Estes Park overnight

I discovered the YMCA camp in Estes Park a few weeks ago with Susan. I made reservations for a 2 bedroom cabin for last night because I learned the cabins would take dogs, and Ches and Stan were in need of an outing. I asked Mom to go with me, and we had a great time. Yesterday we drove into Estes and had a picnic by the river. We discovered the Riverwalk that goes along the river and along some shops and restaurants. We also walked a little bit downtown while I sipped on a cherry Coke, a treat while walking along the downtown area. We got to the YMCA camp and checked in a little early. We drove to our cabin-Robin's Nest-and to our delight it was a wonderful cabin, on a hill with a wraparound porch. Views from both sides were stunning and it was remote enough to feel relaxation. Chester and Stanley didn't know what to think. Stan spent most of the time in the cabin pacing around because he didn't know what to make of it. Chester found a spot under a side table and laid down. Mom and I relaxed and I took a short nap. We went for a little walk and ate dinner-a lovely picnic of macaroni and tuna salad, green salad and corn bread. We sat outside and enjoyed the view. After dinner we took a drive to the main lodge area, walked around and came back to the cabin. I called it an early night and fell asleep after reading for a bit. Today we got up, ate breakfast and went into Boulder. We wandered around Pearl Street Mall until we found out Chester and Stan were illegal on the mall. We walked to the Dushambe tea house and decided to make that a destination someday. The farmer's market was going on, so the crowd was hard to navigate with the boys. Now we are all home, comfy and relaxed, but before the summer is over I am going back with the boys to the same cabin. It was delightful.

There were a few highlights besides the cabin and views. Mom and I saw a beautiful bluebird three times. Two of the times it sat right in front of us on a wire. It was an electric blue when it would fly. We also saw a bunch of hummingbirds, one who flew right by us was a lovely red color. The sunset was also spectacular. It was light pink, grey and blue with a full moon; over RMNP the sky was a light blue. It is so refreshing to be away from the familiar in order to notice these little details of beauty.