Our Hampton provided a breakfast and we took full advantage of it. After some phone calls, we headed West on 470 and I-70. Traffic was moving well and we did not have any rush hour issues. We stopped a couple times to take in the views as we picked up 40 toward Granby. We made a stop in Winter Park and took a short walk to stretch our legs. Soon after, we arrived at our destination; the Stahl residence in Granby. Their home is on the side of a hill so the views of the mountains and the town of Granby below are even better. Jerry and Carolyn and their dogs (Belle and Jody) provided a tour of the neighborhood. The ‘neighborhood” includes hiking trails, beautiful views, and a ski area in their back yard.
Next we headed east on US 34 to Shadow Mountain Lake where we took a short hike down to the headwater of the Colorado River. We spotted some eaglets in a nest but mom and dad must have been out fishing at the time. Afterwards we continued on what becomes Trail Ridge Road once you are in Rocky Mountain National Park. We came upon a field where a cow moose and her calves were grazing.
Next we came to Grand Lake and the Village which nestles up to the lake and mountains. We drove past the Stahl’s former condo which had excellent views of the lakes and village. Our next stop was at Adams Falls within Rocky Mountain National Park. This popular spot is an easy walk and the falls are well worth the effort.
Our final stop was Grand Lake Village. The downtown area could easily double as an old west town movie set with it’s wooden sidewalks and wide street. The shops and restaurants are very much alive and it looked like a welcome oasis after a day of fishing or hiking.
We returned to the house and had a delicious pasta dinner and a great time catching up with the Stahls.
Beautiful images! Thank you!
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