Back full circle to Estes Park

Jackie at the top of a 5.7 climb in Red Rocks

Joseph didn’t reappear before hunger got the better of us, so we went out without him and sadly didn’t see him again that evening, he did put a very sweet note under our door which we found the next morning, thanking us for the welcome and conversation as he’d really appreciated the normality and family feel. Turns out his Granddad has died since he’s been on his road trip, so it’s been very hard for him.

The same climb but from a distance away

Abseiling (or Rappelling) down the 5.7

Also didn’t see much more of Andrea, she had a difficult dinner meeting (though not as bad as she’d been expecting) and then her boss was round in the morning talking things over. I told her I was jealous as I’d wanted her to share breakfast! She left us a lovely review on airbnb, so fortunately she enjoyed our company as much as we enjoyed hers!

Jackie at the top of the 5.10a

Our last stop before Estes Park was at Colorado Springs – a last chance to climb at Red Rocks Park again, so we pottered off, arriving in time to go to the tourist information where we met a lovely lady, who knows she is losing her memory, so thanked us profusely for waiting while she answered all our questions! She’d answered them and they hadn’t been the standard tourist questions either, “where can we get Brian’s watch fixed?” “Where can I find a barber (not a hairdresser) to cut my hair?” and “where is REI (the outdoor shop of choice)?” We did forget to ask where the post office was, but the watchmender (who had replaced the bent pin for $1) could tell us that. He also said I could try the barber we’d noticed just back down the road!

An evening walk round Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs

Only one guy waiting (and he really had very little hair anyway) so I thought I’d wait and B could go to the post office to ask them about shipping our holdall of climbing gear and un-required clothes home. Have to say it is a good haircut, and it was an enjoyable experience, but he was the worlds slowest barber. It turns out though that he’s 83, been barbering for 20 yrs and did ladies hair for 32 yrs before that! I’d have put him at 60ish, but 83?

I liked the shadow in this one

She just can't resist climbing things!

Put the address for this airbnb into the sat nav which said turn round and go 2 blocks! We were that close! Arrived just after Tonya and met O Yeo the cat, with scary opposable thumbs and were welcomed into a tiny apartment. That is half the fun of airbnb, you never know what you are going to get, and it was clean, and she was sweet, reminded me a lot of me when my first marriage split up, we were about the same age, she’s taken up Argentine Tango and bouldering, and I took up Ceroc and climbing. Although we’d been to Colorado Springs before, last time we were way out in a very nice suburb, this time we were walking distance to downtown, such a different experience. We walked out both nights to very pleasant restaurants full of the after work crowd. Made such a change to be able to walk out, no one walks anywhere here, so there are few sidewalks so you don’t either!

Jackie, Roger and Jane on our walk up to Balanced Rock

We had a great morning climbing, till the sun came round and it got too hot! It’s the end of October, we are at 6000’ and it’s too hot? So back to the ‘belief school of climbing’ there are few handholds and footholds, but amazing friction, so you just have to believe and you can walk up it! We peaked on a 5.10a, though it really wasn’t, we are claiming it as the pinnacle of our US climbing! We did a 5.7, a 5.8, a 5.9 and then this one, and they all felt about the same!

A section of Rogers 'Off Piste!'

Four likely looking suspects!

Off to REI for climbing chalk (apparently it is white gold in Vietnam – you can hire a chalk bag, but it will probably have flour in!) and a US adaptor for the tablet. Great chat with the manager who the sales assistant called over, as he spent 2 months in Vietnam and loved it. Trip to Starbucks to use their wifi, before another wander around Garden of the Gods!

And the view back down into Estes Park

This rock is called Paul Bunyan's Boot. Apparently Paul Bunyan is a giant lumberjack in American folklore and there are many tall tales of his superhuman labours. There have been literary compositions , musical pieces and theatrical productions about him

Looking down on the others from 'The Boot'

It seemed like a long journey back up to Estes Park, mostly due to a ‘prang’ on the freeway which really slowed everything down, but it was lovely to arrive back with Jane and Roger, welcomed back with big hugs and lots of talking. We were off to a party for the evening, friends of J&R who had moved down to a lovely house in Boulder. They had one fierce scaredy cat and one adorable cat, so another cat fix, always good. What was not so good was having had a nice plate of food and half a glass of wine, I came over all unnecessary, suddenly felt sick and hot before crumpling to the floor! 

