Today is May 30, 2016.  A holiday for us in honor of those who have fallen giving us the freedom to travel this great nation.  Hope you enjoyed your holiday and did something to honor those who have served and given their all!

Today we went to the Trail Ridge highway in the Rocky Mountains.  If you are ever in this part of the country this is a must see.  The road takes you up to 12,183 feet.  It was built in 1932.  Trivia question.  What was going on in the USA during that time?  Hint it gave people some work.

There is a gift shop and restaurant at the top but it was closed because they had no electrical service today.  Not sure what the cause was.  At the top you can turn around and come back to Estes Park or you can continue to Grand Lake on the other side of the mountain.  We chose to turn around because of the distance and the scenery was not as good.  We had a good tour guide (sister in-law), Melanie, who drove and allowed us to view all the scenery. Good thing because there are no side rails and if you look off into the distance it may be the last thing you see, or do!

Here is a look at the local residents as we are going through the park.

This is Big Daddy.  He is taking it easy while the other little bulls feed and water themselves.






These guys decided if Big Daddy is going to rest then they would also.

 Here we are one of the first pull offs and you can see we have advanced in elevation.












Here we are up against the snow bank created when they plow the snow.  They do this every day we are told because the sun may melt some of the snow and cause ice.  Of course, at this elevation it could snow every day even in the summer.

Up against the snow bank.












This is a reference so you can see how high the snow is.

This is a sign carved into the snow bank celebrating the 100 years the park have been opened.

Well here we are trying to stand up on the ice for this photo opt.











This is the gift shop and restaurant that was closed.

Sorry for all the Elk photos but I just love them.  I know some are tired of seeing them so just skip over them.