A Brief Stop at Longs Peak Before Trail Ridge Road

        The day we set off to see the 12 stops listed on Trail Ridge Road, we made a brief stop at Longs Peak on the way. At the beginning of the day we lucked out and saw a small group of elk off the side of the road.

   Here's another shot from the car:

    The rest of the photos are of Longs Peak and the area around it. Longs Peak is one of the most prominent mountains in Colorado with an elevation just over 14,000 ft. It's a favorite among mountain climbers, since it's the only "fourteener" in the Rocky Mountain National Park.

   I think Longs Peak was one of my favorite mountain stops and it has a nice rocky outcrop to sit and rest. A really beautiful spot :)

Last Day at Yellowstone

  Thursday night would be our last night in Yellowstone and we definitely celebrated. Like I knew it would, the week was over with in no time. We spent about 2 months planning and buying the gear we needed and the time just flew by once we got there. But that's the way it is. There's a lot to see in a place that spans just over 2 million acres.

   On our way out, we got to see the Grand Tetons. I'd have to agree with their name! Just driving past them and taking photos from the car window was awesome.

Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Grand Tetons, Wyoming

Pinedale, Wyoming

Nebraska Sky

     I have to admit the drive back was not as fun as the drive to Yellowstone. We were exhausted and the last place we wanted to be for 2 1/2 days was on the road. But we made it back home to two very affectionate cats and a real bed! Despite the long drive, the trip was totally worth it. Our main expense was gas. The Yellowstone entrance pass was only $25 per car and our campground was about $20 a night. We packed way too much food so we didn't have to go grocery shopping when we got back. Bonus! And the money we spent on gear we won't have to spend again (hopefully). All in all, an amazing and wonderful trip. We only saw a fraction of what's in Yellowstone which means one thing...second trip back next year!