Once again, the Hermit Park trail guide was rather short on information. It did not mention the fantastic views we would have on this trail! It was simply 2 miles up, 2 miles down (950 ft climb). But oh what views - all the way. We had views across all of Estes Park, Longs Peak, Mount Meeker, the Continental Divide, and the Mummy Range.
After a short rock scramble to the top, we could see our campground in the valley on the other side.... we have a video which I will upload later as it will take hours to post...
And back down we go....Gary with his tags still on the waterpack (because the first one leaked and we had to take it back and exchange it....so just in case....he's keeping the tags on!)
At the bottom, a view across the meadow to the top of Kruger Rock, where you can just make out a couple of hikers...
We headed straight home after the hike, to clean up and go to the rodeo. Now I must point out, Gary and I are SLOW... I mean, SNAIL slow on the hikes - both because we're out of shape and because I'm stopping to photograph every flower, squirrel, tree, etc.... So as we were headed back down the hill, we told Brett and Olivia (who were patient and kind but clearly being held back by us)....."go ahead at your own speed - we'll come by when it's time for the rodeo" - and I swear we heard the meep-meep and saw the dust cloud like Wile E Coyote and the Roadrunner; they were so far ahead of us in a blink - we never saw hide nor tail of them all the way down!
Later we all headed back to Estes Park and went to the Rooftop Rodeo, which has won "Best Small Town Rodeo" in the nation for several years running. It was a great show, with all the big PRCA events including bull-riding, and in a fabulous setting overlooking Lake Estes. My favorite was the kids mutton busting and when they brought out the "future rodeo horses" - so glad we did the rodeo! 
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