Happy 4th, last day at Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Happy Independence Day! I headed off to Alluvial Fan trailhead. To see the Horseshoe Falls. It was an easy trail, mostly paved, no more than a 19% grade uphill. I was here quite early and admired all the sparkly mika rocks that were throughout this area. Like diamonds, and silver, glistening in the sun. It was so beautiful. I sat for a while on one of the sparkly rocks finishing my coffee in my trusted Starbucks travel mug, while I watched some very ambitious hikers heading straight up along the shore of the falls to a very prominent boulder. Somehow they climbed on top of the boulder waving their arms for the ultimate photo op. Part of me was jealous thinking I can’t do that, because I would certainly have slipped and slid off this rock into the death defying waterfall. On the other hand, part of me thought that they were bat shit crazy. Why would they do this for a photo that would give them bragging rights? Throughout this park there are published reports and warnings about trails that have led to people‘s passing. 

Speaking of passing, I learned that one of my dear friend’s daughter passed who is probably roughly my age. That makes two people that I know, friend’s daughters, that have passed away within the last couple of months. Certainly not the normal order of life. A constant reminder to enjoy what we have and to appreciate the opportunities we engage in.

I stopped for a bit at Sheep‘s Lake, hoping I would see or catch a glimpse of the Long Horned sheep. Alas, I did not, but I so enjoyed speaking with the volunteer Rangers who kept me informed of this particular important intersection for these sheep, which are indigenous to this part of the Rocky Mountains. I even got a photo opportunity with “Ramsy,” the stuffed Ram instead. I just love these impromptu engagements with the dedicated staff, and Rangers of all of our national parks. It was quite enjoyable.

I stopped at a pull out towards the Cub Lake Trailhead, just around the corner from the Moraine campsite. I sat in my camp chair and umbrella sketching out this particular glimpse of the Rocky Mountains, along with the meadow stream. I needed some peace and quiet from crowds, as I also finished a short hike at the Hidden Valley rest area, formally a ski resort. 

After a quick shower, I return to my campsite. It’s the Fourth of July and it’s noticeably quieter, surprisingly. Of course, fireworks are not allowed in the national parks, as I’m sure the park rangers would be all over that, in a heartbeat. Just like Arizona, these parts of Colorado are under extreme drought, and prone to fire. It was actually a very beautiful, and relaxing day, though introspective, reflective and gracious.

I prepared myself my own barbecue, with a hamburger, roasted potatoes, and curry spiced beans. I sat for quite a while on top of the little rock hill behind my beautiful camp spot. Watching the sunset and watching the shadows roll over the Rockies which was incredibly beautiful. That word beautiful really does not describe what I saw. It was heart wrenching and breathtaking, as well as entertaining watching some young buck deer roaming through below while other campers seemed oblivious. I watched their behavior as they had no clue that these deer were roaming through around them. Sometimes the littlest clues truly are quite entertaining.































 

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