According to the latest Zillow Real Estate Market Reports, home values in Estes Park increased 3.9% in the first quarter of 2009, compared to the first quarter of 2008. Nationally, home values decreased 14.2% during this same period.
Home values in Estes Park increased 3.9%
May 26th, 2009Emerald Mountain Hike March 3rd
May 3rd, 2009Here is an older trip report that I forgot to post. For a big hiking payoff with a short time commitment Emerald Mountain is the hike for you. This mountain located West of Ramshorn Mtn off of hwy 66 has fantastic views of the entire Rocky Mountain National Park. You can park in the cul-de-sac at the end of the hwy and start at the trailhead. We hiked this the first week of March on a sunny day.
sign post on the trail-go left
It’s maybe a mile and a half hike to the summit, but very steep. I was huffing and puffing the entire way. I just can’t stand hiking slow so I was pretty miserable trying to catch my breath, but the reward at the summit is spectacular.
Continental Divide
Mummy Range
You pretty much have wrap around views from Twin Sisters West to the Longs Peak around to the Continental Divide and finishing with the Mummy Range. Absolutely gorgeous. It was pretty windy that day on the summit, but the high altitude sun warms you. I still had several layers on, but my husband just wore a t-shirt. Snowshoes were not needed as it was windswept except for one drift near the summit. See you on the trails!
My husband and I on the summit
Winter Day at Lake Haiyaha
May 3rd, 2009I have said this once and I will say it again, one of the best advantages of living in Estes Park is access to Rocky Mountain National Park. The second weekend in March my family headed out with our snowshoes to RMNP. We hiked up a back country winter trail to Lake Haiyaha to stomp, sled and play on the ice. Watch the video our our silly antics and the amazing igloo we warmed up in between sled runs (Many thanks to our forum friends who built it the weekend before). We brought our heavy duty Thermos with hot herbal tea. We bought a light weight roll up sled at the hardware store, but ended up sliding on our snowpants instead.
If you are wondering what those shiny rolls are in my husband’s backpack are they are reflective windshield shades. They work fantastic to keep your seat warm while sitting on the ice or snow and the best part is they are cheap. I picked them up at a garage sale. The snow has all melted from the April storm and it looks like Spring here. The golf course is greening up and we are starting to see some Spring flowers. Bye for now!
SNOW!!
April 17th, 2009I think the weatherman is right on, school was canceled here today. My kids are delighted and ready to break out the sleds.
This is the forecast from weather underground:
Today
Snow. Snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches. Highs 30 to 36. North winds 10 to 20 mph.
Tonight
Snow. Snow accumulation of 6 to 12 inches. Lows 22 to 30. North winds 10 to 20 mph.
Saturday
Snow. Accumulations of 3 to 7 inches. Storm total snowfall 18 to 36 inches…with locally higher amounts. Highs in the upper 30s. North winds 10 to 15 mph.
It’s time get out the snow gear and go shoveling. I have an appt at 9:30 am across town.
Here is the view from my balcony today
NEW Carbon Monoxide Detector Law Passed in CO
March 25th, 2009Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law a requirement that will require all homes and apartment buildings offered for sale after July 1, 2009 to have carbon monoxide detectors near bedrooms.
Gorgeous Devils Gulch Estate
March 18th, 2009Historic Devils Gulch Estate near Rocky Mountain National Park
1327 Devils Gulch Road, Estes Park CO
Please call Lori today 970-232-5511 for your private viewing of this Historic restored Craftsman style residence constructed in 1910. Boulders and Aspens grace the 2.38 acres with Longs Peak and Continental Divide views. Native stone accents from McGraw Ranch and raised flagstone patio offer a stunning entrance to this home. A modern country kitchen with Soapstone counters, antique replica stove, high-end appliances & Butlers pantry. The Great room features stone fireplace and built-in seating area. Sun porch stretches across the front of the home. Master bedroom has private sitting room & bath. Restored original wood floors, 10′ ceilings and wood beams throughout the main living areas. The 716 sf one BR, one BA cabin features stone fireplace & knotty pine accents. Zoned for horses. Exterior features landscaping, irrigation system, fenced yard, loafing shed, corral, 2 car garage/workshop, carport and playhouse. Completely updated plumbing, electric, radon mitigation system, security system, newer septic system.
