redrum

Thursday was a rest day in Estes Park. One of the tings I wanted to see there was the Stanley Hotel. Author Stephen King was inspired during his stay here to write The Shining. Jack Nicholson plays a man who takes a job as the winter caretaker for "The Overlook" Hotel so he can work on his novel. Some nefarious forces push him to violence, while his "psychic son sees horrific forebodings from the past and of the future". (imdb)

F.O. Stanley , co-inventor of the Stanley Steamer automobile, moved to Estes Park in 1903 for his health. His health improved, and he fell in love with the area, deciding to stay. In 1909 he opened the Stanley Hotel, catering to the rich and famous, including Teddy Roosevelt and the Emperor of Japan. It's a beautiful setting, at the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Park.

Lake Estes and numerous rustic resorts, golf courses, hiking and biking trails all welcome visitors to stay a while and play amidst the mountains.

Of course, besides needing the rest day, the real reason we're here, is to leave. Tomorrow is going to be quite a day. Climbing to over 12,000 feet, and staying above 11,000 feet for more than 8 miles!

This is a shot of "Sherpaville", where Theo, the Sherpa Packer will have your tent waiting for you with an air mattress, sleeping bag, fleece liner, and your luggage inside when you roll into town. Anything he can think of to make life easier for his guests, he does. You can grab a cold drink, refill your water bottles, charge your phone, sit in a camp chair and visit with your neighbors, all in Sherpaville. C7 was home for the week.