October 8, 2019 by coloradotravelingducks

Elk in Estes Park, Colorado 2019, with Colorado Traveling Ducks

It would not be fall for us without a day trip to Estes Park, Colorado.

Estes Park, Colorado

Estes Park is the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. There are a lot of elk in the park, and all over this area of Colorado. In the fall, mating season brings the elk out of the mountains, and many spend time in the parks and golf courses of Estes Park. We love to see them. As we enter Estes Park we stop for a photo by the city sign. The mountain views from this lookout are beautiful.

Mountain view from lookout

We continue into town, park, and walk along the river to the shops.

Creek

Having spent a lot of time in this small park, we can say it is a great place. Of course, we love the water wheel.

Water wheel

And the shops beside it. Last year we purchased singing bowls from the Himalayan store. That is the last store by the water wheel. They still sing and we still smile when we listen. Walking along Elkhorn Boulevard, we purchased a couple pair of very soft slippers. Then our normal stops at Laura’s Fudge Shop. The sign says they have been spoiling dinner since 1970. Moms have been coming here since the early 1970’s. So, it really is delicious. Fudge, toffee, candy, caramel apples, popcorn, ice cream and more. Yum. Then to The Taffy Shop. Moms have been coming here just as long. But, let’s find the real stars of today’s trip. Often we see many elk on the lawn of The Stanley Hotel.

Elk herd at the Stanley

The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s book, The Shining. Driving a couple miles toward the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, we see more young animals.

We are on the wrong side of these guys

They seem to be looking the wrong direction. In town, often a herd is in the park near Lake Estes.

Elk in the park

Aren’t they magnificent? Today we found this bull elk on the golf course.

Bull elk on golf course

And a few more elk lounging on the golf course.

Elk lounging on golf course

These elk are wild and very large, but they are rather accustomed to humans. However, we do not get too close. They are wild animals, it is mating season, and they can be startled. So humans and ducks watch and admire the elk, but do give them a lot of space. Today we are going home through Big Thompson Canyon. This is a beautiful canyon with many private cabins, many rental cabins, bed and breakfast, lodge, shops and year round residents. Parts of the canyon are rather wide to accommodate small settlements, and parts are rather narrow with steep mountain sides. Often mountain goats are on the side of the mountains. But today we stop for cherry treats.

Colorado Cherry Company

Colorado Cherry Company is a favorite. We ducks relax on the chairs and pose for a photo.

Great store. The Cherry Tree

Inside mom tries a couple bites of pie. She settles on a cherry rhubarb slice of pie. It is delicious. Her favorite jam is dark cherry jam, so that comes home, too.

Pie for dinner dessert tonight?

I bet we have this slice of pie for dinner dessert tonight. I hope so. We went for the elk, but did come home with extra things also. We, Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck, love these day trips. We hope you enjoy day trips in your area.

October 23, 2018 by coloradotravelingducks

Estes Park and a Close Encounter With Elk

A gateway city to Rocky Mountain National Park, we love the resort town of Estes Park.

Estes Park, Colorado

It was overcast with car headlights on the rock. We liked the shadows on the stone. Fall River flows from Rocky Mountain National Park into Estes Park.

Water wheel in river by park

We love the water wheel in the river by this small park. Elkhorn Avenue is the main street in Estes Park.

Elkhorn Avenue

We usually walk from one end to the other, stopping in various shops and often a restaurant. One of our standard stops is The Taffy Shop.

The Taffy Shop

There are several taffy shops, but we have been coming to this one since mom moved to Colorado in 1975. The taffy is made right here and it is delicious. Try the Texas Pecan. Another regular stop is Laura’s Fudge Shop.

Laura’s Fudge Shop

A few years ago, Laura’s expanded but the shop is always crowded with locals and tourists. That really says the fudge and more is excellent. We enjoy Turtle Fudge and Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge. And the toffee, and the caramel apples. Yum! We did our shopping, crossed the road, followed the river and got in our car.

