Colorado

Majestic and overwhelmingly beautiful — that is the impression I take away from my short trip to Colorado. All I had in mind was an extended weekend trip to Fort Collins to attend a conference. When I stopped by Rocky Mountain National Park afterwards, I knew that I needed a few extra days. Not only were the elk in rutting season, but the aspen had also started to change color. The foliage turned a little early this year; I claim this blessing, as the Lord knows my heart desires :)

I hope you follow along for the trip and enjoy the beauty of God’s paint brush at work and the plentiful wildlife I was able to observe.

The timing was perfect and so was everything else.

Rocky Mountain National Park

The breath-taking drive from Fort Collins to Estes Park took me through narrow cut out canyon roads. Not much chance to take pictures while driving, but a great experience. The National Park is right outside of town and the first day I didn’t make it more than a couple of miles past the entrance. Never in my life have I seen so many elk and there were some impressive bulls present. The second day wasn’t much different; one mile into the park I saw another crowd. This time two herds, one on each side of the road with the cows visiting the other side. Needless to say, the bulls weren’t happy about that and eventually they met. Wow, I sure was in the right place at the right time again. Thank you Lord! In fact, every day of my trip was spectacular, no matter if I stopped to take a picture of an aspen or just got out of the car to take a deep breath, I had a bald eagle soar over me, happen to stop right where the beavers were playing or had an elk walk up to me.

Two elk herds are meeting, the cows are mingling and the bulls are not happy. After a short fight they decide to do this...….

From Silverthorne to Aspen

Leaving Rocky Mountain National Park on Highway 34, I headed through the mountains to go back to New Mexico. My navigation system had recommended that it would take two hours less than the freeway. Yay, just what I wanted to hear. Of course the trip turned out to be two days longer that way, but it was well worth it!

It was a joy watching this beaver family in action. They are such playful and restless animals and I find it truly amazing how they create their perfect living space. Take a look at the beaver dam!