We've continued our journey, leaving Texas and heading north and west to Colorado. One of my favorite places is Rocky Mountain National Park. Since we will be spending several months in Carlsbad, which is an arid climate, thought we'd get one last chance for some hiking in the Rockies, where the mountains still have snow and the mornings are cool.

Woke up this morning with a chill in the rig. Put on the fireplace (electric, but it did the trick). Sassy, my Manx cat was specially appreciative. She hates the cold. We drove from Loveland, CO up to RMNP. The main road was closed - something about a large boulder/rock falling on the road. Had to take a back road up, which was windy. Glad the 5th wheel wasn't attached to the pickup.

John took some pictures of the mountains. He's downloading them as I type. Look for pictures in a few days. Once inside the park, the wildlife didn't disappoint. We saw lots of elk, mostly cows, but a few bulls with their new velvet on their antlers. Then we got to see a few bighorn sheep cross the road right in front of us. RMNP's herd of big horn has had medical issues in the past (I don't remember what it is, but the herd almost vanished). It's good to see them again.

We drove around the park, doing short hikes here and there, and enjoying the fabulous scenery. The road across the park has yet to open. They claim it will open for Memorial Day weekend. They are plowing and repaving the road, which is the highest paved road in the USA. (Higher in altitude than Going to the Sun Road in Glacier NP). Been across it several other times, if you ever get to Rocky Mountain NP, make sure you take the drive. It's beyond words...

We did a hike in the afternoon to Bierstadt Lake. One of the few hikes we've never done before. The trail up was fine, facing south with awesome views of Storm Pass. Once we were near the lake, which was surrounded by pines, the ground disappeared and was covered with snow! Plenty of it!! Knee deep at times!!! :) The Rockies in May!!!! Gotta love it.

The road reopened from the 'falling rock'. The pile of rocks that had been pushed to the side of the road was quite impressive. The pot hole that they filled - was several FEET WIDE! Glad I wasn't around when the boulder landed on the roadway.

Pictures soon... Need to hit the showers!

Val & John