Sunday, June 21, 2015

Legends of Destiny


Destiny.  What is it?  Is it something that is guaranteed to happen in our future?  Or is it a hidden power that will control what will happen to us in the future? Perhaps we are simply the masters of our own destiny.

Our views from the tent at Mary's Lake Campground near Estes Park
Las Aventuras will explore the Rocky Mountain National Park in a 3 part series over the next several weeks.  This journey was very special and took us to some incredible places.  


Our base camp was outside of Estes Park at Mary's Campground.  It was affordable and away from the chaos of the tourist crowd.  We arrived and quickly set up camp so that we could go hiking and eating and hiking some more. 


Clark's Nutcracker
I needed a break from the Arizona heat, but I hadn't expected the bipolar weather temps.  In one day, it went from rain to hail then back to clear and sunny followed by hurricane winds and freezing temps.  Rocky Mountain weather is NO joke!

Least Chipmunk
We were prepared, but it still came as a shock to the system.  So after we set up camp, we climbed the great Trail Ridge Road to the top and did some scouting along the various trails for a very important bird, the White-tailed Ptarmigan. 


As a child, I remembered this one particular image from School House Rocks.  And it has stuck with me for many years.



When we arrived at our various destinations, I really really smiled.  This place did not disappoint.  It was like I was a kid at home sitting in front of the TV watching my Saturday Morning Cartoons. I always dreamed of exploring these incredible places.  I was with Woodsy the Owl, Yogi the Bear and a smiling Park Ranger all over again.  Talk about Rocky Mountain High! John Denver was right!


Perfection.  We stood in the bright sunlight as it rained around us. How is that possible?  Well it's the magic of Rocky Mountain weather:)  Elk surrounded us everywhere we went. And I kept thinking, "WOW!  This is real!"


The rains and snows flooded the creeks so badly that I knew finding an American Dipper was out of the question.  But there were so many other things to keep our attention occupied. 


Sometimes I forgot that I was birding.  I just wanted to climb up on the next rock and see what lie beyond.  


Each little thing was examined with that childlike wonder.  In Arizona, I know what to expect, but here in this brand new wilderness, we were explorers again! 


A majestic Elk lifts his head and takes my breath away. We sit and watch him eat for a loooooooong while. 

Elk
Then we reach the meadows and find so many more Elk eating.  We sit on the side of the road and watch.  I can't believe how quickly the time flew by on this week long trek.  It was so special. 



Next week we'll take you on a birding adventure that was truly epic!  For now, I leave you with this sunset shot.  If you look closely, you'll see the tiny droplets of rain.



Here's the late great John Denver singing "Rocky Mountain High". As for destiny?  Well I'd like to think we made it happen:) Or was it the White-tailed Ptarmigan? Until next week friends. 


23 comments:

  1. HI Chris Spectatular scenery. Loved all thecritters you saa especially the Elk and enjoyed the song on the video at the end. Have a great week ahead.

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  2. ONE bird shot Chris.. you really were distracted by the amazing scenery around you :) sometimes you just have to do what you have to do!

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  3. Hello Chris, beautiful images from your Rocky Mtn Nat'l park visit. I loved it there, the scenery and critters and the birds are all awesome. Have a great day and new week ahead!

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  4. Beautiful post on a marvelous place.

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  5. Gorgeous scenery! I love the chipmunk and the elk.

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  6. I believe in destiny. I am very happy that I fulfilled your childhood dream and saw so many beautiful places and animals. Regards.

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  7. Your story and your wonderful images make me yearn to return there, Chris. Sadly, it's unlikely to happen as my wife didn't feel comfortable when we visited in 2008. I think she found it all too large and remote. Me - it's got to be one of my favourite places on earth! Never been a John Denver fan but Rocky Mountain High brought a lump to my throat!

    Best wishes to you both - - - - Richard

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  8. I fell in love with the Rockies 40 years ago and sadly haven't been back since.

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  9. What a magical place - superb photography - such wonderful landscapes and wildlife. The chipmunk is just so cute :)

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  10. beautiful wildlife in a beautiful place!

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  11. What a fantastic adventure. Can't wait to see more about your journey!

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  12. The Nutcracker is a real beauty and the Chipmunk so cute.

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  13. What a beautiful place. Loved seeing the varied wildlife.

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  14. Magnificent scenery. Many years ago when I traveled in the USA and Canada it was the mountain scenery that I found most beautiful.

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  15. Looks like a super adventure! It's so gorgeous in the Rockies!

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  16. I could tell you were having an amazing trip! Great photos! It's such an amazing place! We enjoyed every minute we were there, but unfortunately the elk were largely hiding from us on our trip...we'd see them from a distance only until we came across a farm where someone had them enclosed behind a fence (to kill,process and make elk steaks???...we hoped not!) I did manage to get a few photos through that fence. That was our only disappointment last year. The rest of the trip was amazing and we got to show our grandson so much! (The marmots and mountain goats on top of Mt. Evans were awesome!) I know it has been wonderful for you and I am enjoying seeing your photos!

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  17. Oh I so know the area where you have traveled from our own journeys and how wonderful your shares were~

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  18. Wow, thank goodness this kind of wilderness and these views still exist - catch them while you can. Glad to tag along through your great pictures.

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  19. Gorgeous! That mushroom is pure art. So beautiful. It sounds like a wonderful week. :o)

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  20. What fun it is to see you exploring this place I love and used to know so well! I am sure it has changed some since I have been there! I always love to see the elk and I also love John Denver! I am so glad you went and I have to agree, the weather in Colorado is the craziest and most unpredictable of any place I have lived in the United States!

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  21. What a perfect change from the desert scenery Chris. It looks as though you had a magical trip :)

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Thanks for stopping by!