Estes Park, Colorado... Day nine... Thursday August 19, 2021

Eyes popping open a bit later than usual... chilly rainy morning... hot oatmeal on the menu for all accompanied by steaming cups of java and glasses of water a day to relax and recharge...

Mid afternoon... clouds lifting... a delightful hike around Lily Lake at 9000’... jackets required... sun streaming down reflecting off the calm waters... ducks nibbling the reeds... swimming to and fro... admiring the marshy breeding grounds on the southern side of the lake... teeny ducklings experimenting with their swimming skills... zooming back and forth among the reeds... mountain peaks visible on all sides... an hour into our walk... dark storm clouds rolling in... time to return... the first few droplets skittering across the pavement as we clambered into the car... just in time...

Sightseeing drive round Mary’s Lake Road... spotted a group of young elk munching on grasses and berries... onto Fish Creek Road... toward town... an ice cream stop at Laura’s for an afternoon treat... back to the house... a short respite before dinner... the hubs and yours truly walking the neighborhood and grounds...

Resurgence supper tonite... roasted fresh salmon with Old Bay Seasoning and fresh lemon slices... steamed broccoli... cheese bread... avocado slices and crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette... hot cocoa and a crackling fire to warm the cool night air... another delightful day in the mountains... off to bed.., nighty night