This Retired Teacher's Road Trip to Colorado ~Estes Park Report

After a restful sleep and satisfying breakfast in

Loveland, CO, we were on the road again.

This time, driving up the mountain.

The town of Estes Park is full of quaint little shops.

It was fun hear the locals talk about the bears in their yard,

bears trying to get into their garbage.

The River Walk follows the Big Thompson River,

where fly fishing is a popular sport.

The Lake Estes Golf Course looked pretty inviting.

It's a good thing hubby didn't have his clubs in the car,

or we might not have made it to his conference!

We spent the afternoon on the Trail Ridge Road

through the Rocky Mountain National Park.

The views were breathtaking.

After the rain storm passed through, the skies cleared,

and we enjoyed the view from the top.

We had reached elevations above the treeline...

and the snow!

Remember that little rain storm?

When driving down from the mountain,

through the Arapaho National Forest,

this happened.

This rainbow was so spectacular!

It was a full rainbow and it seemed so close,

like we might be able to reach out and touch it.

And the Pot of Gold had to be right..down..there!

I hope you enjoyed the view from the top.

Take care,

~Natalie

This Retired Teacher's Road Trip to Colorado ~Day Two ~A Brewery Tour & A Music Fest ~Here's My Report

While my teacher friends were busy preparing their classrooms,

I was accompanying Hubby on a trip to the 

Regional Tax Conference in Denver, Colorado.

After our breakfast at the Historic Plains Hotel in Cheyenne,

we were on the road again.

Next stop...Fort Collins, Colorado,

and the Anheuser Busch Brewery Tour.

Here are the famous Anheuser Busch wagons.

But, if you think you might see the famous Clydesdales...

think again!

Anheuser Busch photo

They have a busy social life making appearances and 

promoting their product.

The property is so well groomed.

The plants were lush and in full bloom.

The tour was educational.

Since hubby experiments in brewing here at home,

we enjoy hearing about the process.

This was our fifth brewery tour together.

I was not aware that Anheuser Busch is responsible

for so many different products.

This is their Restaurant.

The tour ends here, and for good reason!

We enjoyed a beverage and 

one of the best Burgers we had on our trip!

Their gift shop has something for everyone.

I recommend stopping in Fort Collins

for this Brewery Tour experience.

As if we hadn't had enough fun already...

Downtown Fort Collins was hosting New West Fest.

A weekend full of music...six stages of live bands.

We enjoyed the Gasoline Lollipops here.

On the next stage... Jyemo Club.

There were three musicians on percussion...

My rock star hubby enjoyed watching this drummer.

We had the best view from the backside.

Thank you, Fort Collins,

for your fine hospitality.

Stay tuned for our trip up to Estes Park.

Take care,

~Natalie

First Day of School Photos ~My First First Day ~My Last First Day ~~What'cha Workin' on Wednesday

I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the 

First Day of School Photos in my newsfeed.

I am feeling a bit nostalgic,

as this is the first time in 55 years 

that I have no pictures to post.

So here's this.

My first day of school.

September 1962

(my, how schoolgirl fashions have changed)

 My last first day of school.

August 2016

In honor of this year's first full day of classes,

Lucy and I used the selfie stick 

to show you how we spent our morning.

Have an awesome school year, everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. more photos of our #colorado vacation tomorrow.

What a Retired Teacher Does When Her Teacher Friends Return to School ~Road Trip to Colorado ~Day One

Heading west from home...

there's not much traffic, but not much to look at.

Not to mention, there are

very few places to stop to take care of creature comforts.

We had lunch at Drifters Bar & Grille,

one of hubby's favorite places to eat in Fort Pierre.

We were on our way to Denver.

Hubby was going to participate in the Regional Tax Conference.

He was also invited to present at one of the sessions.

Weeks ago, he asked me if I would like to ride along.

I took one look at my August calendar. Well...

"Yes, Honey. I'd love to go!"

When going on a road trip, after a certain age, 

it is important to stop often to get out of the car and walk around.

(Otherwise, your legs get stiff and your back starts to hurt!) 

There was this Car Show in Hot Springs.

Impressivie vintage automobiles...

against a beautiful backdrop.

Next state...Wyoming.

More of the same...

grassland and cows.

Finally, after 650 miles in the car,

we checked into Cheyenne's Historic Plains Hotel.

It was a great way to kick off our trip into the 

Olde West.

Apparently, we weren't the only ones

that thought so.

There were guests from all parts if the world.

Were they all traveling on to Casper

 to view the eclipse??

After a good night's sleep and complementary hot breakfast,

we were on the road again.

Thank you Cheyenne,

for your fine hospitality.

Take care,

~Natalie

p.s. stay tuned for more pictures of our trip to the Olde West.