Snowmass Village is primarily a ski resort, around 20 minutes from Aspen, but it's a beautiful place to stay in summer too (and a little less pretentious than Aspen!). The highlight of our stay was renting bikes to ride from the village into Aspen, mostly downhill but with a couple of challenging climbs. It was only ten miles, but the altitude and the heat took their toll so we made frequent water stops. That was ok though as the views were amazing.
Boulder is a great little town - a base camp for outdoor pursuits nearby. I love the energy created by all the activity as people prepare for their next adventure or wind down from their last one.
Spectacular drive no. 3 on this trip was today's journey along the 'Trail Ridge Road' (link), the highest continuously paved road in the US. It winds along the north edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs to a maximum elevation of 12,183ft.
A number of things made the day great - playing in the snow, scrambling up to the highest point (and running back down in a hailstorm), and generally enjoying the drive and the scenery. However, we were all blown away once again when we got within 20 feet of a couple of male elk. Anna brought our attention to them with a sharp intake of breath and some hand gestures, but no words. As we jumped out of the car and started to approach them they seemed unfazed by our presence and just carried on chewing the cud and looking majestic. (I swear I heard one of them say "Have you seen my antlers, they're quite marvelous, aren't they?") We were told that the females and young were just over the hill and sure enough we walked a little further and saw about 40 of them down in the valley. Amazing to see them in their natural environment just doing their thing.
Well, that's it! We fly home tomorrow after a journey filled with "Wow!" moments and a lot of fun and relaxation along the way. This was the road trip I always had in mind and the reality was so much better than the dream. I hope one day the boys look back at these notes and remember some of the amazing stuff we've seen and done.
Until next time...
Boulder is a great little town - a base camp for outdoor pursuits nearby. I love the energy created by all the activity as people prepare for their next adventure or wind down from their last one.
Spectacular drive no. 3 on this trip was today's journey along the 'Trail Ridge Road' (link), the highest continuously paved road in the US. It winds along the north edge of the Rocky Mountain National Park and climbs to a maximum elevation of 12,183ft.
A number of things made the day great - playing in the snow, scrambling up to the highest point (and running back down in a hailstorm), and generally enjoying the drive and the scenery. However, we were all blown away once again when we got within 20 feet of a couple of male elk. Anna brought our attention to them with a sharp intake of breath and some hand gestures, but no words. As we jumped out of the car and started to approach them they seemed unfazed by our presence and just carried on chewing the cud and looking majestic. (I swear I heard one of them say "Have you seen my antlers, they're quite marvelous, aren't they?") We were told that the females and young were just over the hill and sure enough we walked a little further and saw about 40 of them down in the valley. Amazing to see them in their natural environment just doing their thing.
 |
| (c) Anna Mongan - she's quite proud of this one! |
Until next time...
Talking elk hey god that altitude really got to you lol. Sounds like a fantastic time thanks to you both for giving us a sneaky peak and sharing it with us. I am sure you will all look back on this trip in years to come not just the boys. Have a safe trip back home.
ReplyDeleteLuv
Carol c