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.