Bed & Breakfast in Estes Park, Colorado

Parade, color and laughs, are the first three words that come to mind when I think about the Scottish Irish Festival parade and activities Coming on September 10,11, 12, and 13th.

It was fun hearing about our guests time at the tattoo celebration. Gilded Pine Meadows B&B books up each year with fun festive minded people, dressed for a good time. GREAT period clothes.

Bagpipe music takes my breath away every time. The Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival is September 10, 11, 12th and 13th this year.

Dog friendly parade

Celts and festive dress are beautiful. This man is my idea of an authentic display of the times.

Great costumes, fun people lots to do and see!

Photo I took and enhanced as a gift to Ron and Judy.

Ron and Judy renewed their 45 year marriage vows at the base of Lumpy Ridge and Twin Owls rock out-cropping. Eric officiated the ceremony while I took photos.

Hiking to the ceremony location was fun, but tense for me. I knew as a photographer what I believed would turn out the best, but I din not want to the responsibility of creating the wrong environment for Ron and Judy. If I had it my way I would march people into place. Eric tells me to take charge, than over rides my charge. There is something to be said for not making a hobby into a profession. It became a profession for me a few years ago--and miss the love having it as a hobby.

Kay and Dennie Meader renewed Wedding Vows for the New Year at the Estes Park, Stanley Hotel. Eric officiated the ceremony in the Stanley Hotel Manor House and I provided photography service. THIS is the INTERESTING part of the story. Kay is a huge Stanley Hotel and Stephen King fan...so, that evening she and her husband dined with the KING. Yes, Kay and Dennie were seated with Stephen. Kay unaware of whom she was dining with, commented to Stephen that he looked so much like Stephen King. It wasn't until the end of the night that Mr. King told Kay that he was indeed the man she adored.

Eric looking dapper before officiating vow renewal ceremony

Flower girls left to their own creative ideas adds to the charm of the ceremony. Who ever said they HAD to stand out front the WHOLE time.

Kay's son walking through lobby. This photo is unedited. This man's image took on a translucent effect for a few seconds as he past me in the lobby of the Stanley Hotel Manor house. See the next photo which was taken seconds later. Note the orb near the back of his knees.I'm not saying I believe in ghost...but it does make one pause.

Today we went to MacGregor Ranch XIX which is a half mile from Gilded Pine Meadows B&B. Clicking this photo will take you to the ranches website. In the summer months the ranch opens their authentic cabin museum for tours.

This is MacGregor Jane. She'll hook you up with organic, black Angus beef. Jane is the Ranch's office manager and wears several hats...all at once. She's standing in her, not so humble, corner office with a window-view of Rocky Mountain's Longs Peak.

Jane is a one of Estes Park's friendly locals whom we find to have a colorful personality. So, when Jane landed this envies position with the Historic MacGregor Ranch Eric and I decided we needed to go check out her new digs. Photo of Eric and Jane posing for me in Jane's office.

Jane and Eric talking about the Ranches spooky and interesting history going back to 1873. Some stuff is creepy, but for the most part the ranches rich history tells the story of the American cowboy who done-good. The MacGregor family continues to make marvelous contributions to the Estes Park area's school children and our mountain community.

Shown here is MacGregor Jane's office. In the back ground is just a small sample of Black Canyon and Lumpy Ridge which serves as the majestic back drop for the ranch and our B&B.

Eric in our car as we begin to leave the ranch. The sign to the right shows that it's just another 1/2 a mile to the lumpy Ridge trail head. From Lumpy Ridge you can gain access to several beautiful day hikes which offer gorgeous views of the valley and continental divide. The Twin Owls trail head (just one trail out of many) closes each year for the sake of the raptors which live in the large rock outcropping. Clicking this photo will take you to a website which shows photos of raptors.

"Come again, and buy our beef". Click this link to find out more about buying beef. MacGregor Black Angus cattle are born and raised on the natural grass meadows of the historic mountain ranch. The cattle are raised antibiotic and hormone free. The Ranch offers a wide variety of steak cuts, lean ground meats, roasts and packages.

Eric singing and playing with guest Greg. Greg is playing the first piano in Estes park

Guest Anne with friend Jack rest on front stoop under our new umbrella and beautiful petunias. Anne told hilarious stories at the breakfast table about life in New York. An east coas jewel!

After an emotional and touching ceremony Ed and Lisa ride off!

Going down the Gilded Pine Meadows B&B driveway as husband and wife.

Tendergrass carriage, Ed and Lisa take a strole down historic MacGregor Ave. Twin Owls rock outcropping and Lumpy ridge await them.

Twin Owls Steak House for dinner