While we never had a detailed plan we did have a good idea of where we wanted to go. We rarely booked a hotel ahead of our arrival because we wanted to freedom to change our minds on direction and duration.
When we do plan it is usually only a few days ahead. Well we found out on this leg of the journey that we may have a short term plan but 'Mother Nature' has her own ideas. Let me explain.
We wanted to go see Steamboat and Estes Park in the middle of the Rockies. The plan was to leave Cheyenne, heading west and back to Laramie, then south to Steamboat for one night. We had been told by many people that this ski town was a must see. Then we planned to to approach Estes Park from the west side and spend a couple of days there. I was looking forward to driving the highest paved road in the US inside the state park. The road rises to 12,180 feet. After that we were open to suggestions on Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs etc. All the time keeping in mind our target to get to Brendan's by the 17th or 18th of October.
Sorry about the long winded explanation.
Steamboat
The weather was really nice in Cheyenne when we left for Steamboat The closer we got to Steamboat the poorer the weather became. We also noticed we were climbing as we went through the pass into the Rockies mountain region. The final approach to Steamboat gives you a view down into the valley below which must be a few thousand feet below. By the time we got into Steamboat the weather was very poor. We could see why so many people had recommended this place. Ski lodges, magnificent residences all across the mountain slopes. But this day was miserable and lashing rain. We had lunch and decided that we should move on to Estes Park. Driving would be a more productive use of our time instead of hiding in a hotel room for the afternoon.
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| Our first sight of the show capped Rockies after leaving Steamboat |
We drove back up the steep incline into the mountain pass. Within half an hour of leaving Steamboat the rain turned to sleet and then to snow. We were now concerned. The snow stopped and we continued on our journey. Eventually we arrived at the rangers post at the entry to Estes National Park. He informed us that the road to Estes Park resort was closed due to snow. He gave us a map and explained how we could take an alternative route. This route would take several more hours. We had been driving most of the day and I did not fancy taking on the winding roads at this altitude so late in the day and with the high probability of more snow.
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| Elk at roadside near Rangers Station entrance to Estes Park |
This is where our luck changed. We turned abound from the ranger station and immediately saw a huge elk stag with his herd. We took some photos but tried not to disturb their crossing. We then drove about a mile down the road to Grand Lake and booked a room. This was the next piece of good fortune. The town sits at the side of a beautiful lake at about 8,300 feet.
Sagebrush BBQ and Grill
We had a great dinner in the Sagebrush BBQ and Grill. The food is great and only surpassed by the atmosphere. There is a constant queue from tables from the time they open until late evening. We then retired for the night.
More Snow
At 7am I checked the weather conditions. It had been snowing during the night and more snow was forecast for the day. We extended our booking for another day in the hope that the weather would improve and the roads would be safe for the next stage of our journey.
The Fat Cat
We went to the Fat Cat Cafe for breakfast. This cafe opens at 7am every morning and closes at 1pm. The owner is an English lady who prepared all the goodies for breakfast from fresh local ingredients. It's a buffet affair. It is also the best breakfast I have had anywhere, ever. She also has a massive table of delicious desserts for after the hearthy breakfast. It's all included in the prise. For the first time in my life I had a dessert after my breakfast.
Adam Falls
After that we were ready to try and walk off some of the pounds with a walk up by Adam Falls.
We had been told that Moose could be seen here on a regular basis. We were still hoping to capture some images of the elusive male moose. We did have to keep an eye out for Bears and Mountain Lions on the trail. Lucky for them we did not meet : ).... The Moose did not turn up either /: (
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| Adam Falls |
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| Part of the Rockies from Adam Falls |
Staying in Grand Lake, an area we had no intention of visiting, turned out to be one of the best stops we made. We experienced a bit of winter, great food and spectacular scenery.
Some of our images from Grand Lake
Sagebrush BBQ and Grill
Fat Cat Cafe
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