The second attempt went a lot better than the first.
We were headed to hike to Ouzel Falls, from the Wild Basin parking area.
The Wild Basin trailhead is located approximately 15 miles from Estes Park, so we planned to get up and out the door as quickly as possible. We’d like to think we’d learned from our failed outing the day before.
We pulled into the parking lot just before 8am, and we were directed to the absolute last parking spot. I know this because the cars behind us were directed to turn around and park elsewhere.
Crisis averted.
We got out, set up and on the trail fairly quickly. I guess we have learned a thing or two!
The kids started out walking. They LOVE hiking. As they grow, we’re excited to get them out and on the trail more often, and have started looking at packs for them to wear, so they can have their own water!
TT Dad and I were both impressed by their ability to get moving. They made it much further than either of us expected before we decided to put them in the carriers. In fact, the only reason we decided when we did was because the terrain was getting a little rougher, and they were determined to do it without holding our hands.
We did stop almost half way up for a snack and potty (for TT Mom & TT Dad!) break.
Most of the hike was wooded, and we past a few smaller waterfalls on the way up. At one point, you come out into the open air, and once again, your breath is taken by the view. It never fails to impress.
When we reached the top, we let the kids out of their packs to explore, and we’re so glad we did. TT Dad brought them down close to the water, one at a time, and spent a few minutes tossing small rocks into the stream. They were having the time of their lives. Between playing near the water, and chasing some small wildlife (squirrel? chipmunk? It didn’t stop running long enough for us to get a good look!) they were having a blast.
They were having so much fun, as it turns out, I have a ton of videos, but very few pictures.
After they ran off a ton of energy, they were happy to get back in the packs for the trek back down. In fact, it wasn’t long at all before they were both sleeping soundly on our backs.
At some point, however, I ruined the fun, and twisted my ankle a bit. I could handle the walking on my own, but was having a hard time with the extra 25lbs on my back. Little G stepped up, and looked out for his mom. He walked approximately the last mile of the trail. Like a champ.
Once we were back in the car, they both fell right back asleep, so we made our way back to the hotel for a little quiet time.
TT Dad was thoroughly impressed by the working fireplace in the living room, and so he made us a nice fire. Quiet entertaining for the duo! We made one more trip out- finding a little mexican place for dinner that was really nothing to speak of. It was empty when we got there… we should have taken the hint, but we just thought it was because we were so early!
It was another early night for the family. We would be checking out in the morning, and we were determined to hit up that restaurant I mentioned earlier for lunch, before heading to the airport!
Our time in Estes Park had come to an end… but it’s also on the list of places we’d love to return. Coming for a weekend just wasn’t long enough to see it all!