Rescheduled Auction March 28th
March 10th, 2009
We have rescheduled the Estes Park auction see this online flyer for all the details
Lumpy Ridge Loop
March 10th, 2009I am really behind on my trip reports and even more behind on getting out into the park. I am embarrassed to say how long it’s been since I hiked. That should tell you a lot right there because now snowshoes are required for most of RMNP. Well, here are some photos of a hike last fall in the Lumpy Ridge. I have a couple more to post today from last week.
Lumpy Ridge trailhead
For a great hike deep into the Lumpy Ridge try the Lumpy Loop Hike starting at the Twin Owls trailhead off of Devils Gulch Road. It is an 11 mile loop connecting several trails and at the end taking you by Gem Lake and back down to the TH. There is elevation gain to work those legs and a lot of runnable trail if you like to trail run. The views are spectacular as you descend from Gem Lake, well at the start too.
Longs Peak and Divide Views
Unique Rock Formations
This odd rock formation greets you right at the start. We call it the Man Riding Dolphin. I would love to hear what it looks like to you. The day my husband and I went there was some snow through the trees on the Northern slopes of the Lumpy Ridge but mostly it was clear.
Snowy Trails
It is kind of a long hike and is perfect if you want some solitude. I hardly ever see more than a handful of people on the trail (aside from Gem Lake-sometimes its busy). See you on the trails.
Optimism, Your Attitude and Hot Chocolate
February 25th, 2009
Recently a friend sent this to me. I have no idea who to give credit to for this wonderful little exercise. I usually don’t turn philosophical on my blog, but I think this is so fitting for the times we are in. No matter what your religious background, belief system or faith I think you can relate to this.
Pour a cup of hot chocolate and have a read.
A group of graduates, well established in their careers, were talking at a reunion and decided to go visit their old university professor, now retired. During the visit, the conversation turned to complaints. Offering his guests hot chocolate, the professor went into the kitchen and returned with a large pot of hot chocolate and an assortment of cups – porcelain, glass, crystal, some plain looking, some expensive, some exquisite – telling them to help themselves to the hot chocolate. When they all had a cup of hot chocolate in hand, the professor said: “Notice that all the nice looking, expensive cups were taken, leaving behind the plain and cheap ones. While it is normal to want only the best for yourselves, that is the source of your problems and stress. The cup that you are drinking from adds nothing to the quality of the hot chocolate. In most cases, it is just more expensive and in some cases, even hides what we drink. What all of you really wanted was hot chocolate, not the cup; but you consciously went for the best cups. And then you began eyeing each other’s cups. Now consider this: Life is the hot chocolate. Your job, money and position in society are the cups. They are just tools to hold and contain life. The cup you have does not define nor change the quality of life you have. Sometimes by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the hot chocolate God has provided for us. God makes the hot chocolate, man chooses the cups. The happiest people don’t have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything that they have.
First Time Home Buyers in Estes Park
February 22nd, 2009The real estate market may seem a little scary for some right now, but with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act getting signed into law I have some good news for buyers wanting to realize the dream of home ownership. You can take advantage of low interest rates and also the tax credits just signed in to law. Here is an outline the high points:
• You must be a first time home buyer and not have owned a home within the last 3 years.
• The amount of the full credit is $8,000
• Single family home, condominiums and town homes all qualify-must be principal residence.
• Program is only valid in 2009
• Income requirements are no more than $75,000 adjusted gross income for single purchaser and $150,000 for joint filing purchaser to receive the full credit of $8000.
If you do want to take advantage of these credits please contact a tax professional to see if you qualify and then give me a call. I would love to get you into a new home. In Estes Park, we also have housing programs that offer additional affordability to individuals who can income qualify.
