Altitude and air pressure has its effect. These were purchased at 5,000 feet and when we retrieved them at camp; the 7,700 foot altitude made them balloon up.This is Estes Lake. Jason and I made two trips around this lake on our bicycles, about 4 miles each. This lake is at 7,500 feet!This is the spillway feeding a trophy trout fishery. We watched a young person pull in a 20″ rainbow, but of course it is catch-and-release only!The water was very cold and very clear and loaded with trout.Jason befriended the staff at the horseback riding concession near the bicycle path. By the time we left, he had three of the cowgirls helping him!This is a trailside view of the historical Stanley Hotel (of Stanley Steamer fame).We passed several of these warning signs placed along the bike trail. Apparently there is a momma elk that has a new baby.After the bicycle ride, we headed up the hill for a short hike. We spotted these bighorn sheep off the side of the road. We enjoyed the view of the adjacent canyon and mountains from 12,300 feet on our first acclimatization hike.Jason is at 12,300 feet! It was cold and windy but the view was incredible.We spotted this elk grazing on the way down the mountain. We did see several herds of elk near the roadway but there was no room (legally) to pull of to take a photo.There is still a lot of snow near the pass which is over 12,000 feet. This is at the 11,500 foot mark. I now wonder what it is going to be like at 14,000 feet.This area is known as the “Granite Cliffs” and we have never seen snow at this elevation, but of course our previous visit was in early fall. This snow is over ten feet deep!This is the view as we start up the Ute trail. This trail is about 4.3 miles and reaches an elevation of about 11,800 feet. This is our second acclimatization hike. The entire hike was above the treeline, which is about 11,000 feet.Jason engaged in conversation with a yellow-bellied marmot on the trail.Jason is resting and snacking at the trail turn-around. Of course he had to get into the rocks.Cathy is resting and snacking at the trail turn-around. There were marmots all around us.
Jason found a friend but she was only interested in digging up the roots in the nearby crevice and rejected my lifesavers! Jason was a little bit wary of being so close to this guy.
Here’s the trail as we started back down to the truck.
Jason and Cathy hiking down the trail.
These are some random photos of the nearby mountains as we are hiking the Ute trail.
Boy, is it beautiful there! I can’t do the elevation, but would love it. I remember that as being one of my favorite states. Looks like Jason is making good memories!!
Every time I leave a comment no matter what I say it won’t post. It says “Looks like you have already said that.” Won’t post. Ticks me off after all that typing.
WordPress changed the format on me. It looks like your comments are getting through. It has been a learning curve for me you to get something posted . . . .
Travelling with the Schinglers 
Boy, is it beautiful there! I can’t do the elevation, but would love it. I remember that as being one of my favorite states. Looks like Jason is making good memories!!
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Every time I leave a comment no matter what I say it won’t post. It says “Looks like you have already said that.” Won’t post. Ticks me off after all that typing.
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WordPress changed the format on me. It looks like your comments are getting through. It has been a learning curve for me you to get something posted . . . .
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