On our last day in the area, we chose to head back into the Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It was cloudy and threatening rain but we were undeterred and by the time we reached the park it had pretty much cleared up. This was the largest herd of elk we saw in the park (counted 68). They would move to the right for a while and then head back to the left for a while. They were far enough from the viewing area that they were not intimidated at all by the dozens of people snapping pictures.
The ranger said we might see some bighorn sheep by the Alluvial Fan on the Old Fall River Road. We headed that way the other day when we were treated to close up views of bull elk crossing a stream so why not give it another try. Today we left Sam in the car for a few minutes while we walked along the rushing waters up to the cascades. I bet that water was zipping by at 30 mph - it would not be a good place for swimming or even wading.
David sees the big picture...
...while I enjoy the closeup impressions. (I often struggle to keep my camera dry!)
Cyanocitta stelleri, Steller's Jay
We continued further down Old Fall River Road. A couple of cars pulled over letting us know we should start looking for something. Wow! Huge bighorn sheep were grazing in the rocky cliffs just above the roadway.
They didn't mind having their pictures taken, in fact, it almost seemed like they were posing for us. I believe there were seven in all.
"You lookin' at me?"
I was fascinated by the brow where the horn attached, all so different. I wonder what look the females dig?
This guy was my favorite. So calm and in charge just soaking up the morning sun and watching all of us strange humans clicking away down on the road. He knew we couldn't reach him and if we tried he could leave before we knew what was happening.
The Ranger told us that they liked being around people because they knew the Bobcats don't. (How would we know they know that?)
After spending an hour and snapping a couple hundred pictures I was ready to leave and let someone else have their turn. We chose to revisit Estes Park rather than a return up the mountain to the Alpine Visitor's Center. On the road, Joani spotted these huge bull elk lounging on the roadside. There were four of them only a couple dozen yards from the road. Like the sheep, they were mugging for the cameras. I almost expected a fender bender as passers-by hit the brakes to see what was happening.
Business 34 took us right into the heart of Estes Park by one of two places Joani wanted to be sure to see. The Glassworks Studio and Gallery was filled with beautiful and colorful pieces.
After chatting up the shopkeep, I asked if I could "play with her glass." She said "Sure! As long as you tell your friends about us."
I watched as a cruet (a small pitcher) was created before my eyes. Jerry Patterson gave us a running commentary explaining what he was doing at each step in the process. Fascinating stuff but then he told us he worked as an unpaid apprentice for three and a half years and has been working in his shop for the last 22 years. Clearly, not a hobby I want to tackle. When we want something made of glass it will have to be from someone's shop.
Ooh, that's my colors!
This was only one room of several.
This was my favorite vase to play with, but I forgot to take a regular shot of what the vase looked like!
The downtown area was so much more than we saw on our first visit. Of course, then we were bumper to bumper on a detour that routed us around all of the good stuff. We sat outside at Penelope's Hamburgers and shared little bits of our excellent burgers with Sam - he was most appreciative.
Estes Park was such a charming town (once the construction cleared out).
"Giant Galaxy" blown glass by Rollin Karg
$2,085 (this was in a solid 10" globe)
The only other place Joani wanted to be sure to visit was a rock shop. Beautiful raw stone from all around the world had Joani thinking about getting back to the lapidary lab in Mesa.
After combing through the piles of low priced rocks from around the world, I asked where the Colorado rocks were. They only had one, a chalky white marble! Are you kidding me?
Just west of our campground on Hwy 34 was another tall totem carved by Peter Toth. In the 70s and 80s, Peter “Wolf” Toth carved a totem for all 50 states as a tribute to honor all Native Americans. We have seen Arizona's totem in Winslow and another totem in Astoria, OR. It is known as the Trail of Whispering Giants.
37 foot tall "Redman," now 40, has been hit by lighting twice, infested with bugs and made to lean from a wind storm, but he stills stands.
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