Monday, July 23, 2012

Rocky Mountain High

In Colorado....




We got really high when we reached Milner Pass at the Continental Divide at 10,758 feet traveling on the Trail Ridge Road.


Let me start at the beginning of our day.  On the drive over, not far from the refuge, on highway 125, we encountered this moose with her calf.




At the end of this blog you will see a good parting shot of this cow moose.


We entered the park from the west driving past Grand Lake.  The lake is Colorado's deepest and largest natural lake.


The park is called "The Nation's Backbone".


We stopped at this cabin where we were greeted by a volunteer.  




Then hiked on down to the lodge where people visiting the park would stay the night.




This is Mama's House.  We took a tour.




One of the things that caught my eye was this old sewing machine and this German Bible.




The volunteer suggested Wallace try on this bison coat.


One of the pull offs gave us this scene.




At Milner Pass, crossing the divide where Poudre Lake is located, we got our first Gray Jay for the trip.




I love the tail feathers!!!



Up on the tundra.






At the Alpine Visitor Center's gift shop, it was time for lunch.  We were lucky to get a window with a view while we dined on pulled pork sandwiches with a side of the best coleslaw I have ever eaten!!
After lunch, we backtracked with plans on coming back another day and entering from the east side.


We stopped at Lake Irene for a quick walk to the lake where we got this Clark's Nutcracker...the little scavenger...and there are still plenty of people who will feed even though they know  better!!!  Check out that bill.  We also found these Elephantheads, a new flower for us.


Aren't they neat?  And their trunks are up which means good luck!!

This blog has taken me three and a half hours!!!  This is our journal to have forever and at the same time share it with you, so it is worth the time spent.

Here is the parting shot I promised...


For those of you who like butt shots, this butt's for you!!!

Until next time...


3 comments:

  1. Just curious... was this trip part of your job or a day trip on your own? Either way, it sure looks like a wonderful way to spend the day. I've never seen that Elephant flower before... NICE!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This trip was our day. The mountains are a good way to spend the day!!

      Delete
  2. Looks like a fun trip! Love your 'end' shot. We're still seeing lots of wild flowers in Alamosa too.
    Teri

    ReplyDelete