"Mercedes Benz of Family Reunion Locations" -YMCA of the Rockies

As soon as we pulled into downtown Estes, we stopped at Kirk's Fly Shop. Blake had scheduled a fly fishing trip for us on Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. In order to avoid an extremely early wake up call, instead of just an early wake up call, we had our fittings on Saturday night. You could tell Blake was as excited as a kid in a candy store, but he looked like any normal outdoorsman preparing for a trip. However, he decided to take a picture of me trying on my waders.

After our fitting, we pulled into our place of residence for the next two nights. The YMCA of the Rockies. Immediately, I felt like I was at summer camp--bunk beds, scheduled meals, activities and kids running havoc around the campus. The YMCA of the Rockies has been a travel destination for the Epps family since the 1950's because many family members were heavily involved in Y activites.

Seeing my family for the first time in about 9 years was wonderful! We gathered at Ted & Michelle's and Bill & Mclain's cabin. This became the gathering location for the remainder of the reunion.

August 8th

Our first morning in Este's required an early alarm. Our guided fishing trip started at 7 a.m. Starbucks a must! I didn't really know what I had signed up for, but I was ready to go. The guide loaded up his truck and drove us to a public fishing spot on the Big Thompson river. I took a picture with my Glamour magazine to submit to "Where has your Glamour been?" section of the magazine. Maybe I will get my "15 minutes" of fame...

We climbed down the river bank and into the river. The guide put bait on our lines and Blake was already off fishing while I learned how to be a successful river fisher-woman. It's really much easier than I anticipated--cast, keep parallel, float and rollover. Many bites, many attempted hooks and an hour and a half later, I had nothing. Blake caught about 2-3 fish within this time and my competitiveness couldn't handle it. Our guide decided to pack up and take us to a private portion of the Big Thompson river. I had one hooked and with all my exictement, I lost it before I got it reeled in. Nothing. After losing almost losing all my cool, I caught one! I reeled it in and the guide netted it and unhooked my victim. It just so happens that I caught the biggest brown trout the guide had seen all summer. A pretty 14-inch brown trout. Overall, the trip was wonderful and I have a new found love for fly fishing!

Next on the agenda: Family photos! After many pictures and ordering, we decided to head into Dowtown Estes Park to explore the locals shops. Although there were many tourist like shops, I didn't come home empty handed! Dinner and family party back at camp for the evening.

August 9th

Even though the weather wasn't cooperating in the morning, it didn't stop us from getting in the car and driving to Rocky Mountain National Park's Bear Lake for a morning hike.

By the time we reached the lake, the rain had settled to a light drizzle and we started our hike. Disclaimer: the hike around the lake is only half a mile. And what better way to start a hike than with a family photo.

Along the hike, we just took in the beautiful nature that surrounded us--ground squirrels, birds, rippleless lakes, and an abundance of trees!

The nature trail continued in the car as we drove on to the Continential Divide. Geography lesson: the continential divide separates the rivers that flow and drain into the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. I became the unofficial tour guide because I started reading the guide given to us upon entering the park. This book was filled with many facts that I won't be naming in this blog. It is much more exhilirating to see in person than for me to list them here. Just take a look at the pictures... This was how we spent our last full day in Estes Park, Colorado. Tuesday, August 10th was fulfilled with lots of driving!

"Remember, as far as anyone knows, we're a nice, normal family." -Homer Simpson

What: Epps Family Reunion 2010
When: August 6-10
Where: Estes Park, CO

It's been about 9 years since the Epps family gathered together for a reunion. Unlike many of my friends families, my family is scattered all over the country--Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Virginia, Texas, California and Oklahoma.

AUGUST 6th
Travels started at 7 a.m. with plans to drive halfway to Pueblo, CO. The road was filled with naps, chats and books (or magazines).
Lunch: Marla's Restaurant - Guymon, OK. How can you pass up green chile chicken fried steak? Dad and Blake tried this venturous meal American-Mexican while the rest of us opted for a taco salad. All yummy but nothing out of this world. On the road again...

Detour: Capulin Volcano National Monument. Dad and I climbed over 8,100 feet above sea level while the others lagged behind. We reached the top where if we looked in one direction, we were looking at Oklahoma. On the trail to the top and back, we saw lizards, bugs and skunk bushes. Very interesting!
Last stop: Pueblo, CO. I was driving this last leg and after a couple of wrong turns, we made it to our hotel. After a quick freshen-up, we ventured to Shamrock Brewery for dinner. And a beer, of course! They change their beers often, but if you happen to be around there now, you should try their IPA. It's one of the best beers I've had in a while! Dad ordered World Famous Scotch Eggs for a side and they were deceivingly delicious. I was jealous. Blake bought a t-shirt from the pub that said "the liver is evil and it must be punished!"
After a long driving day and a couple beers, the bed was calling my name. Although we were now an hour ahead of our body clocks, waking up at 5:45 is still early!

AUGUST 7th
Big day ahead!! The drive to Cañon City was pretty short but well worth the early wake up call. Located in Cañon City is the Royal Gorge amusement park. We arrived early, walked over the bridge and petted elk - this really wasn't allowed, but they were so sweet and gentle! The bridge at Royal Gorge is the highest suspension bridge in the world.


The Royal Gorge is also home to the scariest sky coaster in the world. Courtney, Blake and I acquainted ourselves this "near death" experience and looking back, it's one of the most fun things I've done! Misson complete. Now off to Denver for lunch.

Warning: the next subject is something very near and dear to my heart. I am a changed woman because of it!

I love food just as much as anybody else. However, I prefer to not order burgers at restuarants because they never turn out just the way I want them. Diners, Drive-ins and Dives featured a restaurant in Denver that specialized in burgers and their toppings - The Cherry Cricket. The list was endless. Prior to reaching the restaurant, I did my research. My heart was set on "Little Cricket" with blackened seasoning, fresh jalepenos, onions and (are you ready?!) peanut butter!! I have never had a more delicious burger in my entire life. I'm completely serious. I think I even made a vow to not ever attempt ordering burgers anywhere else. Although pictures can't do this peice of heaven justice, I'm still going to share. I'm in love.

We also shared an appetizer of fried macaroni and they were tasty little bites, dipped in ranch of course. However, nothing - food related - could compare to The Cherry Cricket.

We pulled into Estes Park, Colorado a little before dinner time. Let the family reunion begin!
To be continued...