The Rocky Mountains

Rocky Mountain National Park is the first stop in our crossing of the backbone of North America. We are now daily in elevations between 7000 and 9000 feet above sea level. Our day in the park was chock full of birds and animals, but few wildflowers yet. Herds of elk graze the subalpine meadows along side the streams that braid the mountain 'parks'. The aspen trees are just leafing out in their sweet green heart leaves. The weather is unsettled, changing from sun to rain to sun to snow within a few hour's time. These subalpine meadows (called parks) are surround by moraines covered in Lodgepole and Ponderosa pines,as well as some Douglas fir trees.

Rocky Mt High! (and these are the lower peaks)

This little marmot is done hibernating even tho it is still cold!

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