Highest Thru-Pass in North America,12,183 ft (3,713 m)!!!!!!!
We left Grand Lake, CO, early in the morning and enjoyed a beautiful ride through Rocky Mountain National Park. The air was crispy cool and the scent of pine needles filled the valley.
About half way up the pass we took a break at a view point pullout beside the road. We started chatting to this couple from Kansas City, Mike and Lisa. They offered us cool water from their cooler and they also gave each of us a bottle gatorade. We had not finished thanking them when Mike offered to make us a snack with Ritz crackers (!!!! yum), cheese and deer sausage that he had made from deer he hunted. WOW DELICIOUS!!!!! As if that was not enough, Mike and Lisa told us they were staying at Colorado cottages in Estes Park on the other side of the pass and that we should come knock on their door when we get there. They said they would take us out for dinner!!!!! What generosity!!!! We could not help but accept such a tempting offer. So, we kept on climbing the pass while they went on a hike for the day.
The view below is from the visitor center almost at the top of the pass. We were lucky to get there when we did because a thunder storm was approaching fast. Since food was not allowed inside the center (so dumb) we found a dry strip of ground outside under the awning where we had lunch. Once the rain passed we set up our photo card booth again to raise some funds for groceries. I cannot remember that day's total but people were very generous once again. Here I must emphasize that despite the poor reputation Americans receive around the world, we have experienced utmost kindness and generosity in this country. THANKS TO Y'ALL YANKEES! YOU ROCK!!!
MADE IT!!!! (+12,000ft)
We ran into Mike and Lisa again at the top of the pass as they were returning from their hike. They then offered to not just take us out for dinner but told us they would find us a nice place to stay for the night. No, not a nice campsite. They were going to get us a cabin or a motel room!!!! Needless to say, we were baffled. They insisted on it so we thanked them and promised to come knock on their door once we got to Estes Park.
Great view from the top!
Some elk hanging out beside the road. The descent was fantastic. Mile after mile just downhill all the way to Estes Park (except for a little 1/4 mile uphill)
We found Mike and Lisa at Colorado Cottages where they had reserved the last cabin for us. It was a spacious room with a huge bed, a full kitchen, bathroom and a cute little porch. Once we got settled in and showered they drove us to one of their favourite restaurants. (I think it was called Nicky's or something like that) The ceiling was covered in grappa bottles signed by the drinkers.
We had a great time and ate until we were about to burst. They then also ordered us a huge piece of Chocolate Mousse cake to-go. We nibbled at it before going to bed because it just looked too good (sorry no pic of it.) but we saved the rest for breakfast.
James, Me, Lisa and Mike
Colorado Cottages!!!! No, I am not getting paid to advertise for them but I cannot help but recommend them. It was such a lovely place and the owners were super kind.
Our cottage
The bikes loved it too!
This is where we had a most scrumptious breakfast...scrambled eggs, toast, fruit, CHOCOLATE MOUSSE CAKE!!! and while we were in the middle of munching on all this, Mike showed up with a bag of breakfast donuts from the local donut place down the road. I must say they were the best donuts I have had for a loooong time.
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING, MIKE AND LISA. YOUR GENEROSITY IS TRULY INSPIRING!!!
I could not help but capture the ultimately patriotic bedspread. It has Barak Obama's inauguration speech printed all over it. I did not read it all but I sure slept well that night :-) Thanks Barak.
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