Yesterday, we settled in comfortably for a 2-night stay in the beautiful Riverview RV Park along the Big Thompson River just outside Loveland, Colorado. Snow-covered Rockies and Devils Backbone were in view as we looked around the area. Today, we set out from Loveland through Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park where we had a delicious brunch at "The Egg and I" cafe. With full tummies, we entered Roosevelt National Forest and the Rocky Mountain National Park where Larry bought his lifetime park pass. Immediately upon entering the park, it was like someone "turned on" the beauty! The snow was so pristine under the Douglas firs, pines, and dense groves of aspen. The great meadows were only broken by flowing streams and beautiful ponds - frozen in some areas. We saw deer, elk, wild turkey, sheep, ducks and a black long-tailed bird we couldn't identify. The roads were winding with sheer rock cliffs on one side and meadows or beautiful drop-offs on the other. We ranged in elevation (according to the GPS) from approximately 6,000 to a majestic 9,424 feet. Simply breathtaking views of the peaks and valleys had us craning our necks on the drive or standing with our mouths open when stopped. We hiked in the snow at beautiful Sprague Lake where a bride was being photographed on the foot bridge. And, we played in the snow - hopping through it's deep, soft drifts and laughing when our shoes and socks got wet! Then, we made our way to Bear Lake and drove the loop past Aspenglen, Fall River, West Horseshoe Park, Deer Ridge, and Beaver Meadows. Highway 34 was not open yet all the way through the park but giant snowplows were busy making way for the full summer season to open around the Memorial Day Holiday. On the drive back to the RV Park we saw "The Colorado Cherry Company" and stopped in for a tasting! We left smacking our lips and packing a bag filled with jarred jellies including cherry butter!
A day to remember -
