So, we thoroughly enjoyed our full day of touring Yellowstone National Park. Saturday evening we got a chance to catch up with our friend Jonathan, who was passing through on his way to begin residency in Tacoma. It was great to see him in such an amazing place, and we had fun hanging out with him even though it was sad to know he'll be living far away from us.
After leaving Yellowstone we headed to Estes Park, Colorado. Allen worked there during two summers in college (following in his big sister's footsteps) with our friend Joel, who came out from NC to meet us for some camping, hiking, and music. Joel is pretty much the closest thing to a zen master of music that we have ever met, and we always learn a lot about what it means to play and love music when we hang out with him. He played some great new tunes for us and listened to some of ours. It was excellent, and we wish his cool wife Jen could have been there too.
We camped up at Pole Hill the first night, and the view was beautiful, as you can see below. The next morning, we had a little bit of a close call when some fellow campers started shooting a .22 at the next campsite over. We heard a series of pops, which was a little alarming, but more alarming was that some of the pops were followed by whizzes just above our heads. That's something you never want to hear. We definitely don't want to hear it again, and we're thankful we were safe despite the utter stupidity of our fellow humans. We hit the deck and started screaming, and the shooting stopped.
Then we headed into town with utmost haste and had a huge breakfast at the Big Horn. After that, we went for a hike in steady rain, and got soaked through. The hike was quite an adventure in itself, with snow covering the majority of the trail IN JUNE and the rain and thunder hounding us back down to the trailhead. After the hike, we returned to the lodge at the Y for some hot chocolate by the fire. Best. Hot chocolate. Ever. Even though we were wearing wet jeans that weighed about 25 pounds.
After a quick nap, the three of us headed to the local bowling alley, where we absolutely dominated the lanes, since the weather was too unfriendly for sunset viewing. The next day, we drove up Trail Ridge Road to catch what is allegedly an overwhelmingly beautiful view...but it was completely obscured by fog. (Sorry Gin...I still haven't seen it up there!) The road was actually closed off due to the weather, which was stubbornly uncooperative for our entire second day there. Despite the rain and fog, though, we managed to feel pretty well-adventured, and we loved getting the chance to have some great conversations and play music with Joel.
Sleeping elk near our Yellowstone cabin
Saying bye to Jonathan
Campfire at Pole Hill
Allen and Joel at Pole Hill, above Estes Park
A view of Wyoming on our way to Estes
Hello my children whose playground is the world,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate so much the opportunity to share in your adventures through the blog. We celebrate your opportunity to explore this amazing country of ours and we look forward to seeing you in person. Much love and continue to have fun,
Denise and Bill
Oh..Estes. How I miss it! Who is that with you? Is that Joel? I hope you drove up Trailridge. That's one of my all time favorites! Have fun!!
ReplyDeleteGin
I remember before we went to London (way back when), Denise said "We toast the children who make the world their playground" and I've always remembered that! I love it. I do have to say, though, it must be rough finding snow on your playground in June.
ReplyDeleteS.S., you are cracking us up. It definitely was disarming to be hiking in the snow...especially since we were wearing running shoes. Gin, we didn't make it up Trail Ridge...Allen was so disappointed. I took a photo of the white-out of fog behind him though. Mom, thanks for the encouragement and support during our travels and for keeping Agee safe! We love you guys!
ReplyDeleteAs James might say "Awww, Man..." All the more reason to return with your sister! (Hee! Hee! Hee!) :0)
ReplyDelete