50th Anniversary Trip - Day 14: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway

We decided today would be the day we drove the Peak to Peak Scenic Byway.  It is a 55-mile designated route that runs from Blackhawk, CO near I-70 west of Denver to Estes Park.  Average speed on the route is about 45 MPH.  The road twists, turns, goes up and goes down.  There are spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and valleys around every turn.  It took us about three hours to drive the entire 55 miles.  There was some road construction delays but the scenery took the edge off the wait time.  The few towns we drove by were typical western-style towns except Blackhawk.  It was a town of casinos.  I know that we saw at least five large ones.

This sign was at a pull-over showing the route and the towns the route passes through.

Carol couldn't resist a walk along this mountain creek.

The aspens seem to be changing more and more each day.

At Estes Park we ate a late lunch at a Mexican restaurant.  The portions were so large that I don't think we will be eating again for the rest of the day.   We walked around the town mostly window shopping.  About 4:00 p.m.  it began to sprinkle so we decided to head back to camp.

This is a picture of a happy dog.  She may not look happy but she is!

We sat outside for awhile watching the dark clouds, thunder and lightning over the mountains.  It was moving this way and we finally had to go inside and wait the storm out.  

I am not sure what we will do during the day but the evening will be spent with Aidan because it is birthday.  He will be 8 years old.  It has been four years since we have been  with him on his birthday.