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Our family’s favorite getaway is Colorado, due to its majestic mountain beauty and temperature difference from Texas.  It is such a relief to drive up into the mountains and out of the often over 100-degree heat here in the summers (and occasionally spring and autumn).  We normally have occasion to travel during the summer, so when we think of travel then, it is either to visit relatives or get away by ourselves.  Sometimes in June there is still snow left on the slopes near Breckenridge, Colorado, and our kids and we have enjoyed sliding down those slopes on makeshift sleds, throwing snowballs, and other snow frolics.  We like to stay in Frisco, because it is centrally located between Dillon, Silverthorne and Breckenridge. 

Occasionally we will venture up to Estes Park by way of Rocky Mountain National Park.  We did this on our last trip and saw some elk we don’t normally get to see.  They are tame to the point of being a bit pushy or forward about getting a snack from passersby; after all, isn’t that why you came?  My wife used to visit Colorado with her family growing up, and really feels like she’s been to Colorado when she sees Rocky Mountain National Park.  It is not without its dangers, however, and driving at night during a storm or even clouds can be a little scary.  One time we were traveling with my wife’s parents toward Estes Park at night through RMNP and, as mountain passes can be, the weather changed, and we drove into some thick clouds where it had been raining.  The clouds were so thick we had to slow the car down and hold a flashlight outside the car in order to clearly see the road (no fog lights), and we stayed toward the center line after we had noticed the intermittent guardrail with a steep dropoff to our right. 

Finally, we made it down through the clouds and fog, almost a mile lower in elevation from the 12,300 ft. apex of Rocky Mountain National Park,  down the winding roads and switchbacks, finally able to see the lights of the city, then down into Estes Park where we had motel reservations.  We thanked the Lord for keeping us safe on our trip.  It could have turned out much differently.