The YMCA Camp…finally!

It has been a few years since I have stayed at the YMCA Camp in Estes Park. For the past two years, I have opted for adventures on the Western Slope, since there was so much to be found in my own back yard. Being back in Denver finds Estes Park in my own backyard once again. I was able to make a cabin reservation for this past weekend, and made it a long one at that, with check in on Saturday and check out today. I invited the family along for the fun, as well as, of course, my girl. As I reflect back, the last time I stayed at the YMCA Camp I had Chester and Stanley. How I managed to travel with those two energetic boys amazes me sometimes. Rene is different-much more mellow, though still shy and I still have nightmares she will escape her lead, never to be seen again. Nothing like that happened; rather, we enjoyed a nice weekend. Robert and Dad stayed Sat-Sun and Mom kept on with me and Rene until this morning. It was lovely, as always, and there are still countless reasons why I think the YMCA Camp is up there with Disneyland as one of the happiest places on Earth!

Robert drove with me and Rene…Car selfie!

Robert and Dad hiked The Alluvial Fan in RMNP

Outside the Admin building at the camp, resting after the morning's activities

"I suppose I will take a wooden porch since a bed isn't available…"

What I love about the camp…smatterings of beautiful flowers and cozy sitting areas

Our cabin…"Cedar"…built in the past 5 years so updated and spacious

So much to see and do!

When we got in, we drove to RMNP and had a little something to eat at Sheep Lakes. We drove to the Alluvial Fan, and since dogs can't hike the trails Robert and Dad went; Mom, Rene and I stayed behind. We drove through the park and to the YMCA where we sipped coffee on the porch of the administration building. I was brave and let Robert walk Rene around, making sure her lead was on tight and showing him very carefully how to walk a dog…oh boy, am I protective! She took to him like "white on rice" and showed no trepidation as he walked with her. The family went downtown and then to church; Rene and I checked into the cabin and got settled. We ate dinner in the cabin and played a few rounds of Bingo. Sunday morning, after leisurely coffee drinking, walks around the property, and a game of disc golf between Robert and me (such a beautiful and well marked course!) Dad and Robert left, leaving the girls to get ourselves into trouble. We drove to Mary's Lake, then walked the Riverwalk. We returned to the cabin, had lunch, and I got a massage in the "massage cabin" and walked The Labrinth. Mom and Rene hung out. We ordered pizza through the YMCA and after dinner played Scrabble and Gin Rummy. This morning we woke up, and left around 10am.

Until next time, dear YMCA Camp! Who knows when that will be. It could be a spontaneous weekend anytime in the near future, or not again until next summer. But when we meet again, I know we will pick up right where we left off!

The Birthday Guy!

Dad's birthday was this weekend. It wasn't a milestone birthday, just yet, but we celebrated all the same!

We started out with mini-golf at the South Suburban course in Englewood…

Later, we moseyed over to Maggiano's for a filling and delicious dinner...

And then back to the folks' house for cake and gifts!

Dad, I hope your birthday showed you how special you are to all of us!

A girls trip to Winter Park

Mom, Rene and I took a little trip to Winter Park today and are staying the night at the Best Western. We had quite the adventurous day! We left around 9am this morning, wandered around the ski village, drove to Devil's Thumb Ranch to look around and hung out in Cooper Creek Square for some shopping. Rene did so well! This was her first time really wandering around town and around where all the people are. The ski village was abuzz with mountain bikers, kids, families, and she did so good with all the people approaching her to try to pet her. We are hanging out in the hotel room and are pretty much done for the day. Tomorrow we will head back to Denver after taking a little walk on Fraser Trail.

We stopped at the top of Berthoud Pass…very beautiful views!

Mom in the ski village…those flowers are bigger than her!

Devils' Thumb Ranch…the little things that make it so welcoming

Ahhh…that view!

Rene and me in the village

Winter Park does public flowers soooo well!

Cute little Cooper Creek Square

Stopping and smelling the flowers

What's next, Mom?