Driving across time zones is something I am not accustomed to.  I woke up early to arrive at Chimney Rock in time for sunrise only to discover I was an hour early (argh).  The 300 foot tall geological feature served as a landmark along the Oregon Trail, the California Trail, and the Mormon Trail, which ran along the north side of the rock.

One of only 5 states I have not visited yet, Nebraska’s farms and ranches utilize 45.3 million acres – 92% of the state’s total land area.  Where some see monotony, I see a beautiful natural tapestry.

It was necessary to interrupt my travels to visit a dentist while passing through Loveland, Colorado. Last night, I managed to pop out one of my gold crowns while flossing.  Fortunately, I only lost an hour to the entire process of locating a dentist and having the repair made.

My final destination for the day was the Rocky Mountain National Park where my first order of business was locating a tent site in the Moraine Park campground.  I nabbed one of only two remaining sites which was situated on a bluff overlooking an elk-laden meadow below.

Once situated I set out to see the park for the remainder of a perfect fall afternoon.

Spotting this cute juvenile marmot was the highlight of my day.  It made me wish that Maya and Jeanine were here to see it with me.  The boys would have only started looking for rocks.