We slept in till about 7:30am and headed off to Estes Park again. We love that place! So many of the people here seem to be very fit and tan. They are quite hip and fun to talk to. I commented on that to Jennifer and she agrees. After a quick breakfast, we headed up to the Rocky Mountain National Forest. Our ticket from Tuesday is good for seven days! We wanted to take another road this morning, but it was closed for construction. We returned to the road from Tuesday and went even further (and higher). The highest point is over 12,000' above sea level. I'm enchanted by the sights. It's some of the prettiest country I've ever seen.
These guys were moseying around below where we were driving.

There are so many hardy little plants and flowers that have to move fast if they reproduce in the short growing season they've been allowed by the harsh climate of this altitude.

I took this one just to gloat for those who are enduring the extreme heat in other places. It's supposed to get up to 108 degrees tomorrow in Oklahoma City.

Isn't the color of the water below the snow field amazing? I wonder if any can live in that little pond?

Jenn and I found breathing difficult at this altitude. Had to remember to take deep breaths often.

I hope you can read the sign below. It tells the story of the Alpine Visitor's Center. See how it's buried in snow? It closes for seven months out of the year. There are no electric, phone, sewer or water services. The sign tells the rest of the story.



Now, we're back at the cabin wondering if we'll venture out one more time to take our 3.75mi walk in Estes Park. Somehow, I doubt it.
Tomorrow, the Sand Dunes National Park near Alamosa, CO and then onward to Santa Fe, NM!