We finally broke ground on the new outside bar and storage building.  You may wonder why we decided to add this building. Truth be told...if you looked into our house next door you would immediately know why!  We optimized the space within the Overlook for our guests but lack any significant storage for all of the supplies, consumables, extras, etc. we need for a vacation rental.  We plan to make the front of this new building an outside bar.  The back of the building will hold all of our vacation rental supplies.  We hope to have it complete by Spring of 2017.  We look forward to having a storage space for the sleds, snow shoes, pack n play, high chair, etc. we provide to our guests as well as all the supplies we need to run this operation.

Below is a picture of approximately what this new outdoor bar/storage shed will look like when complete.  Stay tuned for updates and additional pictures.   NOTE:  This building will have a footprint of 120 square feet, be less than 12 feet tall, and meet all setback and easement requirements when complete...for any Building Code Enforcers that might be cyber stalking!

I love our new gazebo....and think you will too.  It is all custom built...not a kit.  It provides the perfect spot to overlook the Estes Valley and all of our visiting creatures.  We do have a copper fireplace that needs to be installed.  I just need a break between guests to finish the installation.  Imagine sitting in the gazebo, next to a roaring fire, watching the Elk bugle.  Or, the fireworks on the fourth of July.  Or, the snow falling in the winter.  Or, simply drinking coffee in the morning.  I think this is the prettiest gazebo with the best view in all of Estes.  However, I might be biased.  Our first small, private wedding will be held here in December.  Hope the weather cooperates!  

We all knew it was coming...the first snow.  It hasn't made it down to Estes, yet!  Today we saw it on the tallest mountains when we woke up.  It is only a matter of time before it makes it down to Estes and the Overlook.  Nevertheless, it is a beautiful scene.  Luckily I took a ride on my Grom up the mountain yesterday.  Trail Ridge road was even closed this morning.  It will open again...but some time in the next month it will be closed for the season.

Many people visit Colorado have questions regarding legalized recreational marijuana.  Yes, it's true.  Marijuana is legal in Colorado. However, there are several caveats.  You can buy it at specialized shops.  However, many towns have banned these shops. Estes Park is one of these towns that has banned these shops.  You will need to travel around 30 miles to Lyons, Nederland or Boulder to legally purchase this product.  You must be 21 years old.  You can even legally grow marijuana in Colorado but no more than 5 plants per person and it must be grown in a secured location.  It is legal to smoke marijuana in Colorado but you must not be in a public place. This means you must smoke it in your home and away from other people and children.  NOTE; the Overlook is a NON SMOKING facility for the comfort and enjoyment of smoke sensitive guests.

Here's a conceptual picture of what we are building at the Overlook.  This outdoor bar/shed will provide a great place to sit and enjoy the outstanding view and also double as storage for the Overlook.  Now that the gazebo is finished, its time to begin this always planned but delayed additional outbuilding ... Unfortunately, we are approaching winter and construction will be slowed down.  Stay tuned for updates on this new feature expected to be completed in 2017.

We celebrated our fourth annual Oktoberfestes at the Overlook last weekend with family, friends and neighbors.  Here are some pictures from the fun filled event.

Last weekend, the last  weekend in August, we rode the Grom to Grand Lake.  Grand Lake is a small town on the other side of the Continental Divide.  To get there, you can take Trail Ridge Road.  We like to take Fall River Road, which is a four wheel road, up to the top of the Continental Divide at the Alpine Visitor Center and then continue on to Grand Lake on Trail Ridge Road.  It takes about 45 minutes to get to the top of the Continental Divide and the Alpine Visitor Center.  It takes about 45 more minutes to reach Grand Lake.  This is a spectacular trip.  The scenery is breathtaking...so is the altitude.  As you pass over the Continental Divide, the western slope is very different from the eastern side where you find Estes Park.  The western side has more water and swamping areas attracting lots and lots of moose.  This is the place to go if you want to see one of the many moose that live in the RMNP.  Grand Lake is a very quaint town much like Estes Park. However, it is located on a very large lake and the town, which seems more like a western town than Estes Park, has all wooden side walks. This is a great spot to visit.  You can even rent a paddle board, kayak, boat, or other water craft and explore the lake and surrounding shores.  There is a cute marina with a small beach with picnic tables right on the water front.

We had a great ride there.  On the way back, we ran into rain, snow and hail as we passed over the continental divide.This can be a little unnerving when on two wheels.  The weather changes quickly on the Continental Divide.  Just a reminder to always be prepared.  Here are some of the pictures we took of the town and lake.

Here's a picture of the horse shoe pit a the Overlook.  It is one of the most enjoyed features for families. In the back ground you can see a tree with a table surface for holding drinks, the fire station and fire wood.  This picture is looking directly North.  To the right, East, is the fantastic view of the Estes Valley.

Here's a summer picture of the back yard at the Overlook.  It is completely fenced.  In this picture you can see the fire pit, 14 person picnic table, swing between the two trees, the water tank, gazebo,gas grill and the private porch off the Master Bedroom. From anywhere in this back yard you are overlooking the Estes Valley towards the Big Thompson River.  From this picture you can see how a family can spread out.  Some will sit in the gazebo.  Some will sit at the picnic table.  Some will sit on the private Master Bedroom porch.  Some will sit around the fire pit with the chairs that are provided.  Also in this back yard you will find a horse shoe pit, fire station with water, extinguisher, shovel, etc. and a firewood station.