7/24/11

We got up early and met the Whitesides at the visitor center at Rocky Mountain National Park to go to a campground church service in the park. It was run by college students, and they did a very good job but it was short, only 30 minutes. After the service we set out to hike! We had to take a bus to Bear Lake where we planned to hike. The trail was charming, but very busy. It was a complete circle around the lake and was about 1 mile. Fortunately it was not steep or curvy, it was plain and easy.

There were a lot of large rocks peeking out into the lake that were right off the path so we got some good photo opportunities out of them.
The view with the lake and the mountains in view is pretty incredible looking.
More family photos.
We went on another trail to Nymph Lake and happened to see elk, very close to the path, on a connecting trail.
Megan and I climbed the enormous rocks even though it was difficult with our shoes. Neither of us had gym shoes with good traction.
Mrs. Ellie was tuckered out after a long uphill climb to Nymph Lake.
The Overzet girls.
Megan and mom and dad at Nymph Lake.
After our hike to Nymph Lake we decided to do a driving tour for the most part for the rest of the day. We took Trail Ridge Road and stopped at the indicated stops along the route. We did a little more hiking, but not as intense.



Mrs. Ellie and Mr. Richard needed to go after we were done with Trail Ridge Road to get Mr. Don Whiteside (Mr. Richard's father) so we dropped them off at the visitor center and then went into Estes Park again and walked along the road littered with shops and restaurants. There was also a river walk on the back side of the street where restaurants had patios to expose patrons to the river. One store we went into had an enormous collection of geodes.
For dinner we left Estes Park, and went to Smokin' Daves BBQ. Since I had already had BBQ pulled pork last night I decided to order a salmon reuben since I had never heard of it anywhere else! It turned out to be pretty good. Nelson got the "Man-handler" which was a 1.2 lb burger topped with pulled pork, bacon, and cheddar cheese. He ate the ENTIRE thing!!!! The baked beans were really sweet and the best I think I've ever had! I definitely want to come back here!!!
When we got back to the hotel I had a little surprise waiting for me! My friend Andrew had mailed me a neuron stuffed animal thing! It's so fun!