We feel very fortunate to live in a beautiful area that is so close to the mountains. Within a 30 minute drive, we can be in Estes Park for a quick Starbucks and then another half an hour and we can be at 12,000+ feet in elevation over Trail Ridge Road. In the summer an alternative one way road to the top of Trail Ridge is called Fall River Road. It is open from about late May until maybe mid September, depending upon the weather. It's a dirt road that winds upward through the forest until you are above tree line or timberline. Before it opened early one spring, I hiked down it part way with a friend. There was still some snow, as you can see by this picture.
Yes, I am wearing shorts. I'm one of those Colorado people who sometimes even wears shorts in the winter. I've found that if the rest of me is covered, my legs don't get very cold, especially if there is strenuous hiking involved. On this same hike, after we were returning to the top, we found ourselves hiking the clouds. 
CAMPING FEVER! I had to go out and get into the camper today to put something away. When I opened the door and went inside, I had this overwhelming urge to crank up the heater and sit around in there for awhile. The smell inside still had a slight hint of campfire. I was remembering how cozy it was to sit in the camper when it was raining or how, on those sunny, summer days of vacation, I could open the windows and gaze out at Devil's Tower in Wyoming or the desert in Moab. Winter has only just started, so it will be awhile before we can plan on camping................... I can dream, though. 
Aloha, Baby!
