Omayra Acevedo, Peak to Peak. I’m fairly open about the general aspects of my life. However, very few people truly know me, and I will willingly admit that it’s by choice. It takes a very special and unique individual for me to fully let in my inner circle. In the past forty years, I’ve been fortunate to have five people - not only enter my life, but remain in it - that I can comfortably say know me best. Though much younger than I, there seems to be another friendship in bloom and I couldn’t be more grateful.

My new friend and I have been on a couple of adventures since we’ve met. It has been great fun! One of our journeys was one he had never experienced. Where did we go? To one of my favorite places: Rocky Mountain National Park. Before telling you about our adventure, I will now remind you that you need to make online reservations to enter our national park. It was 2 p.m. on Monday the 24th of August. We had already done our fair share of window shopping and lunch. It was the perfect day already.

As we headed into the park on Old Fall River Road, also known as the backbone of the continental divide, we could see a storm brewing over Trail Ridge Road. It was pretty exciting, and of course, beautiful. I love our storms in the Rocky Mountains. Nothing in the world compares to it. We drove past the Alluvial Fan – which is closed for renovations, by the way – and headed up Fall River Road to Trail Ridge Road towards the Café in the Clouds. At just over 12,000 feet above sea level, you can enjoy a picnic, hiking, a snack and even do some shopping Rocky Mountain style.

Old Fall River Road opened in 1920 and was the first auto route in Rocky Mountain National Park that offered access to the park’s high country. Unlike Trail Ridge Road (the highest continuous paved road in the nation), it is a one-way dirt road that takes you directly to the heavens. Okay, maybe not the heavens, but it sure does feel like it. If you have time, go for the short hike to the summit right off the parking lot. Just promise me you won’t forget your camera. The open tundra is a sight for sore eyes.

Keep in mind, nonetheless, that you should avoid this small hike should there be lightning in the area. 

Considering how high Old Fall River Road is, there is so much life and vibrant colors to photograph. We came across a large herd of Elk, a baby Marmot and a gorgeous Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep. I dreaded the day ending, but as the saying goes, all good things come to an end. Or do they? People come and go; friendships are built and sometimes they diminish.  Why these specific five friends remain in my life? Simple. They don’t judge, they don’t gossip, they accept my respect for nature and only offer support and compassion. To me, that’s true friendship. 

Check out more at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/300013

(Originally published in the September 10, 2020, edition of The Mountain-Ear.)