Rocky Mt Nat'l Park 8/1 - 8/10

[Peakbagr]

Another wonderful trip with friends Pat, Audrey, Marge and Maria. Terrific friends and travelling companions. We stayed in a very nice vacation rental on the western side of the park. Although the damage from pine bark beetles( the 3rd infestation in 500 years) was noticeable, the forest, trails, peaks, wildflowers and wildlife more than made up for it. No forest fires or smoke in any of the areas we hiked.
We saw moose, foxes, whitetail and mule deer and their fawns. And elk - the elk were everywhere. Often 20' to 30' away grazing with little concern for our close up presence. There was a large herd of cows, bulls and calves at a distance along an above treeline trail. On our way back they were grazing right across the trail.
And my friends who are wildflower authorities saw a ton of wildflowers, along trails and in the many meadows we hiked through. I'm grateful for their patient replies to my many 'what is that flower' questions, all day long.
Another treat was walking up into the headwaters of the Colorado river, where it was a small stream 10' across.
Can any of our knowledgeable birders help ID the hummers? Possibly broadtails and Rufous? Hard to tell with the quick movement and some juveniles.

A link to some photos and videos:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.507693965913801.132265.100000196052414&type=3&l=88a34ad403


https://www.facebook.com/alan.via?r...9209111&set=vb.100000196052414&type=2&theater

https://www.facebook.com/alan.via?r...5912703&set=vb.100000196052414&type=2&theater

 

[Original Woody]

Hi,

Great photos......I was out there a few years ago and would love to go back. Thanks for sharing

 

[hermit]

Beautiful pictures. I was there in 1978,brings back memories.Thanks for sharing.Unfortunately we didn't get to see as much as you folks did.

 

[ROCKYSUMMIT]

Great trip and pics. That's the way to do it! Look forward to more details.

 

[Peakbagr]

In spite of some of the tree damage from the beetles( 3rd infestation in the last 500 years), the scenery was great, the wildlife fantastic and the company was enthusiastic and superb. There was never so many trees down in an area that it wasn't more than something to witness.
Nice mix of alpine, riverine, lakes, wildflowers, hummingbirds, marmots, aggressive gray jay and chippies, meadows - all leavened by foxes, elk, moose, deer, mule deer, fawns, etc. We didn't get to see bears, sheep or mountain lion, but then there is always next time..

Alan