River flows under main street near parking area

This is fall, the rut, or mating season of the elk. This time of year, we hear the male, or bull elk, calling his mates, sounding like a bugle. The female may answer with a rather shrill squeal. The elk often leave Rocky Mountain National Park and wander in and around Estes Park.

Elk herd leaving lawn of Aspire Residence at Stanley Hotel

This herd is behind the Aspire Residences, part of the Stanley Hotel. There were several humans sitting on balconies enjoying the elk herd. As you can tell, the herd is gradually moving to another area. But some are not in a hurry.

Baby elk nursing

This young elk is hungry and trying to nurse, but mom doesn’t stand still very long. They have moved, crossed a major street, and are now in the golf course.

Elk herd on golf course

The lone male watches the females.

Bull running to keep females together

He tries to keep them together. This bull does a lot of running, or sprinting, to keep the girls where he wants them. Oh, a second herd is arriving.

Second herd approaching golf course

They will join the first herd on the golf course. How will this end?

Two bulls calmly passing

The two bull elk, one from each herd, pass each other, without incident. But, we don’t think the elk can read.

Tee time?

Only golfers on the golf course.

Elk on the Golf Course

Well, is it tee time ladies? The elk and humans mingle well. If the elk want to move, the humans scatter to allow the elk freedom to go wherever they wish. Further along, a herd is around Lake Estes.

A bull elk in Lake Estes

This bull is cooling off and probably drinking in Lake Estes. The sun has set.

The Stanley Hotel at sunset

The Stanley Hotel is illuminated by the glow of the setting sun behind the Rocky Mountains. A beautiful end to a beautiful day.

October 5, 2018 by coloradotravelingducks

Over Trail Ridge Road with Zeb the Duck

A favorite summer drive for us includes visiting Winter Park, a stop at Grand Lake where we enter Rocky Mountain National Park. We drive over Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved highway in North America. Exiting the national park at Estes Park we stay there for a little shopping and then return home. It is a full day, but a wonderful day. That is the plan for today. First stop is Winter Park, Colorado.

Winter Park Resort

This is a mountain resort, skiing in the winter and many opportunities in the summer. In the winter there is a ski train from Denver to Winter Park. In the summer we love the Alpine Slide.

Alpine Slide, Winter Park Resort

It is hard for mom to get photos of this, but here you can see the half pipe track we use. Also there is a rider on a sled at the end of the ride. When we finish, we take our sled and hang it on the line so it can be taken back to the top of the ride. We ride the ski chair lift to the top of the mountain, get off, walk a little way to get a sled, put our sled on the half pipe run, sit on sled, check our brakes and ride to the bottom of the mountain. It is really fun! We can make music here at Winter Park Village.

We can make music.

In the winter humans ice skate on the lake behind us. Back in the car, we drive to Grand Lake, Colorado. Grand Lake is the name of the town, but there is a lake, named Grand Lake here.

Boats available at Grand Lake

Hardy souls swim here, but we don’t want to swim in a cold mountain lake. But these boats on Grand Lake are really fun. Now let’s enter Rocky Mountain National Park.

Rocky Mountain National Park, west entrance

This is one of four national parks in Colorado, and probably our favorite. Here I, Zeb the Duck, am admiring the beautiful mountain scenery.

In Rocky Mountain National Park

You may notice dead trees behind me. The Pine Bark Beetle is killing many of our lodge pole pines. This beetle epidemic is in Canada, the United States and into Mexico, killing trees in the forests. This beetle epidemic has occurred several times in the past 500 years, but it is so sad to see so many dead trees. I just love lakes.

Alpine Lake

This alpine lake is so beautiful and so serene. Driving further up the mountain on Trail Ridge Road, we are now above timberline.

Above timberline. It is too high for trees to grow

The growing conditions at this altitude and temperatures are too severe for trees to grow. You can see a lake and snow below us. We were there in August, so this snow is from last winter. Remember, the higher you go, the colder it gets, so snow in some areas doesn’t always melt during the summer. On Trail Ridge Road we have experienced incredible mountain scenery.

