Even though we live in Colorado and can see the mountains all the time, it’s not everyday that we are up on them. It’s about a 2 hour drive to the ski areas and it always feels like a treat to spend time up there. In the summer months, we see a completely different view than in the winter but our priorities are usually still the same: get to the top of the mountain.

This time we decided to go to Rocky Mountain National Park. It has opened up again for most areas after a fire damaged a large section of land in 2020 and you have to get a reservation in advance just to enter the park. Driving through the burned areas, we were shocked to see how much was destroyed. The fallen logs and the burnt remains of the trees still standing were haunting.

As we continued through the park, the lush trees and green rolling prairies returned. We saw all kinds of wildlife from the windows of the car (and lots of foolish tourists who were not being as cautious.)

We took the winding road up past the tree line to reach the Alpine Visitors Center where we parked, browsed the merchandise for sale and then proceeded to huff and puff our way up a short hike to reach over 12,000 feet.

At the top, the views continued to amaze me.

After we had a fill of the views, we ventured back to the condo and were treated to a lovely sunset to close out the day.

   “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.”

John Muir

Always climbing – Angie