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Borrego Springs, CA

Monday, October 18, 2010

Rocky Mountain National Park

IMG_6229Rocky Mountain National Park is another one of those parks where, on a good day, you have the chance to come home with some more of those calendar like pictures.  :)
IMG_6242I’ve never been to this park in the autumn, and really couldn’t get enough of the fall colors.  I didn’t take all of the roads in the park because as I neared the highest portion of the park, a snow storm began.  I’m a chicken when it comes to taking a chance with snow storms in mountains, so I turned around and headed back down.
IMG_6268If you read yesterday’s post, you know that this was a journey of remembrance for me.  Being out to see these natural wonders refreshed my soul.
IMG_6288Though the aspen colors were mostly past peak, there were small groves that were just brilliantly colored.
_MG_6304In a meadow near West Horseshoe Park, a bull elk was keeping watch over his harem of about 20 cows.
_MG_6312 _MG_6294
On the periphery of this herd were two much younger bulls that were hoping to maybe steal away a cow or two.  By the size of the big bull, I’d say these two probably won’t have any luck with that!  The bugling of that big bull sent chills up and down my spine.
IMG_6224When I arrived at this campground on Saturday, my oldest son, Daniel, met me at the office.  He lives about 90 minutes away outside of Denver.  He’ll be moving to Los Angeles in about two weeks, so I was glad we got a chance to visit before his move.  That’s his dog, Buddy, with him.  They both stayed for the night, so we had a nice campfire while we chewed the fat.  Emma was in 7th heaven with a four footed companion to bother.  I didn’t think she’d ever call down, but finally after midnight they both collapsed.

Today was spent running errands in Loveland, CO, and tomorrow my plans are to get through Denver and head for Kansas.  Life goes on…

Thanks for stopping by….talk to you later,  Judy

20 comments:

  1. Judy, I really like seeing your pictures of Rocky Mountain National Park. We've been there only once, and only for one night. I want to go again. The fall colors are just beautiful! I'm happy that you were able to meet up with your son.

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  2. How nice to have a visit with your son. He's quite a cutie!
    Love your photo of the bull elk with his harem. You always have one photo that stands out for me.
    It's amazing all the things, places and animals you come across. You have a good eye.
    Barbara

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  3. I love the elk picture. It looks like you had a great visit with your son. Blessings, Gail

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  4. Fall colors are always a great part of the year.

    Falling snow always triggers the urge in us to head south and then south some more.

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  5. Absolutely stunning colours!! A perfect spot for some reflecting and refreshing of the soul!

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  6. Life does go on and that is what is so important to remember. And even though it may be sad, life is still beautiful and wonderful.

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  7. I don't blame you, the last thing I would like is to be caught in a snow storm in the mountain! In fact, I don't like snow storms, never!

    Beautiful pictures, beautiful scenery, and I agree w/Barbara, one good looking son you have! ;)

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  8. The call of a male elk is never to be forgotten...what a great fall you are having...especially with your son...family is so important, especially when your soul is hurting...

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  9. Great pictures. Nice of your son to come and visit and stay for the night. Pretty good timing I'd say.

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  10. Looks like you caught the fall colors at just the right time. I've been there in September before, but next time I guess I should wait until a little later! Glad you got to visit with your son.

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  11. what absolutely gorgeous pictures...love the header shot!!..how nice that your son came to visit and stay for a bit!.a beautiful day of reflection!

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  12. I LOVE your photos of the quakies! My goal is to someday be able to stay in the Rockies through the color season so seeing them only makes me more determined! It's also nice to see some of your family!! And now you are headed to my state and I'm not home ~ dang it!!!!! Otherwise I would be on the road to meet you for sure. We are in Branson, MO until Sunday and I know you'll be out of KS by then, cuz, really there just isn't that much there to spend that much time on!!! Next time for sure!

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  13. I also couldn't get enough of the fall color in RMNP a few weeks ago. It's nice to see a little snow on the mountains in your pictures. There was no snow when we were there. We were lucky we didn't have to deal with any snow.

    We're in Utah now and the fall colors are still beautiful. How nice for you to have time with your son. I always cherish time with my boys.

    Stay safe!

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  14. Really nice pictures of the park, we will have to put it on our list of places to see. So glad you were able to visit with your son before he moves.

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  15. It sounds like you have a similar situation to mine - kids living in different parts of the country long distances apart. I'm glad you got to see him and spend an evening around the campfire.

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  16. The elk pictures got me to thinking, where does he find the time for 20 wives, most of us can barely keep one happy, Your son Dan has inherited his Mom's good taste in k9 companions, buddy looks great. Be safe out there, Sam & Donna.

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  17. Excellent photography Judy--you have a great eye for composition! My sis lives in the Aspen/Snowmass area so Ive visited CO in every season, what a place!! The last time I visited RM-NP it snowed also I think that was in the month of July tho-
    A move to LA for your son will be a big change from CO Im sure.

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  18. Gorgeous photos Judy! Mike wants to know what route you took from WY to get to Rocky Mountain National Park??

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  19. Breathtaking pictures, as usual! What a lovely area...

    I am so glad that you got to see your son. It was exactly what you needed, wasn't it? He is indeed a very handsome young man.

    Glad that Emma had a playmate - they get tired of us "two-pawed" creatures who can't keep up with them! Mustang Sally tries to get the Shadow-cat to play, but she will have NONE of it! :-)

    Be safe...

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  20. If you bring the camera, Mother Nature will bring the scenery:))

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