I just returned from my first real vacation in quite some time and boy was I way overdue.  Rosie and I flew out to Boulder CO. and stayed with our daughter Shannon and her fiancée’ Aaron for a week. The trip was a road trip that was adventure packed and encompassed several State and Federal Parks, camping, a trike race and some 2100 miles logged on the rental van. (Click any of the pictures for a larger view). This by no means is a diary of the adventure but just a few of the highlights and observations of which there were many.

Our trip covered Boulder CO, Flat Irons, Rocky Mountain National Park, Brigder National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Shoshoni Reservation, Wind River Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, Jackson Hole, Steamboat,  and Red Rocks Amphitheater just to name a few.

Our first day in Colorado we hung out and took a drive up through the Flat Irons (baby rockies) and  a canyon beyond Estes to a town called Nederland. This was an interesting place. The town reminded me of a remote Alaskan outpost with old steam shovels rusting near the side of the road and a very lodgy western makeshift feel even though it has probably been there for 100 years. We saw this really interesting wood carver who carved the Frozen Guy Dead Days statue and payed him a visit. What are the Frozen Dead Guy Days?  No it’ isn’t the Grateful Dead revival or anything it is actually a long interesting story you can read about here. We also took a short hike on Walker Ranch and had a fantastic meal at this roof-top Mexican restaurant in Estes near the square. Deciding our itinerary and plan of attack for the coming days. This day also worked well to help acclimate us to the change altitude.

We decided to hit the Rocky Mountain National Park in the morning for the day and head from there to Steamboat and then up to Jackson Hole WY, there we would stay at a hotel overnight and then make way through Grand Teton National Park to Yellowstone. Our plan was to keep things loose and flexible and just try not to double track over ground we covered. We also wanted to see all we could keeping to a small budget. Speaking of budget.. In case you didn’t know you can purchase a pass for the national parks for like $80 for the year and it covers admission to any and all national parks for one vehicle full of people

Rocky Mountain National Park is amazing an amazing wonderful park and is very close to Boulder. The three most things striking about RMNP was the large valley with the river teaming with wildlife, the Bear Lake area, and the Alpine Road. The Alpine Road was similar to the Mount Washington Auto Road but not as aggressive in climbing and allows for many miles driving peak to peak as you cross the range. On our first day the clouds were low so we didn’t have views on top, again similar to Mt Washington with the fogged in effect. However after seeing pictures at the visitors center on top we stopped back by several days later (after Yellowstone)  to cross the road in clear weather. I am so glad we did because it was amazing! Shannon said it is clear more often than not, which is definitely different the Mt Washington.

After crossing out of RMNP we headed west for Steamboat and then north for Jackson Hole and ultimately our hotel room. We had a lot of ground to cover before we could get some rest. It was interesting to see the land flatten as we progressed north.   Jackson Hole WY was interesting. The ski mountains surrounding the town seemed nothing very crazy and certainly Wildcat in NH looked to be more massive and steep. I suppose it is the snow though. We did see some interesting shops one with a Bigfoot and the town park had a couple arches created from Elk antlers. the national Elk preserve is reportedly close by but we missed it.

Leaving Jackson Hole WY we went north through Grand Teton on our way to Yellowstone. The Tetons were spectatular however we didn’t go deep into the park and only passed through and edge on our way to Yellowstone.

We spent a good two days in Yellowstone and were able to drive though much of the park. I would have loved to have been able to spend many more days hiking camping and fishing. The vistas afforded by the drive were spectacular and the geo-thermal displays unique. Probably the most disappointing part of the entire park was Old Faithful geyser. We listed it under the obligatory must do and headed straight there. Old Faithful itself was quite anti-climatic but the geyser walking path near it and the old lodge that is part of that area was quite impressive and shouldn’t be missed.

Camping in Yellowstone was a real treat even though it really cooled off over night to about 30 degress the days warmed quickly and we dodged any rain and foul weather. I had the opportunity to fly fish the renowned Firehole river in Yellowstone, although I did not actually catch a fish. During the morning I was kept constantly distracted by the Elk, Mule Deer and Buffalo that kept walking by in my area. (I was a little worried about bear) Spending the early morning on the river was breathtaking and balancing for the soul, truly a memory that will ring within me for a lifetime.

