Happy 239!

This morning, we were up before the sun (well, almost before the sun) and were parked in RMNP (along with about 5,000 other people, I might add) waiting for a shuttle bus to take us to our trail head. G chatted up some Germans who were in line behind us, and the guy widened his arms and gestured to the park, saying, "Today! Is your birthday, all of this, yes?"

Yes.

Happy 239, America.

A year ago today we were also on a bus. In Croatia. G didn't flirt with geriatrics today, though.

Today's hike was a grueling 3-ish miles uphill to this gorgeous glacier lake (and then a lovely 3-ish miles back down again). It was the perfect day for it, although we could have used some oxygen. Seriously.

The view was ok, I guess...

The danger of relaxing like this after a literal uphill battle is that it's nearly impossible to get back up. Only the thought of a downhill walk - to lunch! - got me on my feet again.

A little patriotic dessert...

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!