The Great Escape - 2011 - Part 2

Wednesday, August 4 - my Mother's 95th birthday. It is fitting that we would be in Estes Park on this day for it was a place of many fond family memories for Mom, Dad, my sisters and I. I couldn't help but think of Mom and Dad especially as we drove through the Big Thompson Canyon for it was a place Dad especially loved to fish.

Every view was breath-taking!

These stables are near where my sisters and I went horseback riding as little girls. Sweet memories!

We had lunch at the Baldpate Inn, tucked into the mountains near Estes Park. Carey and Nancy introduced this place to us. There is a restaurant and lodge and it's well know for its Room of Keys. Fascinating. Keys literally hang from every wall and ceiling and display cases are chock-full of keys from interesting places.

Key to U.S. Mint in Philadelphia. Inscription on shiny key is "Ft. Knox Side Door".

These keys especially caught my attention. The large key on top row is to Adolph Hilter's room and shelter at Berchtesgaden. The small key on left is to his side desk at a location in Berlin, Germany. You could spend hours in this room (which isn't very large) just reading all the descriptive tags and notes.

We arrived in Estes and loved the stream running through town.

Thought this poster on a jewelry store window was pretty funny!

No visit to Estes Park is complete without a stop at the Taffy Shop, established in 1935. We introduced Larry and Elaine to it!

On this day, the taffy puller located in front window room was pulling taffy .

Going over the top of Rocky Mountain National Park. Elevation over 12,000 feet! The thin air was actualy a little difficult for Rich, even in the car. It was chilly!

Elk were sitting on a little hill, munching away, just watching all the visitors.

Can this be more beautiful?!? Next to California, Colorado is my favorite state!!

The sun set on a day of beauty at every turn. Our senses were filled. Our spirits were lifted. Thank you Lord!