At the end of my retreat I spent some time with my brother and sister-in-law. It was wonderful to see them, hang out together, and play with the dogs. We drove up to Rocky Mountain National Park by way of Golden and Boulder. It was a beautiful day. There were tons of cyclists on the road — I marvel at their ability to climb the very hilly roads!
We entered Rocky Mountain National Park at Wild Basin which is at the southeast corner of the park. The trailhead is at 8500′ elevation and our hike took us another 950′. It was a total of 5.4 miles and went along the St. Vrain Creek. Here’s the hike we did:
Our destination was Ouzel Falls by way of Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades. Gayle, the park ranger, recommended the hike and gave us some good pointers for hiking and sights to see. Along the way we met other hikers as well as various critters. We saw a couple of marmots, a tree full of tiny grey squirrels, chipmunks, a wild turkey and many birds. Though there are bears, mountain lions, elk, deer and bighorn sheep in the mountains, we didn’t see one of them (not for lack of trying).
And of course, pictures (drag your cursor over the picture for a description of the picture):
I can’t even begin to put into words how amazing it was to hike here. I am so grateful for the experience.
On the way back home, we stopped in Golden for dinner. Being in Golden, it would seem rather sinful to drink anything other than Coors. Though I don’t normally prefer Coors, I must say that it was remarkably refreshing. Coors on tap is much better than the bottled version, and well, being in the hometown of Coors I would expect only the best. And since we are on the subject of beer (how does that always seem to crop up?), I should point out a new-to-me beer that was quite good — Vanilla Porter — made by Breckenridge Brewery. Now I’m pretty much of a purist when it comes to my coffee and my beer. No hazelnut or cider or anything like that in my drink. But that rule doesn’t apply to this beer because it is fabulous. Now if only Breckenridge Brewery will send a case of Vanilla Porter to Chicago…
"She wrote the way she lived: on the fly, without retrospect, always on the way, climbing higher."
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Martha Mihaly 06.13.07 at 10:47 am
Sister Julie,
The hike looks and sounds wonderful. I love the wonder of the outdoors, finding it to be the best place to think. When we were in the ginat redwood forests of California on holiday I spent a mornign just sitting by a tree which was over 1000 years old, at its base in the moss. I thought of many things that day, and the wonders of what that tree had lived through and seen in its life. I can understand the joy you found.
Christy of Colorado 06.13.07 at 3:09 pm
I love reading your site, and as an ELCA Lutheran married to a Catholic guy, I am learning quite a bit.
I am so glad you got to enjoy our gorgeous Colorado. The trails you were on in Wild Basin are some of my favorite because they don’t have as many people on them.
Come back any time. This place grows inside of you.
Bill Howdle 06.13.07 at 10:48 pm
I am so envious of you. The time you got to spend in the mountains. My most memorable vacations have been spent driving in our Canadian Rockies. Your pictures are beautiful. It really sounds like you had a wonderful time. Glad you were able to see some family
Bill
Cathy Keller 06.17.07 at 2:41 pm
Cannot tell you how homesick your pictures make me. I’m a native that was called elsewhere with my family nearly 35 years ago. Must tell you that though I love where I live in IN there is no place like the mountains and the quaking aspen trees in the fall. God is GOOD!!!!! all the time. Thank you for sharing your “great adventure”!
Lee 06.19.07 at 11:32 pm
Wonderful photos and narrative!
Not to harp on the beer thing too much, but if you ever get up to Maine there is a wonderful litle brewery there. It’s called Bar Harbor Brewery and they have won many awards. My favorite is their Peach - yes peach ale! Hope you get your Vanilla Porter!
- Lee