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 