Estes Park, Colorado... Day seventeen... Friday August 27, 2021

9am... garbage detail for the hubs... getting the trash out before the truck comes... but not too soon to prevent animal intervention... back to bed for a morning nap... waking well rested... quick breakfast of toasted multigrain bread and tea... the hubs munching toast with leftover tuna salad... hot coffee and of course... water

Off to the park for a the hubs first hike... Bear Lake... Nymph Lake... so exciting to enjoy the Rocky Mountain National Park’s stunning scenery... the Bear Lake Nature Trail mostly flat at 9000’... breathtaking views of surrounding mountains... a walk uphill for 1⁄2 mile to Nymph Lake... 9905’... the edges covered with patches of lily pads... so pretty... the backdrop of the mountains a stark contrast to the lush undergrowth at the lake. Dragon and damsel flies buzz across the top of the lake... their wings reflecting in the bright sunlight.

Bask to the house... quick shower for the hubs...hiked the trail beautifully... his knee strong... his thigh muscles holding well on the downhill climb... both of us able to manage the altitude well. Out to supper tonite with the kids... they’re last night in Estes...

Resurgence supper tonite... The Twin Owls Restaurant... very high end cuisine... almost all the kids and the hubs ordered 16 oz Bison rib eye on the bone... Elena... 7 oz filet... yours truly... 6 oz salmon... appetizers were fabulous... tuna crudo... elk kebab... New England clam chowdah... beet salad... seared diver scallops wrapped in bacon... all shared

Craft beers and a fancy cocktail for Drea... delicious... and of course... water desserts... carrot cake... vanilla creme brûlée... triple chocolate mousse cake...pigged out so worth it

To the house... kids packing for an early morning start home... chatting in the living room... enjoying their tales of adventure... so pleased they had a blast... another episode of Planet Earth off to bed... nighty night