I drove up to RMNP today for a picnic with a few friends. As I drove into Estes, the Divide stood behind the town, awaiting my arrival. The first views of the mountains as you drive into Estes Park are always beautiful, no matter the season or weather!

As I was a bit short on time, I drove up past the Stanley Hotel directly to the Fall River entrance of the park. Being Memorial Day weekend, and the official start of the summer season, traffic was horrible getting into the park. The cars waiting to get in were backed up nearly to McGregor Lodge. Welcome to summer at Rocky!

A little while later, I was on my way, driving past Sheep Lakes. I thought I was going to be late. As I circled the west Alluvial Fan parking lot, I saw a familiar face. None other than Marvman himself! His wife Rhonda was in the truck with him. We found parking spots and sat down at a picnic table to chat. It was nice to see some familiar faces. I'd met them last August, but as we are all part of the RMNP Forums, we have exchanged snide comments ever since that first meeting. :)

A few minutes later, I heard "Misssilly!!!!!" And then three screaming girls ran up to me and threw their arms around me. The Smith Girls. Elizabeth, Hannah and Rebecca. These girls have more energy than any three people ought to have. Lori and Alan (the girls' parents) and Michael followed behind. It was nice to be surrounded by friends. Lunch was good. Boring tuna salad can be greatly enhanced by the meal locale.

After lunch, Marv and Rhonda decided to head out to drive over Trail Ridge Road. We said our good-byes. Alan and Michael decided to do a bit of rock climbing around the alluvial fan. But Lori and I stayed down with the girls and watched the guys. I really enjoy being around the Smith Girls. They just make me laugh!

Soon after, Michael headed back to work, and the Smiths and I drove into Estes to visit another Forum Friend. Erik was showing is photos at the art fair in town so we visited with him for a while and looked around at the different booths. Erik's pictures are beautiful! (http://www.imagesofrmnp.com) Check them out!

The Smiths decided to head home so Allen could get ready and leave for work later that night. But Elizabeth begged to stay with me. She and I walked through Estes, doing a bit of window shopping and then shared some mint chip ice cream. When I dropped her off at home, Lori and I looked through some of their recent pictures. It was a nice visit!

Before I could leave Estes, though, I wanted to make one more trip through the park. I drove over to Moraine Park in time for a light shower. The clouds started breaking up and light poured through to the ground. The clouds were spectacular! Someday, I'm going to have to get Erik to take me photographing the park. My pictures just don't do the sky any justice. It was a beautiful afternoon!