Grand Tour of Grand Lake

On Friday, our first day off this week, we were treated to a fun day with friends, Gary and Betty Rinehart.

This is taken on their front deck where the Colorado River runs parallel to their home.  What a pleasant sound, especially at night.  The river flows into Shadow Mountain Lake which flows into Grand Lake.  Grand Lake will always have full water capacity.

First on the agenda for the day was to drive over to Adams Falls, passing over the Adams Tunnel which carries water all the way from Grand Lake to the Thompson River in Estes Park.  The tunnel was built and water flowed under the Continental Divide in 1947.  It is called the Big Thompson Project.  It is a 13 mile long tunnel!!!

Gary is a whiz with computers and cameras.  He took our camera and got this shot at the falls.  He uses a Canon as well.

I like this photo of Betty.


Next was a tour of an old historic lodge that was built in 1918.  Weary travelers coming over the divide handed over $2.00 a day for room and board.  It was rebuilt in 1920, and this is what it looks like today...Grand Lake Lodge.

There are swings on the front porch where you can sit and take in the view overlooking the swimming pool out to Grand Lake.

We dragged Main Street with all the tourist shops.  We wanted to treat for lunch but they had other ideas.  Gary grilled burgers and brats with side dishes of coleslaw (with Betty's homemade dressing, yummy) and Rocky Ford cantaloupe.

We enjoyed a walk in the woods after lunch, stepping off the deck onto the path as the earlier photo by the river shows our start.  Gary was our tour guide, pointing out the sights along the way.  Betty and I enjoyed the wildflowers by the path.


It was great spending the day with them and catching up on things.  After hugs and handshakes, we called it a day.


Thanks again Gary and Betty for your hospitality.

Until next time...