Sunday, July 31, 2011

Headed home, had a great time!

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It's been a long, exhausting vacation.

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Kelsey relives Dad from driving finally in Amarillo, on the way home...

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Tones and Shells at the falls

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At Boulder Creek Falls

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Super Heros in action in Amber's room...

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At entrance to Boulder Creek Falls

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July 27-29 Uncle Mike's House

Left Estes Park and headed back to Uncle Mike's house. He took us to DaveCo, a HUGE liquor warehouse, more to look at that one could imagine. Stocked up on essentials... Next day we lingered, letting the kids sleep in, our last day in Colorado before the big drive home. Headed to Boulder Creek for a short but beautiful hike to see the falls, then to famous Pearl Street where we saw street entertainers, various shops and restaurants, full of hippies and fun stuff. (Just like home in Austin!) Dinner at a local Mexican food place, family owned Efrain's... delicious (especially the margaritas!) Back late, decided we would leave leisurely in the am for our trip back.

View from Stanley Hotel

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Exhausted from Ghost Hunting!

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Historic Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

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It's rumored that "ghost" kids still play in the hallways

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Famous Stanley's Steamer Car

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July 26-27 Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, CO

Left Rocky Mtn National Park and headed to historic Stanley Hotel, which opened in 1909 as a guest house for the Stanley's (yes, of Stanley Steamer). Was not officially a hotel til the late 40's. Is rumored to have several ghosts that reside there, so we couldn't wait to get a "haunting". (Reports that a maid still cares for room 217, children run through the halls on the 4th floor, and a playboy still plays in room 401). Took a ghost tour and got the scoop, had dinner at local restaurant, then let the kids wander, ghost hunting. Also learned that Stephen King stayed at the hotel in the 70's and was inspired to write "The Shining" in 7 days after staying there! Sadly, kids had nothing to report- they were disappointed, but had fun looking. Morning we headed to town for souvenier shopping, after morning coffee on the "veranda" overlooking the mountains... had to say goodbye to Estes Park.

Tones and Shells along Ouzel Falls Trail

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They hiked up a little past the falls and found snow!

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Picnic at the Falls

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Ouzel Falls, RMNP Colorado

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Amazing Scenery along Ouzel Falls Trail

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On the way to Ouzel Falls

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Hike to Ouzel Falls, RMNP

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View from our condo at Fawn Valley Inn, Estes Park CO

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The Trail on Deer Mountain

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Top of Deer Mountain Trail!

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My Happy Campers

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End of July and there's still plenty of snow!

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On the way up to Deer Mountain, Estes Park Co

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