July 17: A less crowded hike, plus a BBQ and concert in the park

I drove down to Estes Park in the morning to pick up mail (after asking the ranger who called and verified they were "open right now" - got there to find they did not open until 10:00 am - not sure who the ranger talked to, but it was not the Estes Park Post Office!) So we started our hike a bit late, thanks to that! 

To avoid the Saturday crowds, we chose a less crowded trail, though we started at Bear Lake which was swamped with people. Shortly after hitting the trail though, there was no one. We hiked from Bear Lake down to Cub Lake in Morraine Park. It was only 6 miles or so, but a bit more "up" than I expected! My legs were a bit drained from the previous days - it was a tough hike for me! Plus, it was a "technical trail" - meaning you had to really concentrate on where you were stepping, lest you fall or twist an ankle on the many obstacles...

Yes, there were flowers along the trail!

I wasn't the only one struggling on this hike - Gary looks just a little bit tired in this shot!

Finally arrived at Cub Lake...

Then down towards the meadows of Morraine Park and more fantastic flowers...

Finishing up the hike as we arrive at Morraine Park...

Then a drive down to Estes Park for a BBQ and our final concert in the park (a terrific acapella group called "McFly"). Woo, I was tired at the end of this day.