Now that I live in Colorado, I have a chance to check out entirely new ecosystems that we just don't have in Maine. Not only has living on the foothills; that magical place between the mountains and the prairie, been a great experience, but it's brought my closer to a fantastic national park that is a lot of fun to visit!
I've only been to Rocky Mountain National Park three times now, my very first time I drive through with my fiance and our friends. Driving through was fun, but getting out for small excursions was even better, and I admit I had more fun going without John.
The second time I went to the national park was in early April when one of my best friends Nichole visited. Since it was her first time to visit Colorado, seeing the Rocky Mountains is an obvious choice, even if it was covered in snow.
 |
| The parking lot of Bear lake, a pretty and popular hike |
 |
| Bear Lake |
 |
| A raven in flight |
 |
| After driving all over the place trying to find elk for Nichole to see, we saw some on the drive out! |
|
| Bear Lake in May |
 |
| Bear Lake in August |
When I went back to Rocky Mountain National Park in August with my new friend Ali, it was colder than expected, and rained while we were there. Not that I'm complaining, it was a wonderful day and the rain was refreshing!
 |
| The line to get in! |
We took Trail Ridge Road, which is the highest elevation in a park in the United States! It took us to alpine ecosystems where only the hardiest of life survives.
 |
| 11946 FT! |
After stopping at the gift shop, we turned around to try Bear Lake. Parking was full when we tried earlier that day.
Back in the parking lot for Bear Lake. I think I'm tilted...
 |
| A Stellar's jay! |
Now I just need to go see Rocky Mountain in the fall!
