Saturday September 12th, I headed out on a short Colorado road trip. My destination was a Semester at Sea (voyage 136) reunion in Fort Collins. It was my third time this year transiting I-80 eastward across Wyoming. My only photo in Wyoming was at a Maverick for a Dr. Pepper stop.
I went to dinner that night with SAS friends Keith and Ann and then for morning breakfast and river walk with Keith. The Cache le Poudre River (which I had never heard of) that flows out of Rocky Mountain National Park and through Fort Collins had a familiar name. Cache Valley where I grew up was a place where furs were cached (stored) by fur traders. Powder must have been what was cached in these parts.
Such a great time visiting with all these fun folks. I took home made zucchini bread. The chocolate loaf went faster that the walnut loaf.
I didn't stop to take a photo but I was excited to drive up the Big Thompson River canyon to the park. I know this river because water from the Colorado River that flows westward has long been diverted up and over the continental divide into the Big Thompson for eastern Colorado to use.
A long line waiting to get into the park. Timed permits are required. I failed to get a permit for the much-desired Bear Lake Road but could travel everywhere else in the park.
My one and only visit to RMNP was back in the early1980s on a road trip from Provo to Dallas in my Toyota Tercel with three college friends. We only did a drive through with lookouts, so I was looking forward to doing more exploring.
I entered just west of the Beaver Meadows visitor center and then headed to Beaver Meadows for my first hike. I then Drove the Trail Ridge Road up to the Alpine Visitor Center.
I started out dressed for lower elevations. Once parked at the Upper Beaver Meadows trailhead, I made the correct decision to put on long pants and to make sure I packed my hoodie and a rain jacket.
I hiked the 5-mile Beaver Moutain loop (crescent shaped trail-bisected by Beaver Brook-to the west of the trailhead in red) clockwise from the park lot. Halfway around the loop near the highest point on the trail a squall moved through.
Six years ago a wildfire started on the west side and west slope of the park and then moved eastward up and over the continental divide and down the eastern slope.
I was delighted to happen upon four mule deer bucks grazing right near the trail. I stood and watched for a while.
Two of them kept playing by butting antlers.
I stood and waited while this guy stood munching.
Looking south to Long Peak--the highest peak in the park.
And just like that a short-lived squall came by. Long Peak again in the distance.
No lightening so I spent a few minutes under a tree.
And then it passed.
More new growth. Sign of hope.
Beaver Mountain with the burned over south side (left) and the forested north side (right). The trail started in the center of the meadow (center of photo) then went south around the south flank and then two-thirds up and across the mountain then back down to the meadow.
Beaver Meadow.
Views of the climb up the Ridge Road.
Another squall. I braved a short rainy walk on the tundra path. Notice the tree line down below.
A large cirque with tundra vegetation.
A lone coyote. No road runner (go see Coyote Vs ACME).
The highest visitor center in all the National Parks.
There was a large herd of elk on the yellow hilltop in the center of the photo.
The old road--now one way and just gravel/dirt. comes up the river valley in the distance. Next time I'll drive that route.
So true. It was a slow climb for me.
This was good prep for my trip to Macchu Pichu next month.
There were a lot of hikers freezing in their summer attire.
From the Alpine Visitor Center, I drove down the western slope to the Colorado River valley and then out the Grand Lake (southwest) entrance of the park. I made many stops along the way.
Sort hike to Lake Irene.
One of my initial hiking plans was to hike up the Colorado River valley towards its headwaters. I opted to see other things, but I did stop to see a small mountain stream that eventually becomes a big muddy river carving through the Colorado Plateau. This water is the source of continuing tensions between seven states, indigenous nations and Mexico--all of which lay claim to more water than the river can provide. I always spent a day in political geography talking about this river basin dispute. Too late to add some of these photos to the powerpoint.
Just down the road there were tons of parked cars (Yellowstone style) which meant there must be wildlife. Probably a hundred people were strung out along the roadside watching a herd of elk feeding in the meadow. It was amazing. We humans all stood silently in awe. Sadly, my Canon camera with its telephoto lense is still on the fritz.
This big bull kept bugling. It was my first time ever hearing and elk bugle. He is on his way to bring two cows back into the fold. The Colorado River is between the elk and the pines.
The two cows (on the right) after being herded back towards the main group. (check out my Instagram for a video).
Other than national parks in Namibia and South Africa, this was my best day ever for wildlife sightings.
More of the Colorado River
The fire six years ago started on this side of the park and climbed eastward up the slope. New growth is everywhere.
Looking southward. And with the sun setting I called it a great day and headed to Granby for the night.
I had thought I might spend a second day in the park, but my first day had been rich and full so I decided to head for home via US 40. My only photo of this leg of the journey was of the growing Colorado River outside of Hot Sulphur Springs. In Steamboat Springs I drove up to see the ski area, got gas (way too expensive) and then stopped at a cowboy hat store (F. M. Light and Sons--with effective road sign advertising as I was approaching town) to see if one struck my fancy. They did not.
I arrived in Provo just in time to join Will for my birthday dinner (Rodizio Grill). A great ending to a fun four days.
