Day 5, Steamboat Springs, Colo.

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo., August 10, 2010 -- The view from 13,000 feet above sea level is spectacular.

We ventured south from Cheyenne, Wyo., to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado to continue the Corner Family Tour of National Parks. The 40-plus mile drive from 5,000 feet above sea level to the top of North America was riveting. The precarious two-lane road took us past spectacular vistas, alpine lakes, mountain goats and moose up to 12,755 feet above the ocean where we enjoyed a soft drink at what must be the highest cafe on the continent. Both boys were dizzy from the thin air, and breathing was difficult. At our highest point the air temperature was 55 degree and there was a strong wind chill.

We all now understand what "purple mountains majesty" really means. Although none of us knew why the mountains appear purple.


On the return trip we dipped our hands in a mountain lake at the Continental Divide, and were surprised it was only as cold as Lake Huron. We stopped twice to observe moose eating leaves off trees, one mama moose not morethan 30 feet from the road. The fact that about 50 people were watching her didn't bother her a bit.

After leaving the park we continued on to Steamboat Springs and enjoyed dinner at a local pub with two candidates for county sheriff. Today is primary day in Colorado, and both were prepared to celebrate a victory. We don't know who won that race, but were fascinated to see (1) there was a candidate for state house with the last name of "Schitter" (we're not sure how it's pronounced); (2) at least two candidates for office had earned 0 percent of the vote, meaning -- we surmise -- that they didn't even vote for themselves; and (3) in the race of Slinger vs. Finger, Slinger won.

P.S. We're seeing lots of people out here dressed as cowboys, especially in Wyoming. While I have no doubt some of them are actual cowboys, I doubt all of them are. Which makes me wonder why, if they're not cowboys, why the stetsons and boots? I like hockey, but I don't run around town in my CCM helmet and skates.