This past weekend our family visited the Rocky Mountain National Park. We try to get to the Rockies a couple of times a year. I call it getting my mountain fix.
We almost always stay at the cabins at the YMCA Estes Park center. My husband and I have stayed there since before we had children. It’s a marvelous place for all ages. I call it summer camp for families. You can borrow all kinds of supplies like Frisbees, tennis rackets, clubs and balls for the putt-putt course, even daypacks for hiking. They also have activities for free or a small fee. You can blow huge bubbles, practice archery, go on scavenger hunts, play on the playground, learn about wildlife, take guided hikes, have a bonfire, or even do crafts.
Getting away as a family is such a nice break. The cabins are nice, but not deluxe. They don’t even have TV or internet access. This time I even taught the twins how to wash dishes by hand since there are no dishwashers! When we first tell friends about the lack of electronic and convenience devices, they can’t believe it. No TV? No computers? No dishwasher? I have to admit that everyone in my family, me included, are all addicted to our computers. And don’t make go without a dishwasher on a regular basis. I’d be washing dishes all day long with feeding this crew!
Even without all that stuff, and maybe because of it – we love it there. For a few days we forget about emails, blogging, and checking the news. My cell phone doesn’t even work that deep in the mountains, so I don’t have to worry about charging it or carrying it. For a few days, life is slower and easier. We plan easy meals. We play board and card games instead of watching TV or checking email. There’s no clutter, no junk mail, no school papers to file or toss. We only have what we need, which seems to leave a lot more room for enjoying and spending time with each other.
For More on the Rockies and Cabins in Other States, Also See:
Camping in Estes Park
Biking & Backpacking in the Rockies
Great Cabin Getaways in Washington