Elevation 12 000 Feet

June 22 (cont.) - When we reached the parking lot at the top, we decided to take what looked like a short path to the top of the mountain. We bundled up and started the long ascent to the top. Long, because we had to stop every few steps. The air was so thin and the wind so bitter that it was hard to remember that is was the end of June. Above the tree line, the snow was still a few feet deep, the scenery was incredible and no picture can fully capture its engulfing nature. So we quickly took our pictures and hurried back to the warm car. All I know is that I sure wouldn't want to drive those tiny, curvy roads in the winter. Jessie and Amy had some time to explore Denver before flying home. We're all exhausted but sad the trip is over.

Rocky Mountain High

June 22 - Colorado at last! We rolled across the border a few hours before sunset and were immediately greeted by amazing cloud formations. Amy joked that maybe it was a tornado. We drove through a quick storm then decided to leave the interstate. The Rockies came into view right as the sun was setting. It was just like I imagined it...these massive mountains rising out of the plains. In the orange-purplish glow, they seemed very surreal. The next day, we went to Rocky Mountain National Park, which was amazing. Even though we chose the short, easy path, we had an amazing view of Alberta Falls to our right and a panoramic view of the mountains to our left. We were thoroughly exhausted due to the high altitude, so we decided to skip the other trails and drive straight to the top. The scenery grew even more amazing and the temperature grew even colder with each passing mile. (Continued...)