So much has happened in 2024 and the year isn’t over yet. I returned to freelance journalism and revived my face painting business. I returned to school again. Yes, I’m addicted to learning. Once this round of school is complete, I’ll expand on my second business. 

Being my own boss offers me more financial independence and the work-life balance I crave, which is how days of Discovering Colorado are becoming more abundant, something that’s dear to my heart.

On a chilly and windy morning, I joined a friend to explore the Bear Lake Road corridor inside Rocky Mountain National Park. It was early and only a few park visitors could be seen. We showed our pass and ID to a friendly ranger at the Beaver Meadows entrance.

A left turn on Bear Lake Road began a 9.2-mile journey on a paved road, through some of the park’s breathtaking scenery. Passing through the Moraine Park Area, it’s hard to miss the view and opportunity to trek into the Fern Lake area for hiking and camping.

Further down the road, we encountered one doe grazing on dead grass to our left and one to our right. We passed the Glacier Basin Campground and opted for a walk around Sprague Lake, which you can read about in the June 2, 2022 edition of The Mountain-Ear or by visiting https://themtnear.com/stories/turning-obstacles-into-opportunity,9098. 

Driving past the Bierstadt and Glacier Gorge Trailheads, we reached 9,475 feet above sea level at the Bear Lake parking lot. Realizing how cold and windy it was, I grabbed my coat, strapping one camera around my neck and the other over my right shoulder.

The Bear Lake Loop is a little over half a mile that transports you into a Bob Ross painting. It’s an easy walk for anyone, just remember you’re at a high elevation. It’s okay to take your time. Besides, breaks offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the scenery.

We made our stops and took our photos. Sadly, it was time to exit the park. During the last two miles of our descent, we encountered a small traffic jam caused by three beautiful bucks, posing ever so stoic, bothered little by the many paparazzi vying for their attention.

It’s challenging to decide which part of the day is my favorite. The physical journey is always exciting but discovering the depths of who I am through nature is undeniably priceless.

Despite the usual gloom that hovers over the 10th month of the year, October proved to be the most shocking. I was reminded how hard work pays off and how spectacular it is to be free. Undoubtedly, I found much more than three bucks on the side of Bear Lake Road. 

The Bear Lake Road Corridor is located inside Rocky Mountain National Park through the Beaver Meadows Entrance on Moraine Avenue in Estes Park. You can learn more by visiting https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm or calling 970-586-1206.