We had an amazing day!
We started out in Grand Lake and from there went directly into the park. We were able to see Moose and Elk and Mule Deer. Graham had a wildlife chart thanks to his junior ranger badge packet, so he was our designated wildlife identifier. (He did most of the activities in the packet, and completed his junior ranger badge.
The day started off sunny, but didn't stay that way. We got fog and rain, and then snow and hail. Which might have been awful, but seems to have been the highlight of the nine year old's day, as snow is such a rare event in Houston.
In between rain and snow drops, we were able to take a number of walks and short hikes. We walked on the tundra at 12,000 feet and found out that things are farther than they seem. Graham had a little trouble breathing (he got tight in the chest), but luckily we were almost back to the car and started heading down. But we got to touch snow and see for miles and miles from above the timber line. It takes a special kind of hearty animal and plant to live up there--the winds and weather conditions can be ferocious. The growing season is so short, such 6 to 8 weeks, that plants can grow a mere fraction of an inch a year.
Lower down, we took a walk by the Colorado River in the rain, and then the sun finally came out. We searched and searched the river for an otter or a beaver, but no such luck.
We topped it all off with a short hike to a falls.
And then it was back to town for dinner and then a good night's sleep. The air temperature was a chilly 50 degrees, but Graham was brave enough to jump in the (heated, but not that much) pool. Patrick stuck to the hot tub.
No pie to add to the count today, but the blueberry and raspberry scones from the Blue Water Bakery in Grand Lake count as sort of half-pie. They were rich and fruity and worth waiting in the line for.
Today, we have a long drive and are heading up into Wyoming. Not sure what the sights will be, but will try to post pictures once we're in Thermopolis.
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