Beautiful views

We climbed through alpine conditions. Visited above timberline. Stopped near Visitor’s Center.

Near Visitor’s Center

Passed through Arctic tundra. We crossed the Continental Divide.

Crossing Continental Divide

Viewed landscaped shaped by volcanic activity.

All types of terrain here in Rocky Mountain National Park

And descended into the resort town of Estes Park. We could spend days or more exploring this park and take thousands of stunning photos, but not today. We enter Estes Park.

Welcome to Estes Park

We walk through town and of course mom always stops at Laura’s Fudge Shop and at the Taffy Shop. At one of town, we watch the river and listen to the soothing sounds of water tumbling over the rocks.

Scenic river through Estes Park, Colorado. This is a free photo from the internet.

We love this town and we love this drive. When you visit Colorado, we encourage you to drive over Trail Ridge Road.

October 15, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb and Soapy Smith Duck Stay at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

Our moms said we would come back and stay at this hotel. And we did. Here we are at the famous Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado. Many say this hotel is haunted. Movies have been made here. And we love it here. Come on humans. We ducks climbed the stairs and are waiting for you on the porch.

Let’s go humans

It is time to register for the night.

Checking in

We walked up one flight of stairs to our room. This area at the top of the stairs is very light. We loved the mirrors, the chandelier, and the beautiful window.

Looking out from our floor

The sitting or reading area is also very pleasant. We admired this lamp standing on an old pump.

Great lamp pole

The humans had appointments with Madame Vera.

Visiting Madame Vera

We liked this psychic. However, the humans won’t tell what she told them. Isn’t this a calm feeling area?

View of conversation area from our room

This small conversation area can be seen from our room and is just outside the back door of our wing. We think plants and fire pits are comfortable and soothing. We think it is time for lunch. Here is our table.

Outside dining area

The weather was so nice and sunny, outside seating was our preference. The view of this fountain was nice.

View of waterfall during lunch

We love the sound of cascading water. Stevie, Soapy Smith Duck’s dog, is with us. Stevie knows that the container contains lunch treats for her.

Stevie is hoping for leftovers.

The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel, The Shining. Although the original movie was not filmed at The Stanley, Stephen King later produced a mini series of The Shining, that was filmed here at this hotel. This is the doll house that was used in the TV mini series.

Doll House from The Shining mini series

Many movies have been filmed here, including the comedy, Dumb and Dumber. As you can see, the natural setting of this hotel is film worthy and the hotel itself, rumored to be haunted, is also beautiful and photogenic. In the lobby we liked this 1910 Stanley Steamer, Model 60.

1910 Stanley Steamer

Freelan Oscar Stanley (F.O. Stanley) and his twin brother, Francis Edgar Stanley owned Stanley Dry Plate Company which produced plates for photography and later the owned Stanley Motor Carriage Company which produced the Stanley Steamer. This is the bar of the Stanley Hotel, which has been in films, including Dumb and Dumber.

Bar at Stanley Hotel

On previous visits we have enjoyed lunch here at these tables.

Eating area in bar

This hotel opened in 1909 as a guest house for F.O. Stanley’s wealthy friends from the eastern part of the United States. F.O. Stanley was diagnosed with tuberculous in 1903. The recommended treatment at that time was relaxation and clean air. Like many with TB, F.O. Stanley spent summers in the Colorado mountains. The public restrooms have old elegance.

Public ladies room has old fashioned elegance

When the Stanley Hotel opened in 1909, it featured a hydraulic elevator, dual electric and gas lighting and was the first hotel in the west to have telephones in every room. In the evening we enjoyed a performance by Aiden Sinclair of Illusions of the Passed.

