From the plains of Kansas to the heights of the Colorado Rockies

On Saturday, we made the trek from Abilene, Kansas to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

The lush green rolling hills of eastern Kansas gave way to the dry flatland of western Kansas and eastern Colorado where wind turbines grew by the dozens. We gazed upon plenty of pronghorn antelope, but they evaded our cameras. Scattered rainstorms wet patches of the fields and roads as we passed through Kansas. Thankfully, Denver's traffic was in our rearview as we set our sights on the glorious Rocky Mountains before us! Just before the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park, we encountered the quaint town of Estes Park with 360 degree views of the different mountains, cliffs, and rock formations. On our drive to the highest point on cleared roads in the park, we witnessed elk and mule deer. It was an amazing, clear evening with clouds dotted white in the beautiful blue sky.

The Wapiti Colorado Pub offered us a variety of delicious, allergy-friendly meals! And the Quality Inn in Estes Park offered comfortable accommodations (due to overnight temperatures in the teens and many campsites still covered with snow) with local photographs in all the rooms and common areas - a lovely touch!

The two of us at Many Parks Curve, a little over 10,000 ft and the seasonal highest point on a road in the park..