Quotes:
If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. ~ James Herriot

. I like animals because they are not consciously cruel and don't betray each other.~ Taylor Caldwell

Elk and Deer come down to lower altitudes in the fall to avoid the snows of winter in the high mountains The elk of Rocky Mountain National Park consider Estes as their winter resort.

Autumn is also a good time to visit the park to listen to the bull elks "bugling" to call their "harems" together during rutting season.
Elk in the streets of Estes Park, Colorado

AVERAGE DATES OF PEAK FALL COLORS---ASPEN TREES
(areas N to S)
Steamboat Springs 9/5 to 9/15
Frisco 9/18 to 9/29
Aspen (town) 9/22 to 10/3
Ouray 9/25 to 10/5
Pagosa Springs 10/8 to 10/16


These are only averages, wind or snow can leave the trees bare at any time.


It is better to go early than too late. Remember a freak snowstorm will ruin the fall colors and make a beautiful but different scene.

Estes Elk Fest Oct 3-4
Many special are events planned. Their website announced:
"The free festival features bugling contests, Cabela's Archery Range, elk exhibits, the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program, elk seminars, a Mountain Man Rendezvous, elk-inspired arts and crafts, Native American music, dancing and storytelling, self guided elk tour maps, a children's' area with elk-themed activities, and a craft beer garden.

Vendors will display artwork, handmade elk-ivory jewelry, and will offer distinctive elk cuisine. Mountain men from around the country will gather at the Mountain Man Rendezvous to sell their wares and demonstrate their skills.

Enjoy the Educational Seminar Tent to learn more about Elk and wildlife in Estes Park from a variety of professionals including Colorado Parks and Wildlife and Mile High Note Game Calls. Representatives from the Rocky Mountain Raptor Program will display on a gloved hand some of their magnificent rescued birds. It's amazing to see these majestic birds close up! Colorado Parks and Wildlife are on-site offering an Elk Camp where you can explore a variety of educational booths, and their staff will be helping in the field as attendees take the self-guided elk tour!

What they are saying:
Can't go to Estes Park or the Rocky Mountains? How about reading a good book. Here is what they are saying about Murder in the Rockies:
"You too should enjoy this engrossing mystery enriched by Smith's love of Colorado's natural beauty, and his ability to bring characters to life.'
~ Thomas "Doctor Colorado" Noel, University History Professor
and author of 41 books on the Highest State.

"G. Eldon Smith has fashioned a ripping good murder yarn about
justice in the Old West. His knowledge of Denver and its wild early years
shines through as he leads the reader on a merry chase through the
seamy underground of the Mile High City.
~ Dick Kreck, author of Hell on Wheels: Wicked Towns Along the Union Pacific Railroad

"I found Murder in the Rockies to be engaging, informative about Colorado's colorful history, and laced with funny, true-to-the-times dialogue. Humor twinkles throughout, and the ending is satisfying and unexpected."
~ Karen Gerdes, former professor of English and English as a Second Language at University of Denver

Mr. Smith: I picked up a copy of "Murder in the Rockies" a few weeks ago at the bookstore in Edwards, Colorado, and just finished it a few minutes ago. Well done! I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the next Andrew Coyle novel. Thanks very much!
~ Kent (unsolicited email)

Available at most electronic retailers and at many fine book stores.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Rockies-...