Training Log Archive: Yvonne

Scampering around the concourse @ DIA w/ kiddos waiting for our perpetually delayed flight. They couldn't get enough of the speed walkway thingys. I broke a sweat so I'm logging it.

I predicted Frontier would put us up for the night, but we actually did make it home eventually (3:45 AM).

Sprague Lake, Bear Lake, Nymph Lake and Alberta Falls. These are on the E side of the park and wow, now I see why RMNP is the 3rd most visited NP in the US. Gobs of people - so many that an extensive shuttle system is needed and we barely even got a parking space in the huge lot. But the shuttle worked very well - so kudos to the NPS for keeping these areas accessible to all. Beautiful alpine lakes! Kiddos were tired and lukewarm on hiking to Alberta Falls, but once they got there, had to admit it was totally worth it. Also took a side trip to a cool alluvial fan.

I put my green Superfeet in the Hokas and it made a noticeable improvement in stability and really minimized foot movement in the shoe. Like!!

Sadly, our last day in RMNP. Heading home tomorrow.

Accounting of ungulates observed during our stay:
- Moose - 8 (including 3 cows w/ calves!! Fortunately from a little distance - not in our campsite)
- Mule Deer - 10 or so including some youngsters near our campsite
- Elk - at least 300. They are everywhere! Alpine areas, lower areas, tons around our campground, you name it. Bulls, cows, and lots of calves. Healthy population!

Totally enjoyed the evening ranger programs in the NP campgrounds. Kiddos both earned Junior Ranger badges. Long live the NPS!!!

Awoke to elk and a moose (!) literally strolling through our campsite. The NPS is super strict about putting all food in bear boxes so they weren't looking for handouts, just browsing vegetation (our site is right by CO river headwaters).

From camp, along access trail to Holzwarth historic site then up Grand Ditch trail and back. 10# pack. 1st mile was flat and a slow shuffle, 2nd was brisk hike w/ 1,000' elevation gain, then carefully ran back down. Cool and breezy - lovely.

Spent the night in Eagle. Drove to Rocky Mountain National Park (west side), set up camp, then drove to the alpine area. Hiked Alpine Ridge and Tundra Communities trails (all above 12,000'). Then spent a bunch of time watching marmot/pika antics.

In Grand Junction - for once not on business. Laps in pool.

Colorado National Monument: Devil's Kitchen w/ bouldering/scrambling, Coke Ovens, Window Rock trails. We hung out in Devil's Kitchen for a while - it was sort of a large room enclosed by towering red rocks with smaller boulders strewn about on the floor. A shady rock playground! Very hot and dry.