Waiting for Illusionist, Aiden Sinclair

We did not take photos during the performance. The show was very good. If it was magic, is appeared very real. Ghosts of the past were called and answered by causing bells to ring. If you visit The Stanley, we recommend this show. However, on our next visit we will take the evening ghost tour. Many believe the hotel is haunted and say they have seen ghosts. Primarily ghosts of happy children on the fourth floor. Soapy and his mom took the tour a few years ago, but will all hope to go again. We ate a leisurely breakfast on the front porch while enjoying this view.

View from terrace while eating breakfast at Stanley Hotel

Later we walked around the hotel grounds and saw this bronze elk.

Colorado Traveling Ducks on bronze elk

It did make us smile. October, 2014 we were here and the lawn of The Stanley was a temporary home to a herd of elk.

Elk herd on the Stanley lawn in 2014

In the fall, the elk often roam all over town and then return to the nearby Rocky National Park. Before leaving for Denver, we took one more photo, showing Lake Estes and the fabulous Colorado Rocky Mountains.

From Stanley Hotel view of Lake Estes and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains

We hope you visit here soon and also enjoy the spectacular views.

August 19, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Chapel on a Rock and Rocky Mountain National Park with the Colorado Traveling Ducks

Today I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck, are going with our moms toward Estes Park. We all love Estes Park. It is a great mountain resort town near Rocky Mountain National Park, about 90 minutes from home. Chapel on a Rock, or Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel is our first stop.

Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel

In 1916 Monsignor Joseph Bosetti was on a quest to find the impact site of a falling star when he found this rock formation. Remembering the Bible verse Matthew 16:18, upon this rock I will build my church, the Monsignor wanted to build a church here. But he had no funds. For 20 years he prayed and struggled with the Colorado Highway Department to keep his Rock intact. The land was purchased and then donated by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Malo. In 1936, twenty years after first seeing the rock, the chapel was completed. The statue is very prominent, also.

Statue near chapel

This chapel is beautiful with Mount Meeker as a backdrop. The sanctuary is very nice.

Sanctuary

Here are some stairs.

Let’s go up the stairs

The stairs lead to the loft. This view is also nice.

View from loft

The official name of this chapel is Saint Catherine of Siena Chapel. This Franz Mayer stained glass window, depicts Saint Catherine holding the body of Christ on the cross.

View of loft and window

The statue of soft wood was made in Giacomo Mussner Studios in Bolzano, Italy.

Statue from Bolzano, Italy

The chapel was part of the Camp Saint Malo Catholic Retreat, Conference and Spiritual Center. The main building burned in 2011, but the chapel was not damaged. In 2013 during the floods, debris from a mountain slide destroyed much of the trails and other buildings, but again, the chapel was not damaged. The chapel is open to the public and available for weddings and other occasions. In 1993 Pope John Paul II visited this chapel and hiked some of the mountain trails. Next we visited Rocky Mountain National Park.

We love Rocky Mountain National Park

This is a favorite place for us. Today we drove to Bear Lake.

Bear Lake

There is a half mile trail around the lake.

Hiking trail

This is our favorite short hike in Rocky Mountain National Park.

Bear Lake

Soon it started to rain, so we went into Estes Park and had lunch at the Stanley Hotel.

The Stanley Hotel

Our moms said we could come back here soon and spend the night at the famous Stanley Hotel. When we do, we will tell you about this hotel and if we see any ghosts.

January 26, 2016 by coloradotravelingducks

Rocky Mountain National Park is 101 Years Old Today

The most visited of Colorado’s four National Parks is 101 years old today. Rocky Mountain National Park came to exist January 26, 1915 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the bill creating our National Park.

We love Rocky Mountain National Park

This park has many attractions; the most notable is Trail Ridge Road. This road, connecting the towns of Grand Lake on the west and Estes Park on the east, reaches 12,183 feet and crosses the Continental Divide. The road, US 34 is the highest continuous highway in the United States. Trail Ridge Road closes in the winter, due to snow. Rocky Mountain National Park has much wildlife, including large elk herds, prompting Estes Park to hold Elk Fest every fall. Hiking, mountain climbing and camping are just a few activities enjoyed by park visitors.

