Tag Archives: colorado

Monopoly Traveler Reflections, Troy's Blog

Monopoly Traveler Reflections– Independence Day From the Black Hills to Estes Park

After taking part in Independence Day festivities at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on July 3rd, the plan was to drive over 300 miles from Custer, South Dakota to Estes Park, Colorado in time to watch fireworks with the Rocky Mountains as a back drop. Before we could get underway though we needed to head back to Mount Rushmore to grab a few pictures we were unable to get the day before due to larger crowds. The main picture needed was the traditional family photo with the entrance sign for our scrapbook of Monopoly Travels. While in the area we decided to spend a few minutes driving by in a more relaxed matter to see this National Memorial in the daylight. The day before it was battle driving as the crowds converged on this place early in the morning. It was also nice to see things during daylight hours.

Entering Mt. Rushmore

While spending about a half hour driving through the area we where able to stop at the entrance sign where a mountain goat entered the area allowing us to watch as it watched us back for a nice wildlife experience at Mt. Rushmore. The day was much nicer and dryer compared to the day before with the sun shining on this early summer day. We were quickly learning how to find each persons spot around National Parks entrances signs taking less time to capture our picture.

Being visited by a mountain goat

During this short time we took a slow drive past the carved stone making up the Presidential monument viewing it from the highway before continuing on down to Keystone, South Dakota to turn around. On the way back there was a different view of Mt. Rushmore for one last time before leaving South Dakota. Passing behind it I kept looking back to see what the stone on the backside was like wondering how it was shaped before being carved. It definitely didn’t appear as I had imagined. I expected it to be a large piece of solid stone but these were smaller stone with many scars and cracks making it look broken up enough that carving would be quite difficult. It is most likely more solid than it appears in order to be carved and stand many decades of freezing winters and hot summers.

The back side of Mt. Rushmore

With Mount Rushmore now in the rear view mirror we were officially on our way to new territories. Along the way we drove passed Crazy Horse Monument still being carved. It’s a larger carving then I would expect given the size of the carvings we’ve recently left. In what felt like no time at all we were entering Wyoming. Stopping for a picture next to this state sign, it felt good to be on our way west and entering a state we’ve not been to yet. Heading towards the Rocky Mountains was the portion of this adventure I was most anticipating and looking forward to. Some time in the mountains experiencing what effects the altitude would have on us in picturesque landscapes was exciting.

Entering Wyoming for the first time

Shortly after getting into Wyoming we found a rest area with picnic tables for a stop to grill something to eat. Enjoying the warmth of summer while sharing stories of our time so far made for a fulfilling stop while gazing out over the prairies of Western United States during lunch. Once the grill was cool enough to pack back into the trunk of our car we settled in for a long drive south. Over the next couple of hours we watched the Prairies of Wyoming pass by, some passengers catching a nap along the way. Cheyenne, WY started to approach for our next opportunity to fill up with gas and allow each person to stretch their legs along with a restroom visit. The next stop would be Estes Park in Colorado.

A nearly full moon rising over the Rocky Mountains

A short time after entering Colorado we reached Loveland where we turned back west to begin our climb into the mountains. Meandering through Loveland we passed by people celebrating and claiming their spot to watch that nights fireworks reminding us that it was Independence Day. Continuing into the mountains the road began to climb higher and higher. At times a raging river followed this road adding to this mountain experience letting us see parts of the landscape we would experience in the coming days. It was all so beautiful going around every bend, climbing higher and higher. After continuously pressing the accelerator for the past half an hour we began to level out and entered Estes Park.

Making it to Estes Park near Rocky Mountain National Park

With beautiful mountains all around distracting my attention from the road we found our hotel and got checked in. Soon after dragging our belongings to our room I was back outside taking in the beautiful surroundings. It was nearing time to eat and pizza delivery was the choice for the evening. Now to relax from a day in the car and prepare for fireworks to mark the end of our journey on this Independence Day. Camping chairs were removed from the trunk of the car and set up in the hotel parking lot where we would eat dinner and enjoy exploding rockets set against a mountainous backdrop. The next day would mark our introduction to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Celebrating Independenc Day in Estes Park Colorado

National Parks, Troy's Blog

In Search of a Dinosaur

In our quest to discover another piece of our National Parks Monopoly board we went on expedition to our 27th of 28 National Park units – Dinosaur National Monument. Located on the border of Utah and Colorado, this park provides many interesting and amazing sights to explore. The first, and most known for, is searching for dinosaur fossils.

Quarry exhibit hall

An easy search due to a shuttle leaving from the Quarry Visitors Center which drives a short distance up the nearby hillside to the Quarry Exhibit Hall which was built around a dig sight exposing numerous fossils. This makes the idea of seeing dinosaur fossils almost unreal. You walk inside the building and there they are! All displayed in a hillside that seems like it was assembled for this display. Once your able to grasp the concept that dinosaurs did in fact roam here and were buried from several geological events it becomes really amazing to see with your own eyes.

