May 31, 2015 – Mills Lake Hike

highhopesgardens May 31, 2015

Our first big hike was up to Mills Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The trail started out dry, then as we moved up, a little wet… and then a little white for much of the way. But the weather was warm and it was shorts weather.

Around the bend, approaching Mills Lake.

The intrepid hiker nearing the lake.

Martin with what we call his “outdoor advertisement” look.

Finally at the lake.

This place was reminiscent of Moraine Lake in the Canadian Rockies with the numerous peaks surrounding the lake.

Depending on the elevation the Aspen leaves were out…

or not, but the pasque flowers were.

May 30, 2015 – Settling in to Mountain Air

highhopesgardens May 30, 2015

We found a VRBO.com rental on the banks of the St Vrain river between Boulder and Estes Park.

It is an attractive little cottage.

With a charming backyard.

And a boardwalk right along the river! Especially nice in the evening to hear the rushing water pass by.

Martin spent a lot of time “Hanging Out” in his hammock in the back yard. Tomorrow the adventures begin.

May 29, 2015 – The Trip Begins – But First Nebraska

Bric-a-Brac

highhopesgardens May 29, 2015

On our way to to a few days in the mountains – but first we must traverse Nebraska.

I’ve never been through Nebraska during the height of spring. The trip across was very green, and the Platte River was at flood stage. Contrary to many opinions, Martin thought it was more interesting than driving across Iowa as the highway followed the river for a good part of the state and the range was green instead of the current black of the Iowa cropland. Lots of wild turkeys along the river as well.