Sprague Lake and Emerald Lake Reflections, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Pretty much every morning, the sun greets me with her warmth. The weather here is incredibly comfortable with cool mornings and cool nights. During the day, it does get hot, but since the humidity is low, it’s not that unbearable. If you wish to cool off, simply step into the shade. Now and then, a thunderstorm rolls over the mountains, cooling the air and giving the sun a break.

For a mountain girl like me, living—even temporarily—at Estes Park feels like a gift from heaven. The Rocky Mountains surround the town in every direction. No matter where I look, a mountain greets me. I especially love that some of the peaks are still topped with a layer of snow, adding a stunning contrast of colors.

I am excited that I can hike straight from my cabin into the park. This morning, I am heading to Sprague Lake. My path begins with one of my favorite sounds—the gentle rush of a flowing river. Glacier Creek rests in the shade, and as the sun’s rays find their way through the branches, the water glitters with quiet beauty.

The hike continues with stunning views of the Rocky Mountains all the way to the lake. The soft calls of birds create a gentle soundtrack to my peaceful walk. When I arrive at the lake, I pause in simple appreciation for a color palette that always brings joy to my heart—blue skies, green trees, and a blue lake, playing in softness.

By now, life no longer feels intimidating. The overwhelmed feeling I used to get in a big, crowded world feels more manageable. My time in the glass fusion studio is a blessing. I even try to go on my days off to learn more about the art so I can share it better with others. My fine motor skills come in handy, and I love the magic and the unknown of glass and its dance with the kiln.

I encourage many of our guests to take the opportunity to create while embracing the practice of letting go. That’s the beauty of glass fusion: as much as you want to control the outcome, the heat of the kiln is the true master of the final piece.

My job is exhausting, but it’s also deeply rewarding. My creative side is having a blast. Yes, creative writing is an art form, but being able to exercise my artistic skills again feels like a new awakening.

Good morning, sunshine. You are soft this morning. With the timed entry and parking challenges, I decided to check out the shuttle system. I walked to the nearest pickup station which is about a twenty-minute walk from my cabin.

Depending on other people’s schedules is not my first choice. I also learned that the first shuttle is not early enough to avoid the crowds. By the time I get to Bear Lake, I feel myself slipping into my own cocoon, trying to shield myself from the enormous amount of people.

My hike started at Bear Lake and continued to Emerald Lake, passing Dream and Nymph Lakes along the way. Ron, my youngest son, reminded me that back in January 2023, we hiked to Emerald Lake. Back then, all the lakes were frozen, and we hiked on top of them.

Both seasons hold incredible beauty, but I will say winter was magical (and also much less crowded). There’s something surreal about walking across a lake and feeling the stillness beneath your feet. In summer, reflections dance on the water.

On my way back, I took the quieter trail up to Lake Haiyaha. You can’t go wrong with a view of a blue lake, rocks, and mountains.

I am glad I gave the shuttle a chance. Now I know how I prefer to manage my hikes.  Bright and early, with my own transportation.