04/28/2010 - Day 1 CO

Our first day started off with a bang…almost literally with the noise coming from our van.  We knew we couldn’t take it to the mountains as originally planned.    After much frustration in trying to get it into a repair shop, we were able to find a place that could fit in their schedule at 2pm; however, snow was predicted for the mountains the next couple days.  In order to not let it ruin our chance to see the mountains,  we rented a car.   

After a long, trying morning, we were finally off to the mountains.  It was sooooo worth it!  Rocky Mountain National Park was absolutely beautiful!  Much to our surprise, we hiked around part of Bear Lake on 4 feet of compressed snow!  We were hiking on so much snow that many of the trail signs were almost covered.  Our favorite was the handicapped accessible sign that was practically buried.  It was a little cold, especially when the wind blew, but we had so much fun that we were glad we went.  “Incredible” is all I can say about Rocky Mountain National Park.

In and around the park, we saw numerous mule deer.  Then, nearly at the visitor’s center on our way out of the park, we finally saw it – an elk!  There were a few grazing right beside the road.  The Dad rolled down his window to get a picture, and the Daughter rolled hers UP so that the elk couldn’t stick its head in the window!  (Can you tell she’s seen a few America’s Funniest Videos?)  The elk really was THAT close.

Dinner was a wonderful home-cooked meal at our friend’s house.  We had a nice time, eating, chatting, and even sitting on a couch, of all things.   Our kids introduced theirs to a game called “dark tag” which is basically hide-and-go-seek combined with tag, in the dark…I’m not sure our friends appreciate that one!  All in all, it was quite a first day. 

- The Mom

You can follow us around on the map at http://BestPlacesInTheUSA.com/USA/_trip.aspx and we'll soon have a bunch of pictures to share!