Didn’t actually faint, and was right as rain within 15 minutes! What was that all about?

Peering through the hole in Paul Bunyans boot

We had planned to hike on the Sunday and pack etc on Monday, but with the baggage people we’ve found we had to be packed and ready at 0900 Monday morning, and they will collect, sometime before 18.00. So here we sit WAITING (actually B is outside, in the snow with Roger, what they are doing we don’t quite know, but there’s lots of hammering and stuff going on!) We did manage to get a hike in yesterday afternoon which was great, it was a bit windy, but fine in the trees, one layer of clothing and Rog was in shorts! 

Balanced Rock. We didn't know those people climbing on it

What a change from when we came through with Mum (sleet) and today (snow)! So packing is done, all went in very easily (thanks for taking that stuff though Mum, really helped) and the rucksacks don’t feel too bad (but that’s putting them on for a second and walking nowhere!)

Went out for a yummy Indian last night, to satisfy the 'biryani craving' I wonder when I'll get my next fix?

The route down wasn't so good, very steep, very rocky and skiddy bits of sand in between. Jane and I stayed at the back and grumbled! Jackie chatted with Roger on the way down without a grumble - had I been leading this route down I have no doubt she would have grumbled the whole way!

Into the Rockies to Dillon

Deer in Estes Park

We’ve finally left Anne and Larry’s ranch at Livermore and driven to Dillon via a very scenic route over the Rockies and through Estes Park. Our last day on the ranch turned out to be fairly miserable and damp but, for me, it started off with a longish drive to pick up Roger and Jane from Estes Park and take them to Denver airport for their three week European holiday, taking in six days in Iceland, seven days in the Grand Massive in France and eight days in Paris. 

The light dusting of snow in Estes Park

They will be back before we leave the US and we’ll be seeing them again for a few days at the end of October, so look forward to hearing of their holiday. After my 06:30am start, after feeding cats and dogs at dawn and driving through drizzle and rain and low cloud, I was at Roger and Jane’s by 08:00am in time to say hello to Bill and sit and read the daily paper whilst flapping was going on around me! Have you got your passports was my only question, but despite the heavy rush hour traffic in Denver (yes it’s the same the world over), I dropped them off at the airport on time at 10:30 and was back home in amongst animals and ranch life by 12:30, still in the drizzle! The only place it was nice was in Estes Park, where it was sunny, they really do have their own micro-climate there.

We were amused by this Portapotty in a parking area. It says 'Potties for the Rockies'

A walk above the lake in Dillon

The damp weather continued, so we went off to the Farmers Market that is supposed to be on every Thursday 3:00pm to 6:00pm, but when we arrived at 3:20pm it was all closed up, so instead we took a trip into Fort Collins where, in the Nepalese shop Pauline bought a fabulous pair of trousers, while I chatted to the Nepalese owner. When we got back to the ranch some things had moved, potted plants had been brought inside, tables and chairs had moved, but all became clear when we had a call from Anne who said they had asked a neighbour to bring in the plants as it had gone much colder. 

Brian, Pauline and Jackie

They were on their way back but as they had been driving through heavy snow they were worried they wouldn’t get back. They arrived back at about 7:00pm, just as we were finishing dinner and we had an evening with them chatting and drinking wine, before they retired to their bed in their RV outside, and we went to sleep in their house! It felt very strange, but we were up at 07:00am to feed goats, let out the chickens, feed the peacocks, feed the wild birds, put out nuts for the squirrels and feed dogs and cats all for the last time. After packing the car and saying goodbye to Anne and Larry we were off (after picking some fresh veg from their garden) and all felt very sad we wouldn’t be seeing them all again, particularly those big eyes and soppy looks from the two dogs Coda and Jet.

The cute little chipmunks in Dillon

As we had the whole day we decided to take the pretty route to Dillon rather than the Freeway, which involved taking the same route back to Estes Park I had taken the previous day through Lapointe and Loveland. The open land closed in as we approached the mountains, entering a steep sided gorge with only a road and river, with a sign at the entrance that said ‘In case of flood, climb to safety’. The road had been swept away in places in the flood of September 2013 and, on looking at the steep cliffs on either side of a road squeezing in the narrow pass alongside the river, you can just imagine the horror of those people who were caught and drowned when a wall of water funneled down and swept them away. It’s dramatic and beautiful in there, but it’s a reminder of the power of nature that a little river flowing can be so dramatically transformed.

