Trip Highlights and Superlatives

View from Mt. Ida Trail, Rocky Mountain National Park

Hiking Summary: 115+ miles hiked to 2 summits and 23 lakes over 12 separate hikes

Best Hikes: Andrews Glacier and Mt. Ida in Rocky Mountain National Park and Mt. Massive and Native Lake in Mt. Massive Wilderness

Best Rollerblading: Boulder's many paths

Best Brewery: Avery Brewing Company, Boulder, CO

Best Breakfast Bread/Pastry: the raspberry scone at Salida's Downtown Bakery and Deli, Melissa's zucchini (squash) bread, and Miriam Graetzer's banana bread

Best Drive: Independence Pass and south on 24 and 285 from Twin Lakes to Buena Vista to Salida

Best Overheard Phrase: "Babe, we're gonna bounce in 5," and then...5 minutes later, "Let's bounce."

Best Visiting: It was great to see Jane, Sandy, Ellen, Heidi, Terry, Jeff, Maurita and Linda, Don and Barbara, Nancy, Dave, Melissa & Milo, Greer and Gretchen!

Best ???: Rafting on the Colorado River in Glenwood Springs and retiring immediately afterwards to the Glenwood Canyon Brewing Company; dinners in at the Aspen Meadows Resort (listening to the river, watching the sunset, good conversation); low key hanging out at Avery Brewing Company - the first time with Nancy and the second time - me and Frank; soaking at Cottonwood Springs hot springs near Buena Vista, CO; and relaxing by the river at Valley of the Wind Winery in Estes Park

Kinda Unexpected: Coloradans are pretty nonplussed by our hiking activities

Food Highlights: For Susan - Tandoori Grill's malai kofta/For Frank - Smokin' Dave's smokin' philly sandwich/For both of us -homemade chili with fresh chiles; a takeaway feast of Guinness mac and cheese with bacon and a kale, goat cheese, dried cherry salad; and The Butcher's Block's quinoa salad