Hey Everyone! It's been super busy here but I am finally getting my feet underneath me so I figure its time for an update. I have already had some visitors to Estes Park, and I am expecting some more throughout the summer. I have been hiking 2-3 times a week trying to get in good hiking shape in order to do Long's Peak for my 30th birthday. Long's is the only 14K foot peak in the park and since I have never done a 14'er before, I set that as my goal for the summer. I have already hit two mountains over 12.5K and look to hit 3 more this weekend named Chapin, Chaquita, and Ypsilon that are 12.5, 13, and 13.5K respectively. Here's hoping. So this post is gonna be photo heavy and I will give descriptions below the photos. Feel free to share and ENJOY!!

Back Yard Alpenglow

Sunrise on the range after a late spring snowstorm viewed from my front porch

Pink Trees

First light on the trees with fresh snow

Ypsilon, Chiquita, and Chapin Sunset

Chapin, Chaquita, and Ypsilon with fresh snow

Ute Trail Alpine

First hike in the alpine

Ute Trail Hiker in the Apline

Sunrise and Honeymoon over Bear Lake

Honeymoon Over Bear Lake

Honeymoon over Bear Lake

Meeker and Longs from Estes Cone

Meeker and Long's Peak from Estes Cone

Morning in Moraine Park

Morning in Moraine Park

Sprague Lake Reflections

Honeymoon over Sprague Lake

Sunset and Lava Cliffs From 12K ft

Sunset near Lava Cliffs

Sunset Through the Cairn

Sunset through the cairns

Sunset on CCY

Sunset on Chapin, Chaquita, and Ypsilon

Sunset over Deer Mountain

Sunset from my house

Meeker and Longs Peak

Estes Cone Scramble with Meeker and Long's Peak

View from Sundance Mountain

Evening Light on Long's Peak

Hallet Mountain and Tyndal Glacier Panorama

Hallet Peak and Tydall Glacier

Hazy Sunset From Sundance Mountain (2)

Hazy sunset from 12.5K

Hazy Sunset Panorama

Fire in the sky

Milky Way and Sky Glow Over Bear Lake

Milky Way over Bear Lake

Field of Dreams

Field of dreams

Evening Beers

After work beers in the mountains

South Ute Trail Ridge Sunset (2)

Sunset and wildflowers

Pond Near Lake Hiyaha

Reflections near Lake Hiyaha

Elk Calf in the Alpine

Elk calf in the alpine

Moose Cow in the Field

Young moose near Cub Lake

Pika in the Boulder Field

Pika enjoying the sunset with us

Pika with Avens

Pika dinner time

Chipmunk Profile

Alert chipmunk

Backyard Coyote

Resident coyote

Wood Lily with Lady Bug - Lilium philadelphicum

My first wood lily!

Parry's Primrose - Primula parryi

Beautiful primrose near a seep spring

Brownie Lady's Slipper - Cypripedium fasciculatum

My First Brownie's Fairy Slippers!

Plains Pricklypear - Opuntia polyacantha

Prickly Pear Cactus

Ball Cactus - Escobaria vivipara

Pasque means it's spring time!

Snow Buttercup - Ranunculus adoneus

More orchids

Great-horned Owl

Great-horned Owl

Violet Green Swallow - Tachycineta thalassina

Violet-green Swallow

Broad-tailed Hummingbird - Selasphorus platycercus

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Broad-tailed Hummingbird (4) - Selasphorus platycercus

Broad-tailed Hummingbird

Broad-tailed Hummingbird Feeding on Golden Banner

Broad-tailed Hummingbird feeding

Clark's Nutcracker - Nucifraga columbiana

Clark's Nutcracker

Mountain Bluebird with Feather - Sialia currucoides

Bluebird making a nest

American Pipit Ground Nest

American Pipit nest!

Wilson's Warbler - Cardellina pusilla

Wilson's Warbler Singing.

Ill be sure to keep posting as I get more. I hope everyone is doing well, and enjoying their summers. Life is certainly good here. No update on any job prospects here yet. I'll let you know when I know! Thanks and I'll talk you to all soon.