When in Colorado we hope you visit all of our National Parks: Rocky Mountain National Park, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Great Sand Dunes National Park, and Mesa Verde National Park.

December 7, 2015 by coloradotravelingducks

Zeb the Duck has a new Christmas Hat

Mom was planning to have dinner with a friend. Our friend specifically ask for me, Zeb the Duck, to come to dinner also. Our friend made me a Christmas hat.

Zeb the Duck with a new Christmas hat

Isn’t this great? I love it. I told mom I wanted to go to the mountains where it is colder to wear my Christmas hat. We went to Estes Park, one of our favorite places. Here I am with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

Mr and Mrs Claus in Estes Park, Colorado

Christmas decorations and pretty and so much fun to see. I like this toy soldier.

A big toy soldier in Estes Park

I bet he likes me with my new hat. Of course, every trip to Estes Park means we get salt water taffy and fudge. I love to watch the machine pulling taffy.

Watching taffy being pulled

When we left Estes Park this time, we drove through Big Thompson Canyon. The road, US Highway 34 follows the Big Thompson River. There is some ice on the river and some moving water also.

Big Thompson River

We love this canyon.

Big Thompson River

It is so pretty. I am not in this photo, but we thought it was pretty and shows the Rocky Mountains with partial sun.

Beautiful Rocky Moutains.

This is another picture of me, with my new Christmas hat, and a beautiful Colorado canyon.

Big Thompson River

The road crosses the Big Thompson River several times, and people live in this canyon. Some bridges from the road to the houses are like this one.

Bridge to cross river in canyon

Some bridges are higher above the water like this one.

Higher bridge to cross river

Some people raft and kayak on the Big Thompson River in places with the higher bridges. Along the river there are several homes, smaller cabins, and few small lodges.

Homes, cabins and lodges on Big Thompson River in Big Thompson Canyon

Highway US 34 connects the towns of Loveland and Estes Park through Big Thompson Canyon. Many other parts of the highway are also pretty, but this is our favorite part. I am so happy I went to Estes Park and through the Big Thompson Canyon. And thank you, Verna, for my new Christmas hat. My head was nice and warm.

Big Thompson River through the canyon

December 17, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park with Zeb and Eider Duck

I, Zeb the Duck, and my Alaska cousin, Eider Duck went to Estes Park, Colorado.

We love Estes Park, Colorado

We love Estes Park. We wandered around town; bought the best taffy at the original Taffy Shop and then our favorite creamy fudge at Laura’s Fudge Shop. Yum!!

There is some ice on the river now.

Ice means winter is coming

Christmas will soon be here, and we saw these Christmas decorations.

Merry Christmas

The bear with the Christmas hat made us smile.

Everybody is getting the Christmas spirit

Things are getting so festive. We saw this snowman and snow woman.

Our new friends

We liked them and they liked us.

Then we drove to Rocky Mountain National Park.

This is one of our favorite parks

The park will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2015. This park is beautiful.

So many beautiful views

We drove as far as we could on Trail Ridge Road. It is closed part way up the mountain for winter. The road is not maintained during the winter. There was snow here. The wind was pretty strong also and that makes everything feel cold. The snow was really swirling around the mountain peaks.

Snow swirling around the mountain peaks.

Near Bear Lake we got out to sit on this snow bank.

Humans, don’t forget us!

It is pretty, but snow is cold for small ducks.

This deer was watching us, just as we liked to watch her.

Isn’t she beautiful?

We watched this bird for a while;

We like this bird.

we like seeing so many animals in the National Park. And the elk was so close to the road.

Even elks want a snack.

He is a gorgeous animal. His huge horns makes him so majestic. We love to see the elk here. Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park are always beautiful, but they are really special in the winter with snow and the feel of Christmas in the air. We hope you are enjoying the winter and anticipating Christmas also.

