May 30, 2012, Estes Park, Lily Lake and the Baldpate Inn

Mason

Riley

Bella

May 30, 2012, Estes Park, Lily Lake and Baldpate.  You know, I could get used to this senior status stuff.  This was another relaxing day during which we did little.  After a late start, we walked around Lily Lake to work up an appetite for lunch at the Baldpate Inn.  I straggled behind Annie pausing to take in the scenery and photograph scenes which will be familiar to you.  She would stride ahead, glancing at her pedometer to be sure she was getting an aerobic effect, then turn and walk back to where I was framing a picture. 

I must admit that she was patient with me.  Not once did she scold me for lagging behind.  Oh, a couple of times she mentioned that fast walking is better than slow walking.  My response was that we had two different missions.  I was recording the sights for you.  She was trying to improve her overall health.  Now, I ask you, which is more important?

Along the trail, we happened across Betty Meyer, wife of Kent Meyer who is President and CEO of the YMCA of the Rockies.  Betty had - or, perhaps it was the other way around - three of their grandchildren in tow.  Riley, Bella and Mason are 6, 4, and 2 years old, respectively.  They were running ahead, lagging behind, throwing rocks into the lake and generally, being adorable.  Betty observed that she was trying to wear them out so they would take naps this afternoon;  you know, the usual grandparent master plan. 

Bella was telling me that you aren't supposed to fish in the part of the lake where we were standing.  I asked her how she knew that.  She pointed to the signs which warned against fishing in that area.  "Can you read, Bella," I asked. 

"Sure, can't you?" she retorted. 

I understand why Betty wanted them to nap this afternoon.

Tomorrow, we will meet the Bradley grandchildren at Stacey's house in Denver.  They can't talk yet, so they can't ask me embarrassing questions.  Beyond Denver, we will drift, probably southwest, but we really don't have a plan.  That's another reason why I could get used to this senior status stuff.