Elaine is a very keen hiker and is quite familiar with the "Front Range." She thought a nice little hike for us would be to head northwest to Estes Park. We all piled into her little Subaru and off we went.
The Colorado Front Range is a colloquial geographic term for the most populous region of the State of Colorado in the United States which are just east of the foothills of the Front Range, from which the region takes its name. The region contains the largest cities and the majority of the population of Colorado, aligned in a north-south configuration on the western edge of the Great Plains, where they meet the Rockies. Geologically, the region lies mostly within the Colorado Piedmont, in the valley of the South Platte and Arkansas rivers on the east side of the Rockies. [from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colorado_Front_Range]
The majestic scenery of Rocky Mountain National Park combined with the home town hospitality of Estes Park transforms trips to the Colorado Rockies into dream vacations in paradise. Come for a day, a week, or more to visit this eastern gateway community to Rocky Mountain National Park.
With world class hiking and climbing, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, wildlife watching, galleries, unique shopping, an array of dining choices, options in lodging to meet every taste and Rocky Mountain National Park out the back door, there's something in Estes Park just for you.
Special events at Estes Park happen all year long. From wintertime snowshoe excursions through summertime outdoor festivals and holiday season celebrations, there are events that will keep you coming back for more. [from http://www.estesparkcvb.com/]
We feel right at home in the Denver region - it's quite similar to Calgary - similar terrain, similar climate (although at home that week it was raining most days while in Denver, as you can see in the pix, it was quite nice!).
Scruffy elk.
Big bull elk - I waited for a few minutes in the hope that he would turn his head and look back, but alas, he did not.
Mallards.
Bear Lake - note the snow across the lake. We were fairly high and there was still quite a bit of snow lying around in shady areas.
Mary and Elaine - we were on our short hike up to Alberta Falls - we thought it was an appropriate hike for a couple of Albertans. :)
Snow in the trees. Mostly the path was dry, which was good as we were only wearing running shoes.
The main event.
Jay.
Alberta Falls again.
And again.
And again...
Again - yes they are different pix - this one has sky.
Looking back down the path through the trees. Note the aspens do not have leaves - again due to colder high elevation.
A group of kids.
Looking back again.
Bighorn sheep.
This is right in the town of Estes.
As is this water wheel. I think they should hook it up to a small generator - they'd get some useful "green" power out of it - certainly the day we were there it was turning at a good clip.
The main street in Estes. We ate dinner in a really cute Mexican restaurant on the patio by the river. Very pleasant.Estes is a really pretty little town, much like Canmore. We enjoyed the day very much.
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