Rocky Mountain National Park is our 10th National Park, founded in 1915.
Outskirts of Estes Park, Colorado as seen from US Highway 36 East
Estes Park is in a valley between where this photo was taken and the next closest mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park
To get to Rocky Mountain National Park's East entrance, you must come through Estes Park. It is a pretty valley town chocked full of tourists. We went to Safeway (a grocery store chain) just before 5pm. That was a big mistake.
Tight turn in the road ahead!
The kiddos
We stopped at a picnic spot and had lunch.
Bear with her sandwich
Tobster with his
After sight-seeing all of Rocky Mountain National Park, we headed back to our campsite. The next day we packed up our camper and began driving home, stopping in Great Bend, Kansas overnight. We arrived home Saturday afternoon safe and sound!
It has been really great (and really nerve wracking) to tell you about our long vacation. We have never been away from home for this long. It was quite an experience. One I hope will be repeated with more National Parks next summer! Thanks for all your upvotes and kind words. I appreciate every one of you.
One of the most beautiful places in our country.
Funny story:
My Dad met me there a few years ago as I was working in Colorado at the time. My father, who is a very smart man, brain farted.
While we were standing on the back porch of our BnB the owners walked out. I had just shown dad pictures of Moose that I'd taken the day before. My Dad turns to the owners of the lodge and asks, "About what time do the moose come around?"
The owners, not missing a beat, replied "They usually come around 3pm. You can take pictures with them at 3:30 after they've warmed up."
I nearly peed my pants I was laughing so hard.
That's pretty great! 😄😄😄
Tarawa was the name of the lodge. Expensive, but a pretty nice place.
I am so proud of you for being able to sort and present your vacation so well!! Loved joining you on the virtual adventure!!
Thanks so much, @tiredmama!