ROCKIES/ HIGH PLAINS-W/ SISTER DORIS-day 4 & 5

Day 4 & 5, Friday & Saturday, May 13 & 14, 2016

       Day four started from Casper, Wyoming and from there we headed south on Interstate 25 to destinations of the Fort Collins, Greeley, and Loveland, Colorado area. From there we headed west through Loveland and on up the Big Thompson Canyon to Estes Park via Federal highway 34.

      You have to be impressed no matter how many times you drive through this narrow and steep canyon with the roar and at full capacity of the Big Thompson River. It's what a mountain stream should look and sound like complete with fishermen on occasion doing a little fly fishing for a tasty rainbow trout.

      On arriving in Estes Park and a light lunch, we prepared to check out the Stanley Hotel which was high on my list being such a fan of the movie "The Shining" and that it was called the "Overllook." I had always wanted to see this famous Hotel that was built around 1907 for the rich by Stanley of Stanley Steamer fame. I was somewhat disappointed. It was actually just on the edge of town and not sitting out somewhere by itself on the base of some majestic mountain peak. Although, there are some small peaks directly behind it. I am sure if you could get back far enough and up high it would be a more impressive setting. I guess I will just always keep the image of the Hotel from the movie in my memories!

      From the Stanley we headed up on #34 to the entrance of the North entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park. We simply did what they call "The Loop" around and back to Estes. But, that drive you can see the most beautiful panoramic view of many snow capped Peaks in the horizon. I never tire of such a view. Someday I hope to simply stay at one of the old time motel complexes that dot the highway north of Estes and the Entrance to the Park. From these locations you not only get this view of the mountain peaks but, the advantage of the Big Thompson River at your front door. Someday I may just drive out there and stay just a night. It would be well worth the drive!

       From the Estes Park area, we headed back east and stayed Friday night in Sterling, Colorado and on home from there on Saturday AM up Interstate 76 and then I-80 and the 12 hour plus journey straight home. The approx. 2400 mile trip in four days, may well be the most scenic traveling trip in terms of all the "sights" seen. Otherwise, a lot of "Bang for the Buck!" One last note. If you ever get the opportunity to check out the old fort souvenir shop at the North Platte, Nebraska exit, it is huge and has every imaginable western themed souvenir you could ever want. It is unbelievable with, in addition, lots of authentic Western and Native American artifacts.