Fort Collins and then off to Estes Park, CO

Friday, September 5, 2025

Spent a second relaxing day with our friends Lyn and Dave. Weather a bit cooler this morning with clouds and a breeze. Lyn and I took a 3.5 mile walk on one of the local trails. Ed walked over to a nearby sporting goods store - even outdoes Scheel’s in Colorado.

While we had planned to have Jersey Mikes and picnic at a nearby park/walking trail - the weather was still cool so we stayed inside. Of course, early afternoon, out came the sun.

We headed to the New Belgium brewery late afternoon to enjoy a beer and listen to some music. It’s a Friday so lots of people, families with children etc. - great place to relax. And of course the weather is absolutely beautiful now with blue skies and nice breeze.

Dinner back at Lyn and Dave’s before trying to watch the Chiefs-Chargers football game after I shared my YouTube tv with Lyn. A few hiccups getting it to connect, but it basically worked.

Saturday, September 6, 2025

Lyn and Dave out ahead of us as they are running a church picnic at their church on Sunday and needed to get the food prepared.

Ed and I packed up and hit the road around 9:30 am and headed for Estes Park. Beautiful ride as we got closer to the Rocky Mountains and wound our way up and through the valleys and rocks and cliffs until finally arriving at Estes Park - elevation 7480 ft - and we did feel the altitude.

Parked in a lot near our tour and headed to a light lunch at a nearby restaurant - very enjoyable. Then a short walk around the town before heading to Green Jeep Tours to sign in and get ready for our next adventure.

There were six adults on our tour and we rode in the back of modified jeep/truck (seatbelts included). Weather beautiful as we headed into the park on our way to Bear Lake. We realized that this is the lake we had visited a couple of years ago with Lyn and Dave; however, there was son on the ground then so it looked, and felt, quite different. 

After a walk around the lake admiring the beautiful vistas, we were back in the jeep for a ride to Sprague Lake. On the way, stopped to see some moose in a nearby stream.

A short walk at Sprague lake and then a drive into the valley hoping to see herds of elk - and we were very fortunate today! We came upon a very large herd of elk with the Bull Elk keeping watch nearby. He was huge! Occasionally he would venture toward the herd and chase a female or two (who wanted nothing to do with him). 

Then a younger male (spike) with smaller antlers still with their velvet, ventured towards the herd - sneaking his way around.

Finally the Bull Elk chased him off and returned to his watchful spot. We spent a good 20-25 minutes here watching nature at its finest before returning to town.

Back at the car I had gotten a parking summons. NOT because I didn’t pay, but because I was a dummy and didn’t change the license plate in the app. I was driving a rental car but the license plate on the app showed it was my MD car parked there. (Jumping ahead - It’s Monday morning and I called the company and they explained how I had to submit my evidence and receipt for payment online - which I did - now wait 3 days to get the verdict).

We headed to check in to our room at The Maxwell Inn - a very short drive away from town. We had a ‘stand alone’ room with a king bed, small table with 2 chairs, and a bathroom with tub shower. Very clean, very quiet, and very small - but it all worked.

We enjoyed dinner out at Bird and Jim’s before back to the room for quiet evening and sleep.

This place offered a light continental breakfast which worked! Then back on the road to head towards Colorado Springs. We had made plans to meet Tim and family at the Castle Rock Outlets, which were 2 hours away from us.

We were able to make a short stop in Boulder and enjoyed a light snack of quiche and salad (shared) and an apple turnovers, along with coffee and chai tea at a place called Maisonette - French Cafe and Bakery. It was a very popular place on a Sunday morning.

We connected with Tim and family at the outlets, having a quick lunch at In&Out Burger before doing some shopping for sneakers and jeans for Madison, Charlotte, and Brooke. 

Back in Colorado Springs by midafternoon to relax and visit. Played a couple of fun games of Foosball - we are a competitive bunch - before it was bedtime for the girls (and the rest of us)

Ed and Piper - having a moment:

Trip is coming to an end - it’s been a blast but we are ready to stop living out of suitcases and to sleep in our own beds and be in our own home.

Betsy