A week ago, Monte, Susanne and I headed out from Austin, on a road trip to Estes Park, Colorado, to join in Dan and Erin’s wedding celebration. We left at 4AM CDT, and pulled in to our destination at about 7PM MDT. It was a long day of driving, but getting there made it all worth it. I’ve never been to Estes Park before, but it is BEAUTIFUL! It lies at an entrance to the Rocky Mountain National Park, surrounded by mountain peaks and streams, and is teeming with wildlife. The town offers nice restaurants, breweries, music, festivals and all sorts of activities to tire you out.
We wore out our hugging muscles, but a good time was had by all. After several days of visiting and sight seeing, we said our goodbyes and dropped Susanne off at Denver International Airport and then continued to made our way home. We stopped overnight in Amarillo and then popped into Lubbock the next day to look for burrowing owls and to tour a winery, in the heart of Texas wine country’s vineyards.
A view of Lake Estes with the town of Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains in the background…
We drove up into Rocky Mountain National Park, but the Trail Ridge Road was closed at Rainbow Curve, so we had to turn around at about 10,800′. We couldn’t do the complete drive across the Continental Divide. But, the views were spectacular. We got snowed on, and took way too many pictures. I saw several lifer birds, a heard of elk, a bunny, and a varmit or two.
A picture of a snow flurry passing down a canyon near the Fall River entrance…
Leaving Amarillo in the morning, we drove along historic Route 66 and made a stop at Cadillac Ranch. I wish I could have seen this back in its hey-day. Now the cars are covered with ever-changing spray paint grafitti. Sadly, you can see all the trash left on the ground by the “artists.” 
We stopped in Lubbock for lunch, and a tasting at McPherson Cellars Winery. We also successfully tracked down some burrowing owls.
I enjoy road trips. I enjoy seeing family. When they can be combined, it’s all the more special.
Sheila365 
I had a blast. I miss you guys, thanks for the memories. Susanne. 💜