Rocky Mountain High

We returned from Colorado yesterday afternoon, having had a wonderful weekend in the Rockies.  Previous to this weekend, neither Ron nor I have had any experience with high elevations.  It was a bit of a surprise to us, the effect that we both experienced, mostly shortness of breath while cutting rug on the dance floor at the wedding reception!

The cabin we rented was charming.  It was built in 1912 but has received some modern updates, such as indoor plumbing and electricity.  Still it had a rustic feel, but comfortable.

The cabin we rented for the weekend.  We all enjoyed sitting out on this deck in the morning sun.

Street view of the cabin.

We all got a laugh out of this Boston Baked Beans pot that was in the cabin kitchen!

The view from our cabin.

Roni and David fixed breakfast every morning in our cabin kitchen.

The breakfast chefs!

Another view of the cabin kitchen. 

Eating lunch one day in the screened porch at the cabin.  

Saturday morning, before the wedding, we spent a few hours mucking around downtown Estes Park.  It's a small tourist town at the mouth of the Rocky Mountain National Park.  We were told by one shop owner, that they expect between 3.5 and 4 million visitors each summer.  Can you imagine?  We were very happy to have been there this weekend, rather than at the height of tourist season.  It's easy to see why it's a popular destination.  The scenery is spectacular.

The view towards the National Park from downtown Estes Park.

A fun sculpture at the end of town.

Roni, David and Dara playing on a xylophone near the mountain goat sculpture.

A tranquil little creek ran through Estes Park.

Roni and David couldn't resist playing in the water.  Dara too, though she isn't pictured here.

Tranquil this year, but we learned that last year this creek flooded, causing significant damage downstream, which is still being repaired.  

Blaine and Jenn's wedding was beautiful.  The venue they chose was breathtaking.  Behind them was a sheer rock mountain, framed by two trees. You could not help but feel awed in the presence such a display by Mother Nature!

The view from guest seating at the wedding.  Truly breathtaking!

Guest seating for the wedding.  Padded seats were provided as well as light blankets for chilly guest.  Though, the weather was warm, especially given it was the end of March.  60 degrees at wedding time!

Blaine and Jenn.  Makes me cry again, looking at the photo.  They are so happy together.

An image of the wedding party and the mountain. 

Married!  Blaine and Jenn Evans!!

The wedding reception was held in a beautiful facility, constructed to blend in to the surroundings and still accommodate crowds.  We were so impressed and appreciated all that went in to this particular setting, as well as the attention to detail that Blaine and Jenn devoted to their guests.

A look at the wedding reception area from the balcony.

Roni, David and Dara, goofing around on the dance floor.

Roni, Blaine and Dara.

Another photo of Dara, Blaine and Roni. These three were inseparable during their four years of college at Saint Martin's University.  Still best of friends and so supportive of one another.

There was a photo booth at the wedding reception.  Here's David  and one of his costume choices!

David, Roni and another wedding guest being silly at the photo booth!

Sunday afternoon we went on a short hike outside of Loveland CO.  It was on a well used trail and the feature was a unique rock formation called Devil's Backbone.  Still feeling the effects of the altitude, we were content with the easy climb and the two mile round trip!

Sunday afternoon hike at Devil's Backbone outside Loveland, CO

A portion of the backbone.

We kept a close eye out for rattle snakes!

Another view of the backbone.

Me, catching my breath!!!

Dara took this nice photo of us.

More of the backbone.  I guess this would be a vertebrae.

Roni, David and Dara.  Dara lives and teaches middle school English in Denver, so she was able to talk all through the hike, where the rest of us just concentrated on breathing!

Roni and David at "the Keyhole" in the Devil's Backbone.

Me and Reynald at the same place.

Reynald proving that he is still fit and able to take a deep breath!

Back home on Monday we found things just the way we had left them, though we noticed that the wheat has grown and more daffodils are blooming!  Baxter was happy to see us, though not ecstatic! He loves it when Louise is here to farm sit, so I don't think he misses us much!

Today the wind is blowing like crazy, so we'll both take advantage of an indoor day.