It wasn’t much of a hike, although the terrain would qualify. My destination was the lunch at the end. It was an hour or so drive north through the mountains to the little town of Nederland. The Nepali restaurant there was worth a visit, however infrequent. It had been a while. I used to have a friend who lived up that way, who moved a few years ago. So where was a good place to stop along the way? Golden Gate Canyon State Park.
I pulled into the road by the sign and followed the twisty route to another sign towards trails. There was no Visitor Center. I realized later that there was another entrance further up the road to the north that would have more information. Maybe next time. I didn’t do my homework ahead of time, but just stopped at the first trailhead sign with a stand of brilliant gold aspen trees, leaves backlit by the sun, nearby. The Mule Deer Trail marker said it was a nine mile loop. I knew I wouldn’t go that far, but it looked like a lovely place for a mountain hike for an hour or two.
The aspen trees were glowing gold. Up at this altitude in the Rocky Mountains, oranges and reds of deciduous trees are rare, but the contrast of the aspens against the deep forest green evergreens is stunning.
The trail traversed the mountainside, gradually higher. The aspens didn’t grow up there. As the trail climbed it became narrower and rockier. I didn’t want to go as far as cresting the hill, and found a comfy rock to sit on and enjoy the view before heading back down.
By the time I walked down and drove up to Nederland, it was lunch time. The buffet at Kathmandu restaurant was my reward. Namaste!
Around town, birds seemed to be a theme
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That lunch looks absolutely delicious. And there’s no hike I like better than one where the aim is lunch at the end 🙂
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Thanks, it was. Isn’t that true?!
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What a stunning journey, dear Ruth! Your photos are absolutely breathtaking.
Thank you for sharing this beauty!
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Thanks so much, Luisa. I tried to do the scenery justice. My pleasure!
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You are so very welcome! It is always a true pleasure to connect with you
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❤
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The aspens look great. So does the restaurant. You don’t find Nepalese cuisine every day, that’s for sure.
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Thank you. This one is a treasure that I visit now and then, despite the drive.
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A beautiful walk, but the Nepalese interests me too, looks delicious. My favourite restaurant in Calgary is Nepalese. Maggie
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We don’t have much food variety in my little town so this is a favorite worth driving for. Thanks for your comments, Maggie!
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The aspens are mesmerizing to say the least. The forest looks so peaceful.
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It was peaceful, and since it was during the week, there were few people on the trail.
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The aspens are so beautiful and your lunch looks like a great reward for your efforts 😀
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Thanks, Sarah. It was a delightful day.
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