Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Day 13 - Estes Park, CO

We woke up this morning in hopes of getting an early start to Estes Park so that we could enjoy a full afternoon without driving. However, when I opened the door to load up the van I saw that we were surrounded by Crime Scene tape and there were lots of numbered markers surrounding our room. We were instructed to wait in our room and an officer would be around to question us and what we may have seen or heard the previous night. Unfortunately, it turns out that a man stabbed two women shortly after 1:30, leaving one critically injured and the other woman dead. We waited for our questioning and our van to be marked for evidence and then they escorted us out and on our way. To lighten the reality of the situation a bit, we joked about how it was one of the cleanest hotels we had stayed in yet, and yet it turned out to be one of the scariest. Since we pulled in at 1AM and were the last ones to check in for the night, I think they were hoping we had seen or heard something, but these tired bodies went straight to bed and didn't hear a thing. As much as I wish we could have helped, I was counting my blessings that we didn't hear anything and had a peaceful sleep through the night. A few hours after the craziness, it was off to Estes. 

We arrived in Estes and decided to explore the beautiful countryside by horseback. Norah thought she was pretty big stuff considering she got to ride her own horse. Norah saddled up on Nacho, Emma on Velcro, Grace on J-G, and Mark on Gunslinger. I sat this one out, but they had a great time letting the horses do all the work for them hiking into the Rocky Mountains. Norah had her work cut out for her keeping her “Naughty Nacho” in line as he wanted to stop and eat everything in sight, but she did a great job of keeping him under control. 

Velcro did just as he was told...Emma was quite smitten with him. 



Once they finished their ride, we went back to the hotel to clean up for dinner. We headed downtown Estes to eat at Wapiti Bar. Overlooking a river and waterwheel it was a pretty view and the food was good. We walked around and window shopped for a while, checked out the taffy makers, and enjoyed people watching. Then, back to our hotel for an evening swim. 

Learning how water wheels make electricity. Thankful for our engineer who finds math and teachable moments in every beautiful path we cross. 

The taffy makers were mesmerizing! 


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