December 9, 2005

AND ON TO CHRISTMAS, BUT FIRST�

Part I

It was magic! How could a little trip be so perfect? I kept waiting for some little disturbance, and there was none. Even when caught in a blizzard, it just became an added adventure. It was truly magic. The weather was perfect. Clear, sunny , crisp but not too cold, and just some residual snow remaining in shadowy corners and on the ground under the low lying bows of evergreens reaching out to protect hidden pockets. In fact, as we sped across past Vail, high on I-70, it looked like this.

This was the most snow we saw on the way to Estes Park.

We arrived around dinnertime and tucked into our cabins for the night.

Thanksgiving Day arrived, clear and almost warm. We left late in the morning for our reservations at the historic Stanley hotel which I pictured in the journal last month. Although the hotel was filled with guests for their annual buffet, the service was smooth and expeditious, and I have never eaten more delicious food in my life. The array of choices was decadent. As we sat in the huge dining room, this is the view we captured by the surrounding plate glass windows.

This is the snow-capped Continental Divide. And again�

The afternoon was spent with football, snacks and visiting.

Next day, Estes Park opened its heart to the Christmas season. The streets lined with their variety of unique shops and eateries, were tastefully adorned with festive trappings. Every shop had its arms opened to the season, filled with music, and a growing crowd of celebrants who had come up the mountain for the Christmas Light Parade at dusk.

Twenty five thousand people had ascended to view the event.

(Continued in next entry posted here. Just click on "next" below.)

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