A Noble Journey: September 2012

I took a hiatus from the trip, but here's another installment of our 2012 Colorado experience!

When we take a National Parks trip we enjoy finding a house that will accommodate our two families. The house near Rocky Mountain National Park was called Skyline. It was located near the YMCA of the Rockies. In fact, we had to drive through the YMCA grounds to get to Skyline. This house was beautiful, and fascinating. The owners built it, and had a book documenting and detailing each phase of the construction. This home is where extended families gather on holidays and enjoy being together. I don't have a lot of pictures, but you can see and learn more here. We loved our time at Skyline.

Great meals at this large table

Fire Pit with a View!

Carrie enjoying her s'more

PERFECTION!!

In 2010 we had booked horseback riding in the Redwoods, but it was cancelled due to unsafe trail conditions. We wanted the experience of riding in a National Park, so we made reservations once we arrived at RMNP. The plan was a 2 hour ride beginning at Glacier Creek Stables. Due to construction on the road to the stables there weren't many customers coming to ride. The head cowboy told us they could give us the 3 hour tour for the same price as 2 hours. Two hours on a horse seemed like enough time for me, but we saddled up ready for adventure.

We were told that we wouldn't be getting OFF the horse during the ride, so we were stuck in the saddle. That means no bathroom until you return to the ranch!

A majority of the ride was in the trees, going up and down the rocky trails. The trail was narrow which meant you had to push off trees or endure a knee bashing. Alyssa had this experience several times, and it was excruciatingly painful.

We were all ready to abandon the horses, but we endured and found a way to enjoy the journey.