Wandering Retirees

Today we hit the road two-up like we’re so happy doing. After Connie’s 12 hour travel day and a good night’s sleep, we took care of some logistical matters and set off along the Trail Ridge Road, US Rte 34, from Estes to Grand Lake. Park entry between 9 am and 2 pm is by timed reservation at this and other really popular parks to reduce the severe overcrowding that has plagued many Nat’l Parks. Our time slot was for entry between noon and 2 pm. The cost is still very reasonable and there’s no charge for the reservation. You just have to be sure to plan ahead, is all.

The weather started sunny and about 60 F when we left Estes. Climbing from the entrance at 7,500 feet to the highest pass at at 12,183 feet, the temperature dropped to the low 40’s. Flip flops don’t work for long up theres. Note: Trail Ridge Road the highest paved road in the US National Park system.

We stopped at the overlook for Forest Valley and walked out over packed snow to take in the wondrous sight. Above the tree line, the tundra is protected here. We also saw some Marmots, cute mammals that look like small groundhogs who are making the most of their short active season. We got a couple of shots of the critters.

The snow pack along the road is still five feet high in places. After slogging through mid-90’s heat to get here, it felt really good. There are some good twisties and switchbacks on good road to make us happy with the ride. This riding is not as technically difficult as we found in the Austrian and Italian Alps, but was still very enjoyable.

We lunched (great word!) in Grand Lake on the far side of the Park. The pizza was surprisingly good for outside NYC or Philly. Then we headed back the way we came and enjoyed it all again! And despite some dire forecasts, we only got rained on a little as we neared our cottage. A very good day.

Tomorrow we hope to meet up with a friend we met on our tour in Austria. He lives in Ft Collins and knows these roads well. Can’t wait to meet up.