Day 53 - Changes in Altitude

We were both feeling the effects of the higher altitude. Since the weather looked iffy in the afternoon, we decided to take Trail Ridge Road, the 19 mile drive around the park with pullovers. This park differs from the others in that the views are incredibly expansive because you climb up to 12,000 feet. The mountains are covered with pines so the look is dark green against a blue sky.

We traveled from Estes Park to the other side of the park to Grand Lake. There is no park lodge but there is one in Grand Lake called the Grand Lake Lodge built in 1919. It is on the National Historical Register. Not as grand as other lodges we have been to, but lovely with a big front porch overlooking the town and lake. We went into the town and walked around. It looks like a town in the old west.

From there we retraced our steps and returned 19 miles to Estes Park. At times the ride was downright scary winding around roads without any guard rails looking down cliff-like drops.

We ate a late lunch during Happy Hour at Ed’s Cantina in town. Two margaritas, nachos and tacos = $20. Plenty of excellent food. It’s a great little town. We plan to spend some more time here. Much nicer than Grand Lake.

Back to the Airstream to get ready for some hiking tomorrow … we’re both still dragging from the change in altitude but NO change in attitude. Still having fun.