We needed to catch up on exercise today. Well, I needed the catch-up, Cristal needed her training time, and it was decided it was far too lovely outside to work out in the gym. Estes Lake has a 3.75 mile trail around it: paved and perfect for bikers, walkers, runners and folks willing to share those two-seater Surry bikes. Our decision was that Cristal would rent a bike and I would walk it, which I figured on NYC street walking time would take me about an hour and a half, and that I’d probably see Cristal whiz by at least twice if not three times. Ha! About a quarter of the way round, I heard a cry for help from non other than my own daughter whose bicycle chain had come off. As I held the bike and Cristal fixed the chain, her hands became black with grease. Not to be deterred, she cycled on and I walked on, braving the possibility of attack by
Canada geese on Estes Lake
Canada geese, Mother Elk and crazed fishermen. When I reached the hotel, about an hour and twenty minutes all told, Cristal still had not passed me again. It turned out she was right behind me, and, on the basis of greasy hands, got the bike 
rental for free.
A walk round town in the afternoon and a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel all mounted my walking mileage to just under seven miles for the day. Cristal had told me that exercise would increase my energy. I think she forgot to tell my feet.
Grand staircase at the Hotel Stanley
Wapiti Meadows
Andrea Downing 
Glad you’re having a good time dodging geese, elk, and bicycle chains. Once long ago in our youth… “Big smile” …Ron and I and our friends, including Howard Morgan (whom you met at Loveland, book signing for Loveland) his wife, and another couple… had a great time at the Stanley Hotel. We got a little drunk, or maybe a lot drunk, and laughed like idiots.
Forgot to tell you in my comment on yesterdays blog that the Dust Bowl days of the 30’s drove a lot of people out of the Midwest and they left behind homes and barns to be smothered in dirt and to rot away in the wind. Think The Summer of the Crow.
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We did think of having dinner at the Stanley but settled instead for a most excellent meal in a Nepalese restaurant in town, probably at about a third of the cost. I’ll look forward to a tipsy evening with you in NYC one day, maybe rehashing our respective views on cities and towns 😉
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I’m enjoying your posts, Andi. Especially find the night sky and lake in this one beautiful. Seven miles in high altitude and you had to be ready for a rest…
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And I’ve found a blister! But onwards and upwards. Cristal is setting off for a 10 mile run as I write and I might attempt the lake walk again
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Love Estes and the Stanley. It is a beautiful part of Colorado, of course I’m partial, living in this state. But, those walks, especially when you’re not used to altitude… Have a great fun rest of this trip. Doris
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We are having fun–but look forward to our rest stop in Jackson. And foot rest!
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I enjoy hearing about your adventures — misadventures? — they make me smile…
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Glad to hear that!
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So the acorn did not fall far from the oak. You and your daughter are a great match and I can see why as travelling companions you will thrive.
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We do have a good time together…most of the time!😳
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