Estes Park-August 3, 2017

On Tuesday we slipped away for a day in the mountains. We went to Estes Park for lunch and to walk around. It was such a beautiful day. Sunshine, cool air, not too many people. Just a good day. We had an excellent lunch and shopped but only bought our favorite Salt Water taffy. We didn't buy enough because we have two little people who happen to like the same taffy we do.

The changes being made in the Big Thompson Canyon are leaving deep scars. The beauty is being destroyed. And they are altering the course of the Big Thompson River. We do not think that is what should be done. But they didn't ask us.

This is the most water we have ever seen in the Big Thompson River this time

of year. This is an indication that the farmers on the dry Eastern plains are

calling for extra water. This makes for a prettier picture than the normal flow.

 

Upon entering Estes Park, you see the Estes Lake dam and the

beautiful mountains in the background. It was such nice weather

on Tuesday. Estes Park is 7522 feet in altitude.

 

The river runs through the city. Their leaders have carefully preserved open

space and kept the river clean. It's very nice to see.

 

Estes Park, like Loveland, has some great bronze art work.

I thought this saddle was great. Of course, for the visitors,

they had to put a sign that says "Saddle may be hot". Ya think?

 

This is the smallest bronze statue I have ever seen. He is so cute.

I did not notice the trash left by two legged human pigs until I

had already taken the picture. Otherwise, I would have taken it

from a different direction.

 

 

This canyon was chiseled and blasted through the Rocky Mountains. What

a job that had to have been all those years ago.

 

This is my favorite spot when leaving the canyon. It appears you will drive

right into the solid rock walls.

 

This is a really pretty spot in this area. If you can tolerate the traffic and all those out of state people, it is a fun day away from the rat race on the plains. As with all of our travels in the past we know how to find the places where the locals eat and stay away from the tourist traps. We had a fabulous lunch and a very relaxing day in the mountains.