Royal Gorge - April 2008

It still amazes me how the settlers of the West managed to navigate the diverse terrain, especially in Colorado. There are over 55 peaks above 14,000 ft., canyons so narrow man can barely get through and mountain lakes and streams that require your best skills to cross. My guess is that the sheer beauty of the land gave them the strength and courage!

John decided to take me to a fantastic canyon that descends 1,053 feet to the valley floor. The canyon name is Royal Gorge, which also houses the world's highest suspension bridge. They are not kidding about that part. To say the least, I was a bit nervous while crossing the bridge on foot, especially when a vehicle drives by as as you are walking across! The entire bridge shakes!!! To add insult to injury, the wooden planks are strategically placed a half inch apart so you can view the beautiful Arkansas river WAY below!

On the other side of the bridge John and I had a little fun at an old western town that has been turned into a tourist attraction.

It was an exciting trip nonetheless!

Trip to Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park and The Stanley Hotel - Feb. 2008

Hello all,

It's been quite a while since I last updated this blog. Please forgive me, it's been a very busy year. Nonetheless, I thought I'd share some of the backpacking, hiking and just plain sightseeing trips John and I have taken during the last year and a half.

This post contains pics of the drive to and the city of Estes Park, home of the Rocky Mountain National Park.

You will see pics of the beautiful mountains along highway 36, a stunning stone catholic church just off of the main highway, Bull elk fighting for female attention (some things never change! :)), a picture of the Stanley Hotel - made famous from the movie The Shining (we stayed at this hotel that night), and a pic of a beautiful lake near the hotel. We liked the hotel so much we went back in Nov. of 08! Last, but not least, we did a few miles of snow shoeing in the park.

Enjoy!