And a Jay

As we entered Estes Park the weather again was brighter and sunny, but there had been a little snow overnight and the trees and mountain peaks around had a light white covering, making it look more like a ski resort. A brief stop, allowing Pauline to buy a pair of shoes, a coffee and some salt water taffy (a local sweet), we drove round the town looking for Elk to show Pauline. We’d seen loads when we stayed with Roger and Jane, but do you think we could find any?! We carried on due south following the scenic route, came upon some deer that were a fine substitute for not seeing Elk, found ourselves up at 11,000 ft with great views of dramatic mountains and on passed ski lifts, ski hire shops and then down to Dillon, set at 9,100ft in the midst of 14,000ft mountains towering round this small town with a huge reservoir. Just as the weather forecast had predicted, the sky was blue, it was fairly warm and the views fabulous. We took a walk along the river, picked up the key to our airbnb apartment, cooked dinner, cracked open a bottle of wine and watched a film (that turned out to be crap!).

More chipmunks!

They were very tame and quite happy to come close

Today, clear blue sky again and a warmer temperature, although cooler first thing in these alpine altitudes (At 9,100 ft, the town is almost twice as high as Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK), we set off for a driving tour of the lake. The way to do it is by bike, it’s 22 miles round and has quite a few stiff climbs on it and, being a Saturday, it was busy with local folks out for the weekend on their bikes. Half way round, on top of a small hill overlooking the lake we did a short 2 mile hike round the hill for wonderful views of the lake, towns and the surrounding magnificent mountains. It’s a justifiably popular walk, with quite a few other people there and we had to do half of it again to reach a viewpoint that was busy with people on the first circuit. The viewpoint had a double bonus, not only great views, but half a dozen or so tame little chipmunks, who were quite happy to come up close to us and pose for pictures.

The repositioned old Frisco buildings

even the jail was original, as I found out

The town of Frisco was our next stop, down at the lakeside and a great little place. Some of the old buildings in the old town had been saved by moving them to a special area and rebuilt as a museum. They were not replicas, but the original buildings, furnished with original artefacts, making it a very interesting stop. We were accompanied on our tour by a local 13 year old, who was very sweet and ‘adopted’ us for our visit. The town was also quite interesting, but Pauline thought it looked a bit like a ski resort, despite the girl in the Visitors Centre pointing out that we were in the original Town Hall.

Frisco and it's mountains

The original Town Hall, now a visitors centre

Walking back to the car we passed a glass making shop, decided to drop in and found the owner in the process of making a special wine glass for a customer. She was so excited to see her wine glass being made, he getting her involved by blowing through the glass making tube, rolling and forming the shape along with him. It was really quite interesting and, of course I took loads of photos, which I now have to email to her!

In the glassmaking shop and the customer blowing the glass

Even Jackie had a go

One more walk for the afternoon, just a little walk up to Lily Pad Lake, halfway up a mountain at 9800ft, only 3 miles round trip and only 600ft of ascent we told Pauline! It turned out to be quite a climb and Lily Pad Lake was a bit of a disappointment, but we got occasional good views through the trees, got conversation with some people we met on the way and a good couple of hours out in the mountains.

The glassmaker (John) and the customer at work

Not quite finished, but as much as we saw

It’s our last evening here and both Jackie and Pauline are sitting yawning after a bottle of wine and dinner, but I wanted to do a blog entry as our next stop near Glenwood Springs, in a cabin by a creek has no internet, so we’ll not be in contact for the next two days!

 

The walk up to Lily Pad Lake

Halfway up at a river crossing

Some great views on the way

But the lake was a little disappointing

And then there were three

Jackie, me (mum/Pauline) and Brian enjoying an ice cream

Well, I never thought I’d stay on a ranch but here I am and it’s amazing.  Never thought I’d share a property with so many animals either, but they’re all very friendly.  The squirrels dash about – they have their own feeder but like the overflow from the birds’; the goats lead Brian a merry dance but he seems quite attached to them – talk about escape artists! 

