Colorado Day 3: Wambushed!*

(*Weather ambushed....yes, I just made that up, but I would argue in my defense that my brain is still soggy...details to follow...)

Team WestEnders woke up this morning with one goal in mind: achieving a one-day tourist extravaganza in Rocky Mountain National Park. So we diligently prepared by lathering on the sunscreen, packing layers of clothing in case of sudden temperature changes, and gathering mounds of snacks to fuel us on our planned 5-1/2-ish mile hike. I even checked the forecast ahead of time, and it promised a cool 74*, with a mixture of clouds and sun. (And if you've guessed that this sounds suspiciously like foreshadowing, you would be 100% correct! Stay tuned...)

Feeling fully ready, we set off on the one-hour journey from Boulder in high spirits, and under a clear sky. However...no sooner had we arrived than things took a rapid turn. What I mean by that is, in the time it took us to obtain maps and information at the Visitor's Center...it began to rain. It appeared to be a scattered weather pattern, though, since we could see blue sky in spots, so we remained optimistic that it would pass quickly. That is...until we headed up toward the peaks where we would be taking our nature walk...and the massive bolts of lightning commenced zig-zagging down from the heavens.

Then we reached the Park and Ride, where we'd been instructed to catch a shuttle to the trailhead. Here it wasn't actually precipitating...but we couldn't exactly be relieved about this, because we had the opportunity to witness crowds of shivering, sopping wet people getting off the bus, presumably after having spent time on the mountain. Oh...goody. That was probably the moment we realized we were in for a very different experience than the one we'd signed up for (in our heads, anyway).

I suppose we should be grateful that we had a bit of advance warning, at least...because we stepped out of the courtesy vehicle straight into an absolute downpour. We'd come to enjoy the Great Outdoors, though (damn it!)--and we're nothing if not stubborn--so we weren't going to let a little bit of water (or, you know, a DELUGE) stop us. The path was waiting...we steeled ourselves mentally to withstand the unpleasant conditions...and off we went. And you know what? We were rewarded for our grit and determination...and perseverance...with absolutely spectacular scenery. A thundering waterfall...spooky, mist-enshrouded peaks...lush green pines and brilliantly hued wildflowers--it was all utterly amazing.

The showers even ceased, TWICE--long enough for us to dry out, almost--before picking back up again as we neared our designated halfway point, and from there on out until the end, it just...soaked us. (About that SPF? Yeah, obviously unnecessary, and completely washed away in less than 5 minutes. The extra shirts? All hastily donned...and rapidly drenched through. The food was super-useful, though...yay?) But despite all the...challenges...I've gotta say that the physical discomfort took a back seat to the awe we all felt at the overwhelming beauty of our surroundings. For example, one highlight for the boys was when we had almost reached out ultimate destination--a serene lake nestled amid soaring craggy cliffs on three sides--and we came upon a mound of snow that still remained, at this height, in July. (Seriously, they were positively giddy with excitement--it was adorable.)

So, we had completed our mission...and by that point, we'd also started hearing ominous, rolling thunder to accompany the other... delightful meteorological circumstances. Aaannnd we pretty much resembled drowned rats, in the sense of "couldn't honestly get any freakin' wetter. Oh, and as a special bonus, I, personally, could no longer feel my fingers or toes, so that was an additional...situation. Suffice it to say, when we turned around to trek back to the trailhead, I practically RAN the 2+ miles, hoping to beat the very real threat of hypothermia. (Don't worry--I was fine...and I even regained sensation in all of my extremities...eventually...)

When all was said and done, the kids rated it as the #1 (Derek) or #2 (Riley) hike that Team WestEnders has EVER undertaken...so that's really all that counts. There was nothing left to do but crank up the heat in the car (not kidding), and wind our way down to the cute little community of Estes Park, at the foot of the mountains. Here we knew we could obtain two very important things: shelter from the elements, and some nice, hot lunch. And wouldn't you know, it WAS. NOT. RAINING. IN. TOWN. What the heck? That's just...insulting! But the delicious pizza (at Bob and Tony's) and the successful souvenir shopping soothed our ruffled feathers. That, and the fact that the warm rays helped us to finally lose the remaining dampness that had been lingering.

So thanks for the memories, Rocky Mountain National Park--when all was said and done, this story has already become an unforgettable part of WestEnders family lore!