Colorado 2009

I spent a good deal of the day today (Saturday, June 27, 2009) on the computer finalizing the itinerary for our Colorado summer vacation. Hotels have been booked. In fact, I inadvertantely booked an extra night at the Holiday Inn Rocky Mountain Park in Estes Park. I reserved the room online at Priceline.com, then as soon as I realized I didn't need 4 nights, I called the hotel directly and they took off that extra night. Although the website was adiment about their no refunds/cancellations/changes policy, we'll see what happens when I check out.

I'm trying to make this a well-planned trip but am leaving wiggle room for unexpected "adventures." I called the Rocky Mountain Nat'l Park to inquire as to when the Old Fall River Road would be open for the season. Many websites listed it as being closed until July 4. They said if everything goes to plan, it should be open on the 3rd at 8am. I'm crossing my fingers!

I'm definately excited to put my new camera (Canon 40D) to the test on this trip. I need to study up on landscape photography before we go. The only downfall is that with the 24-105mm f4 L lens, it's pretty bulky and heavy, er, solid I should say. Maybe I should lift some weights before going as well.

I've been teasing the kids for awhile now about things to do while we're there. While Darla was helping her dad level ground for their new pool, the kids and I went to BP's newest hole-in-the-wall diner for supper. I asked, "You guys want to go white water rafting?" Shelby needed a detailed explanation, but ended up being super excited. Tyler, cautious as he always is, said he'd be afraid to fall out and might not want to go. Looks like I've got some convincing to do.

To do tomorrow: clean out the car, finish laundry, plan the travel routes, figure out if there's a way to plan a route online and download it to the Garmin, study landscape photography, help Cindy move boxes at the crack of dawn, make Wal-Mart list for items needed during trip.