One of the little humming birds

When the dogs want a stroke they come and nudge you and their eyes are so pleading you wouldn’t have the heart not to comply.  But what I really can’t take my eyes off are the humming birds.  You have never seen anything so tiny but perfectly formed as them.  But I understand they will soon be off to warmer climes so I’ve been very lucky.  But how anything so tiny has the strength to get anywhere significant I can’t imagine.

Out in the ranch with the dogs

That's the lake overflow under Brian

I don’t know if J and B thought they were escaping when they started this adventure but if so they have been sadly disappointed because I’ve just popped up again.  Flew into Denver and had a day to reacclimatise, though I don’t think Denver has a huge amount to recommend it, apart from the state capital building (the one with the famous mile high markers – all 3 different ones) where I joined a guided tour given by the most enthusiastic volunteer and was really interesting.  The next day J and B picked me up and brought me here for the start of three weeks’ travel to Las Vegas.

Jackie and Brian showing off their loom bands made by Caroline and brought out by Pauline

A hourse encounter on the ranch

The blog’s only growing very slowly because Jackie and I are having a domestic morning while Brian takes friends to the airport and we’ve got West Side Story on – one of my favourite musicals; but such a distraction.  It’s raining so we haven’t taken the dogs for the planned walk – our excuse being that when B has been driving for 4-5 hours he’ll be ready to stretch his legs!

Coda would go for a ride in the car, but Jet wouldn't get in. We had to go for a walk from the house instead

Yesterday we took a scenic drive along a creek – and it really was scenic.  We all wanted the canoes we’d had in NZ.  We felt that all that was needed to complete the picture was a bear hunting for fish but we only managed bear footprints.  Ah well, I dare say we would have hurried back to the car if our wish had been granted.  When we got to the biggest rapids we did find someone in his canoe being filmed doing it (we never found out why) so in the action stakes all our “achievements” were rather on the vicarious side.  But it was lovely.  

The bear print in the mud

After lunch we went for a walk, as directed by the owners of this lovely house, in the hope that we might find some arrowheads in an area that had once been settled by Indians.  Again we didn’t achieve but the view was a very satisfactory consolation prize.  I expect B has/will pick out photos to verify what I say.  Never known anyone take so many photos – it’s good job we’re well passed the era of taking the film to Boots and paying for each photo developed – they would have to cut their travels by half if that still pertained.

On the way to the Indian Rings site

We searched in vain for arrow heads

One of many turkey vultures circling round at sunset

Most of the things I have to add are before Mum arrived – we did use the hot tub, which was warmer than the average bath and very pleasant. We went to Fort Collins to do some food shopping, not exciting in itself, but the Old Town is very pleasant, so we had a light lunch out, and listened to a very talented man playing and singing at one of the town pianos, he appeared to have been cycle touring judging by the size of his panniers, and just got off and started playing!

Evening snacks and margaritas!

We all tried a margarita last night, having been introduced to tequila slammers on our first night by Kristy and Larry, which even though we were given the ‘good stuff’ brought tears to the eyes, we were left with the recipe and ingredients, so it seemed rude not to try! Enjoyed it, but not sure I’d drink it with dinner as we’ve seen some people doing!

Jack the rooster, chest puffed out in full voice

Oreo and Hermes the goats, with the dogs on the day out in the yard

Having had two ‘woofing’ nights we’ve had two really peaceful nights (should I say that before our last night) though Mum’s first night the dogs were so quiet, she thought Jet was dead! He’d done this to me the other evening, wouldn’t wake up, but he was obviously dreaming as he was twitching. She’d had to step over him to get to the loo and then couldn’t see him breathing, and then he wouldn’t wake up, even though he finally did, it had really shaken and woken her up, so she didn’t sleep so well!

Dogs, goats and chickens relaxing in the garden!

 

Hermes welcomes Jackie back after she fed the feral cats

Helloooo! I'm Oreo!

 

Playtime over, Oreo is not keen on going back into his pen

Even when tempted by his favorite Fritos crispy snack. The dogs weren't much help, but Oreo eventually wandered back in on his own (fortunately!)

 

Pauline and Jackie