Autumn in the Rockies

Pretty much every year we go to Colorado in the fall. The colors are beautiful and the sounds engaging, especially as the elk bugle their way down the mountainside to the meadows at sun up and sun down. This year we had planned to stay in Estes Park, but because of the flood we had to go elsewhere. Fortunately some friends of my sister and brother-in-law, came to our rescue by letting us rent their cabin on the west side of the park. Thank you Tami and Steve Roskamp and Eric and Alison McDowell!

Here is the cabin and the view from our deck:

 

  The immediate neighborhood was incredibly beautiful.

View from the other side of the lake.

Another lake view

Lake view

This little place was right down the road, surrounded by the most beautiful Aspens.

This is where we came to watch the elk morning and night

Loved watching these horses too

Here are some of our elk friends

My favorite Bugle Boy!

Up close and personal

 It is really fun to watch when a doe makes a run for it and escapes to go to another bull.

The doe in the blue collar takes advantage of the bull's temporary distraction and takes off running.

There she goes!

He takes off after Blue!

While the bull chases after Blue, another doe takes off.

Alas, she joins another lover across the meadow.

This guy means business!

Here comes trouble!

O yeah, we're going to have us a showdown.

So this is a big part of coming to Colorado in the fall. But the other part is the scenery, especially along Trail Ridge Road.

This was at the Timbercreek Trail head.

Aspens along the way

Near Grand Lake entrance.

Lake Irene

Never Summer Mountain Range

Poudre Lake

There are other wildlife besides the elk:

Mule Deer Crossing the Road

Mule Deer

Moose in Grand Lake

Another moose in the town

This moose was actually shopping on Main Street. Proof that for us girls, this is sheer animal instinct!

And we can't forget Chip who posed for several minutes while passing people stopped to photograph him.

 And here is the perfect ending to a perfect day in the mountains:

Glorious!

Of course, all of these creatures and beautiful scenes have a purpose--to woo us to the One who made it all. He is true Beauty and these temporary glimpses are just a down payment for future glory. Thank you Jesus!