Estes Park

Downtown of Estes Park, Colorado. View from the Birch Ruins. 

“Park” was an old way for valley (an ample meadow). “Estes” (last name) was the pioneer first settler. His homestead is under Estes Lake now. Call it development. Stop at the visitor center, the historical museum, and a hike around the lake and the commercial Riverwalk. The climb to the Knoll Willows Open Space was worthy. High views of the downtown and The Stanley Hotel (remember The Shining?). A close look of the old Birch Cabin and the Birch Ruins. I remembered the book A Lady's Life in the Rocky Mountains from Isabella Bird. Very different place nowadays. Tourism has flooded the valley.

(Check this picture of an elk resting on the lawn of a city house.)