3:00 AM MT—-Well, I’m awake. It will take me a couple of days to adjust to the time change, even though it’s only 2 hours behind home. Breakfast starts at 6:00. When it gets a little more light out, I think I’ll take a walk down 16th Street for a bit. We leave for the Park at 8:00.
6:00 AM MT—Walked 16th Street. Feeling much better. But will have a good sleep tonight after being outside all day plus getting up early.
7:45 AM MT—Found out there is an app for this trip. After logging in, I see that it’s very complete. Everything there is to know day to day. I see I can even check into my flight home in the app. There is even a section to keep notes. This will prove to be quite helpful.
8:00 AM MT—We are off for the day. Maria starts her talk with the State Capital Building. Interesting fact: Denver’s “Mile High” designation is based on a measurement involving the steps to the Capital. Currently, the 13th step is just barely one mile above sea level.
8:35 AM MT—In Boulder now. Maria mentions that this is such an independently—minded city, that one of the town’s nicknames is “30 miles surrounded by reality.” It is the home of the University of Colorado, the school that has produced 18 astronauts, and the setting and filming location of the sitcom Mork and Mindy.
Maria is also—rightly—proud to say the while Colorado is the 2nd state to give women the vote, it wasn’t by legislation. It was by popular vote, meaning only men could cast a vote on the question. (Wyoming was the first state to allow women to vote.)
9:40 AM MT—Arrival at Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park. We will spend the rest of our time today in this area. Maria mentions that when she came by here the other day to pay our entry fees, she was told we are coming on a day (today) that is a Free Day. Now she has to write up a report on why the money wasn’t spent. I can hear certain family members now:”If this is part of the cost of the trip, and you got in free, shouldn’t you get the money back?”
12:55 PM MT—-Heading back out, with a two hour stop in the Town of Estes for lunch and to see the town. Elkfest is happening this weekend, with food, music and crafts. The whole town is here. I get some food and walk around the town. In a bit of irony, the space where Elkfest is being held is where the actual elk usually hang out.
5:00 PM MT—Back in the room. Tomorrow we head out to Grand Junction and the Colorado National Monument. Have to pack my things and get ready to go.
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