) Hate to burst your bubble, but I think that elk is FAKE. I'm pretty sure the bear with the price tag around his neck is legit, though.

3) One of these days, someone is going to see you taking a photo of a toilet and think you are very strange. I mean, how does one talk their way out of that situation? "Uhh...just taking before and after photos...run along, now!"

[weatherbe]

Too late Mike, we all know John is strange and we love him dearly for it ...

Weather

3) One of these days, someone is going to see you taking a photo of a toilet and think you are very strange.  I mean, how does one talk their way out of that situation?  "Uhh...just taking before and after photos...run along, now!"

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[R from A]

Too late Mike, we all know John is strange and we love him dearly for it ...

Weather

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I know...we all know John by now. I'm just trying to imagine myself casually walking in to a public restroom, only to see a flashbulb go off from inside a stall - and wonder what would go through my mind. Probably the same thing that goes through my mind when I hear someone talking on a cell phone from inside a stall...

PS Bee...there is something strange that happens when I log in late at night - a strange feeling that sweeps over me - an overwhelming urge to REPLY TO EVERY POST! It's BEE DISEASE! Make it stop!!!! Antidote!!!

[weatherbe]

I think you have me confused with John. I couldn't keep up with his posts if I tried. I heard he hired an assistant to post while he sleeps ...

PS Mike -- I think you notice most of my posts do come late at night after I have gotten home from the TV station. Now that I given notice in advance of our moving to EP, I'll soon be able to post all day and all night like John ...


PSS Mike -- that's the last time I tell you how great your pics are in a reply ...

PSSS Mike -- check it out ... it's late at night and I am at it again ...

Weather

PS Bee...there is something strange that happens when I log in late at night - a strange feeling that sweeps over me - an overwhelming urge to REPLY TO EVERY POST!  It's BEE DISEASE!  Make it stop!!!!  Antidote!!!

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[Jo]

to everything!

Jo

[Allie]

I agree, I think the elk is fake. And why am I not surprised at the pic of the privy? John, you do crack me up. I hope you two have a great time.

Allie
(That ice cream looks wonderful)