Why is it that vacations always pass in what feels like a mere blink of an eye? I'm back! Wow! That was my response on first coming up to the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. I was there as a small child, but I had no recollection of what I saw then. This is the approach to Estes Park from Loveland, Colorado. Yes, it's really stunning (and my paltry photos do it no justice at all--you can click on the photos to enlarge them a bit if you are so inclined). You come up through this deep gorge/canyon with running water and the mountains rising up on all sides, twisting and turning on the road to the valley where Estes is located.
And this is the view from the back of the 'cabin' where we stayed. I had the pleasure of listening to rushing water just feet away from our windows. It's so loud, but in a good, calming way. I sat outside in the sun on this massive rock (worn smooth from many other vacationers, no doubt, with just the same idea in mind as me) enjoying the view and the sounds and trying to soak it in for those frazzled moments which are sure to follow now that I am back home.
I loved it there and had a really wonderful, albeit far too quick, stay. I didn't read as much as I had hoped (I never seem to on vacation), but that's okay. When you have views like these it is hard to keep your eyes glued to the pages of a book. I have a few more photos to share of my adventures, but I promise not to bombard you with too many boring vacation pictures.
My posting will likely be intermittent for the coming week as it will be a busy next few days for me (including two author/literary events that I am hoping to attend between Tuesday and Sunday). I am midway through my RIP short story reading, and will share it later this week. I'm still getting laundry sorted and need to open mail. But it is back to work tomorrow and then class on Tuesday, so back to the regular routine in general. I did buy a (very few) books and will share those goodies as well.
Traveling is wonderful, but it is a little disorienting as well. Earlier today I was at an elevation of more than 7,500 ft in the middle of a mountain range and now am on the flat plains of Nebraska at barely over 1,000 ft above sea level. Such different and distinct scenery and a nice long eight hour car ride in between. I have lots of catching up to do--thanks for all the comments and well wishes--I promise to catch up on them all soon! How have you spent the last week--hopefully something equally as fun (even if only through the pages of a book!)?