Horny Elk!
Trip Start
Jul 04, 2006
1
19
42
Trip End
??? ??, 2007
Rocky mountains national park,
United States
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
But (for anyone who knows me, this is not a shock!) I overslept again and didn't make it out of Breckenridge before 10 am. That meant I was going to cut it close with having to return the rental car in Boulder before the agency closed. I also needed to be back in Boulder to pack since I am going back to Norway for a month tomorrow. I decided it was worth a try to see the National park and try and stop less for pics if I got pressed for time.
It took only 1.5 hours to get to the Park entrance where you purchase your 7 day permit
01. Mountain climbers
. There were beautiful mountains and a couple of lakes and rivers to look at along the way, it looked a bit different from the road to Aspen actually. After having bought my entrance to the park pass and read the information booklet they gave me, I got kind of excited. Apparently there are supposed to be mountain lions, bears, elks and all kinds of cool creatures in that park! The roads have a lot of 'beware of wildlife' signs, and the speed limit is lowered because of all the action going on. I looked left and right and cruised up and down mountains, and saw n o t h i n g! (except for trees and mountain tops.) Don't get me wrong, it was great to see all the beautiful scenery, but I was really hoping I'd see some animals, since I had seen a fair amount of mountain peaks already.
On the way down from the highest point of 12.200 feet (3.800 metres!!!!) I entered a Elk viewing area, and I was really trying not to have any expectations of getting to see any elks. I was pressed for time, but figured it could be worth seeing an elk or two if they were there.
And they were!! I saw two big herds of Elks running around and one herd was not doing much, they were mainly grazing and making sounds to attract each other for mating
02. Mountain peak around Independence pass
. (I think!) That was really cool, I couldn't get too close, but you were close enough to see the majestic animals from a distance. Ironically, the closest I ever got to elks was on the highway from Denver to Aspen two days before. A loner stood there, by the side of the road, looking around as 5 lanes of cars passed him by. He was really close and I hope he decided to venture back in to the woods and not try to cross...
After having spent some time watching the elks I was in a hurry to get back to Boulder. I made it back to the rental agency with 5 minutes to spare, just before they closed!
As we speak, I really should be packing for my trip tomorrow, but I have all night to do the packing and preparing!
I can't wait to go back home :-)