One of the complete dinosaur fossils uncovered here

Additionally, there are other displays to complement this preserved dig sight helping to explain all that you are seeing and some of the events that have happened in this very location. One very interesting display is a complete assembly of an Allosaurus skeleton giving you some idea what this dinosaur actually looked like and how big it was when roaming this part of the Earth.

Fossils still partially buried in the hillside inside of the quarry exhibit hall

After looking through the displays, where you can see different fossils and actually touch some, the quarry wall begins to make more sense as you can now start to recognize some of the fossils buried here. For a little help in that recognition there are touch screen computers labeling many of these pieces on the second floor of the Quarry Exhibit Hall. For those really interested in fossils and dinosaurs, hours can be spent here studying each piece amongst the hundreds partially unearthed here. For me, a shorter time is all that I needed before heading back outside to gaze over the landscape and wonder how many more fossils remain undiscovered in all that I could see.

Some of the interesting rock formations found in Dinosaur

A short, warm bus ride (it was mid June in the Western United States) back to the visitors center and we were off exploring more of this beautiful landscape. Dinosaur National Monument is located in a mountainous region where two rivers converge providing for some incredible sights. There are many interesting rock formations throughout the park created from different geological events which also provide for multiple colors layered together with rivers cutting through them adding to the beauty of the area. Many people explore these rock formations from the comfort of a raft navigating the rapids of these two rivers for a great summer experience.

One of the petroglyphs found in different parts of Dinosaur National Monument

Going away from the main visitors center, there are more pieces to discover. One of these include petroglyphs from those who have traversed these mountains centuries before. It’s interesting to try and interpret these ancient drawings to figure out why they took the time to communicate with others on what they were seeing and doing here. Many different sights await being found throughout a day in Dinosaur National Monument however these do not end with daylight. Once the sun disappears a whole different landscape appears that so many miss. While heading back into the park near sunset, I encountered only one or two other people still there. They were either camping or managing the cattle which roam free here. Admittedly there are some added challenges while navigating at night such as animals near the road or even on the road so being alert and driving slowly is a requirement. On different occasions I thought I was going to hit a deer and elk with our car but fortunately managed to miss both leading to an increased heart rate. These increased challenges are well worth the views of the incredible night sky!

Milkyway

Adventure, Rocky Moutain National Park, Troy's Blog

Preparing for a Rocky Mountain Hike

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Since exploring Rocky Mountain National Park in 2009 I’ve wanted to return as it is such a beautiful place. Our last trip was to hike to Flattop Mountain Trail which is the location on our National Parks Monopoly Board. In 2009 we made it to the sign and returned to the car. I’ve always felt that I would like to hike the trail in its entirety someday.

Flattop Mountain Trail

That someday will happen this summer. Or at least we are going to be back in the park and hopefully the weather cooperates allowing me to hike to the top of Flattop Mountain which is a 10 mile hike round trip. Typically 10 miles isn’t a concern for me but it gets a little more difficult with the incline/decline and altitude in a mountain setting. Flattop peaks at just over 12,000 feet altitude and while this has an impact on me it wasn’t very bad the last time I was at this height.

Look at the beautiful surroundings

In addition to Flattop Mountain I’ve added in the challenge of hiking to the top of Long’s Peak which is a 15 mile trip and tops out just over 14,000 feet in altitude. A few years ago I would have never considered doing this as I’m not in physical condition to do so. After reading a few long distance hiker’s blog I began to consider it and figure out what it would take for me to do.  The idea of hiking to the top of the tallest peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, which I’ve looked at from an airplane, and see it from the other direction is a challenge I want to take on.

In order to be successful at these hikes I’ve been in training since January to build my legs and also try and increase my lung capacity as much as possible to prepare for the thinner air at higher altitudes. This training has included hiking several miles at a time carrying a 45 pound training pack which is at least double the weight of what my actual backpack will be. Hopefully the actual pack will feel quite a bit lighter so I don’t mind carrying it for a much longer distance. The training pack also put a heavier load on my legs building those muscles a bit more.

One of my practice hiking trails

Additionally I’ve been working with inline skates and biking with the occasional walking up and down stairs for 45 – 60 minutes with a loaded backpack on. Some days have been more challenging than other to go work out just like it is for anybody. In January I would go out on the trail even at temperatures of –12 degrees F and in the summer heat and humidity when I would return home so full of sweat I looked as though I had jumped into a lake. During these time I just needed to think about climbing mountain trails and my motivation would quickly return and I could walk faster or pedal harder forgetting about the conditions I was training in.

Biking on the trail

The time has come to see if all of that training will pay off in the form of an easier and successful hike. Certainly some of the mountain trails, especially near the top of Long’s Peak, have been a little intimidating but I’ve seen enough video and photos of the trail and have enough confidence in my abilities that as long as the weather remains favorable I’ll make it to the top.  If the weather does not cooperate than the risk does not become worth the reward of summiting Long’s Peak and I will turn around which is why the planned start time is around 2:30am to increase the odds of completing my goals. It’ll be fun either way I’m sure as there is nothing but amazing scenery all around.