Day 6 – June 15, 2016
Mileage – 75,358
Rocky Mountain National Park
(Logan and Teryn) Today we went on a very scenic five-mile hike. We hiked up to Cub Lake, which looked like a pond according to Logan. As we proceeded the wetlands and big rocks stood out in the sun. The trees also changed and it was like you were walking through a magical land.
At the start of our hike we came across a herd of elk in a field. We also saw duck and other birds on our way up.
Herd of elk in the distant meadow, Rocky Mountain, National Park, CO
Male duck in a pair on Cub Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Meandering Cub Lake Trail with a view of the high peaks, Rocky Mountain National Park
Trailside goofing off, Cub Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
When we neared the top we came across a man who told us it was only 0.8 miles more to go until we would reach Cub Lake. As we went on we discovered that the rest of the 0.8 miles would be all up hill. It’s harder to hike in the higher altitude than at home. When we finally got to the top, we all collapsed in a shaded spot were we could see the snow covered mountain peaks and beautiful flowers.
Cub Lake, Rocky Mountain National Forest, CO
Example of flowers on Cub Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
When we finished a nice refreshing lunch of tofu and other delicious snacks, a chipmunk tried to get into Jenney’s backpack. It was so close she could touch it. We predict the chipmunk was used to being hand fed because when she reached down it did not move to run away.
Pesky and slightly aggressive chipmunk, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
The way down was even more inspiring. It was mostly down hill and as we went on the beautiful colored rock cliffs and water falls shown around us.
Stream between Cub Lake and the Pools, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Columbine, Colorado state flower, between Cub Lake and the Pools, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Altitude by the Pools, one of the lowest elevation points for the hike from Cub Lake to the Pools, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
At the end right near the trailhead we came within only 5-10 feet of a male moose. He had strong antlers and a big body. After it was scared off by two horses on a trail ride we told a group of people that they should keep their eyes open.
Bull moose, Fern Lake Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Then all of a sudden one of the men thought he saw it but as it ran just feet in front him he saw it was a black bear. Logan turned around just in time to see its back disappear into the woods. She said it was very light colored between tan and brown and not very big.
Suddenly we spotted a saw a bird fly across the trail. We went to go check it out we realized that it was not just any bird; it was a bird that had a long black tail and a black and white body. Jenney knew what it was right away a magpie. We also saw what we think was its nest.
Magpie, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
The rest of the way was just dirt road for .8 miles, but it was the fastest stretch of them all. When we reached the parking lot we were all relieved to sit and catch our breath and watch a magpie and a robin play around in the trees that lined the parking lot.
When we got back to our mini home we traveled to the near by Estes Park. As we looked for a laundry mat for about 4 minutes we find a great little place tucked in a corner of a small plaza with hot showers and washing machines.
After a nice hot shower and the laundry was done we head out find an authentic Mexican restaurant for dinner. We found a place and are served chips, salsa, and ice water immediately. The chips and salsa are so amazing we think about getting some for the road. Logan and Teryn order tacos, Kevin gets a chicken fajitas and Jenney a shrimp enchilada. Dinner is also amazing! We all head back to our campground stuffed with the good Mexican food.
Everyone drifts off asleep ready for another amazing day tomorrow!