The access to wild life at the National Parks was magnificent. Herds of animals here and there as well as solitary ones moving about. The was no shortage of opportunity to simply walk up to a deer, elk or buffalo if one was inclined. Of course this is discouraged and it was obscene how on a couple of occasions people would start do just that.  At times it seemed a bit like a zoo with the rangers protecting the animals from the people. Then again one can simply walk off into the back country after a quick check in at the ranger station.

Yellowstone was so impressive from the sheer scope of the park. While most of the millions of visitors simply stay on the main road there is so much deep wilderness and much of it still left so undisturbed.  Our second night we camped near Yellowstone lake. The area had signs all over of closing trails and areas due to Grizzly Bear activity. As we set-up our tents Rosie’s great concern over bear switched to Buffalo as she observed piles of Buffalo chips literally every ten feet. We were treated to a fantastic sunset sky that night and a free box of wood the next morning from somebody. (We learned shortly after our return that the camping area was closed to anything other than hard sided RVs due to Bear activity)

We headed out of Yellowstone and decided to exit the east entrance and cross Wyoming diagonally since it was the most direct route back to Boulder. It was a very interesting drive through some spectacular canyons and eventually onto what I would call high plains desert.  The canyons were the biggest surprise since I did not expect us to loose elevation like we did leaving the park.

Some of the area we crossed in Wyoming was really some very remote terrain. There was our highway of course and power, but miles and miles of nothing but sage, pronghorn, and dirt. We would come upon a town with a couple small farms and the sign would literally say population 20. There were no services, grocery, gas, hospital, nothing. It would be hours to get many of the simple things we each take for granted every day.  This is probably the most remote area I have ever experienced, it was beautiful, but a little unnerving. I was impressed with what these people must do on a simple day to day basis to live and prosper.

We spent the last day hanging about Boulder and day tripped to Red Rocks amphitheater. Red Rocks was an amazing venue and would be a great place to see a show. We walked the grounds and the visitor center actually getting on stage and playing a little air guitar. Shannon and Aaron were returning in a couple weeks to see Tool.

We stopped by the Dark Horse to meet Shannon and Aaron’s friends and see there local hangout. It was an interesting place with a nice outside area and varied indoor areas. Aaron participated in a the world famous Dark Horse Trike Night in hopes of winning a coveted t-shirt and prizes. He didn’t win but it was a really fun time cheering them on and quite enjoyable.

We also spent some time on Pearl Street in Boulder CO. Pearl Street is a couple blocks of street that has been closed to cars. It is a great area with people hanging around, shops, food, and street performers doing magic or playing music. One of the great surprises was a band from Nashville called Barefoot Surrender. They put on quite a show as you can see from Rosies recording below. I wish we had bought one of their CDs…hopefully they get it up online for sale.

The Boulder Colorado area was really unique. The lifestyle enjoyed there by most people is an active one. The city caters to biking by providing special lanes though out the main roads. It was interesting to note that there were not a lot of heavy people as one might see here in new england. I contribute that to the activity ethic and the lifestyle. There is also a strong environmental awareness in the region as observed by monitor stations and the press for alternate energy. If I were to move away from the coast, Boulder Colorado would be a place I might consider looking strongly at. The climate, mountains, and lifestyle would appear to suit me well.

The area in general is dry. When we were there there was major run off from the mountains but there were no real bodies of water to speak of. many of the small rivers were simply too high to fish safely.  The roadsides had green grass which Aaron explained tuns brown as the season progresses. So we were there in the “wet” season. We also did a couple stops at Boulder Beer and

The trip was a truly memorable one. It was great to spend quality time with kids and be able to share such a wonderful experience. I feel so blessed that we were able to make it out there as we did. Words and pictures cannot describe the scenery and vistas we experienced. We also had some fun moments at various eateries “on the road” and with “car games” we kept playing to pass the time. My only regret is we didn’t have even more time with them and to soak it all in. (see the rest of the vacation pictures in here)

Yes…the trip was one Rocky Mountain Kinda High