Alluvial Fan July 2010

Remember the post about Matt's family sneaking away?  If not, click here to discover the attraction.  Well, some of the rest of Highlander's Clan decided to experience The Alluvial Fan for ourselves.

The overwhelming expanse of huge boulders which were forced down the mountian by the rush of 29 million gallons of water in July 1982 makes the Alluvial Fan a natural place for contemplation.

Charlie, however, had enough of all that contemplation, so he climbed .....

and climbed, up and down and all over those huge boulders!

When he tired of the boulders on land, he took to tackling those in the water!

Trail Ridge Road

One branch of the Highlander Clan renewed our yearly tradition of journeying up Trail Ridge Road which was opened in July 1932.  Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous motorway in the United States with more than 8 miles above 11,000';  the highest elevation is 12,183'.  The road approximates the historic path followed by native Americans when crossing the Rocky Mountains.  These gorgeous photos of Trail Ridge Road are borrowed from emily large Photography.

One can stop along the way at several points to take in the magnificent views or even hike from various trailheads.  The traditional and favorite hike of the Highlander Clan has always started at the Tundra Communities trailhead at Rock Cut and climbed gently 260' to the Toll Memorial.  The hike is .5 miles (one way) and offers a close up view of the alpine tundra environment - complete with tiny wildflowers, colorful lichen, and scampering pikas.  (By the way, 2011 visitors to Highlander will find a pika in the cabin!)

BMS (Bear Lake, Moraine Park, Sprague Lake)

BMS!  We never tire of them.  Rocky Mountain National Park's (RMNP) glorious destinations are perfectly suited to the Highlander Clan's  6 babes, all 3 and under.  And, no matter how many times we visit, we always find something new.  Take this, for example: 

Now, of course, we didn't just find the RMNP Shuttle, but we did find ourselves riding it for the first time ever!  I'd always felt sorry for the poor folks circling the Bear Lake parking lot, thinking someone should have told them that one needs to be there at least by 10 am in July in order to get a parking place.  Well, this summer, we were the poor folks!  And, you know, it wasn't bad at all parking in the shuttle lot and hitching a ride to Bear Lake!  It was actually a fun adventure and, thankfully, the babes didn't seem to mind the extra travel time.  These pictures from Bear Lake are courtesy of emily large Photography since I forgot my camera.

Bear's Clues are always important stops along the trail around Bear Lake.

Snack stops are even more important!

This pointe is always a big favorite, walking out on the big rock  .....

and actually getting to reach into the water of Bear Lake.

The Highlander Clan's visit to Moraine Park offered new experiences also!  Of course, there are always the flowers for little princesses .....

   

and the many large boulders to climb .....

but never before have we stopped on the edge of the park, picnicking at a picnic table instead of going deep into park and spreading our picnic in the meadow.  We were unusually tired, though, and the weather was threatening, so ...... a new experience hiking to Moraine Park!

My favorite new find, however, was this deer on the Y grounds as we hiked back to the car.  Our large clan allowed me many shots of the deer who was happy as a lark to have me hovering nearby.  I look forward to finding him again as we hike to and from Moraine Park in 2011.  Since he has a big scar I'll be able to spot him, but, then, I should name him.  Any ideas?

Sprague Lake is handicap accessible and even has a nearby accessible camp site

which makes it very stroller friendly!

Sadly, Sprague's lodge pole pines need this hug Molly is giving!  The pine bark beetle is in full attack there!

The new finds at Sprague Lake were this rapid overflow from the Lake and many more than normal beautiful wildflowers.  Both of these finds can be attributed to the later and heavier that normal snows that RMNP received this Spring.