October 11, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Elk Fest 2014 in Estes Park, Colorado

It is Elk Fest time. I, Zeb the Duck, and Soapy Smith Duck with our moms and Soapy’s dog Steve, went to Estes Park, Colorado.

We love Estes Park, Colorado

Elk Fest is a great time in Estes Park. The elk often come right into town. It is also mating season for elk, so sometimes we hear elk bugling. Estes Park has a couple entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park, so the setting is gorgeous and the wildlife plentiful.

Estes Park is also home to the Stanley Hotel, featured in the movie The Shining.

The Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado

The hotel is very nice, but why so many cars here today?

Elk herd at the Stanley

Now we know. The elk herd is lounging and grazing at the grounds of the Stanley. This one huge bull elk guards the many cows, or girl elk.

This bull is in charge of the herd. Busy guy!

As you can see, Colorado Division of Wildlife has tagged some of the elk.

Elk are being monitored

We loved seeing so many elk in town today.

During Elk Fest there are booths and entertainment. These Indians were entertaining today.

Dancing and singing today

This is a sample of beadwork for sale.

Nice beadwork!

We expected to see elk and other animals, but this…

We loved this cow! Was near booths and entertainment.

We spotted the remains of a stone building on a hill, but this was at the beginning of the trail.

Must always be alert in mountains

With Steve on a leash, 2 ducks and 2 humans started up the mountain trail.

Over the bridge and up the mountain trail

The ruins were nice to see.

Very picturesque. Love the fireplace

The hike was fun.

Beautiful area

Several other humans and dogs were visiting the area also. Heading back to the car to leave, Steve stops to look at the river.

Stevie is such a good girl!

Even though Elk Fest was last weekend, the elk still come into Estes Park and many shops are open. If you can, visit Estes Park soon. The elk will probably be in town and the scenery is spectacular.

Plenty of wild elk in the area. Come see them soon.

July 23, 2014 by coloradotravelingducks

Rocky Ridge Music Center

Zeb the Duck here and I have to tell you about my neighbor, Greer Ramsey-White. Greer is a very accomplished violin player. She went to Rocky Ridge Music Center near Estes Park, Colorado.

A great music camp

This camp is on 17 wooded acres in the Rocky Mountains. The camp sits at the foot of 14,259 foot Longs Peak. Rocky Ridge Music Center opened as a music camp in 1942. This place is beautiful.

The last day of camp featured a concert for parents and friends. Fantastic! Greer is playing her violin with a group here.

Greer is playing her violin

In this piece my neighbor, Greer, is concertmaster.

Concertmaster Greer

Greer stayed at Rocky Ridge Music Center for two weeks. She liked this camp. I liked the concert and the camp was so pretty.

Greer and all the campers stayed in cabins like this one.

Home for 2 weeks with roommates

Doesn’t this look like fun?

My neighbor, Greer, attends Denver School of the Arts in Denver, Colorado.

Greer studies here

Denver School of the Arts is a comprehensive secondary arts magnet school (grades 6-12) in the Denver Public School District. Admittance to this school is by audition only; so all students are very talented. Of course, I think Greer is one of the most talented. If you follow music you may know of Greer Ramsey-White. If you don’t know of her, you will in the future. Greer is an excellent violin player.

When the concert was over, we returned to Denver. All that music and camp makes humans and ducks hungry. The Old Spaghetti Factory is a favorite restaurant.

Makes me hungry

This old building has a beautiful front door.

What a door

You can eat at regular tables or you may decide to eat in this car.

Cable car inside the restaurant

This car is inside the main room of the restaurant.

I hope you eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory soon. I really hope you visit Rocky Ridge Music Center near Estes Park. For more information about the camp, visit www.rockyridge.org For more information about Denver School of the Arts, visit http://dsa.dpsk12.org

Greer is an accomplished violin player, but she is also a normal, happy teenage girl. And she is one of my favorite neighbors!

Greer Ramsey-White

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