McGregor Mountain Blog

The last few days have been rather quiet around the lodge with the exception of our usual visits from Lefty, Big-Boy and Brat…Quite a few of “passer-bys” have been coming in to enjoy the wildlife, the fresh cider and a freshly baked cookie.  Lefty found a comfy spot right in front of our Snowmen (I took a few pictures, and hopefully Michael can show me how to upload pictures when he gets back from Chicago.)

Temps have been quite mild considering what is going on in the mid-west, the west, and well…any other part of the country for that matter!  A few inches of snow here and there is keeping things white, but we haven’t had any REALLY big storms as of yet (I better knock on wood!).

Yesterday I spent the day (all day 8AM-4PM) stuffing and sealing, then mailing the some 750 Christmas Cards.  Its hard to believe that yet another year has passed.

McGregor was awarded a “Best Interpretation” award for its lights…some 78,000.  The appearance in the local Estes Park News has helped to drive some night time traffic through the property.  On a frosty, calm night, it is fun to walk through the grounds with the Christmas lights, moon and stars lighting the way.  A bit peaceful if I might add.  We will keep the lights up until just after the Valentine’s holiday weekend.  What will we do next year?? Hmmmmm…hard to say, I guess you will just have to wait and see.

Tanner has grown into quite the FULL sized puppy now.  He loves to nibble at your cuffs, and/or scarf and mittens.  There is something he likes by “holding on to you” in some way shape or form. Perhaps it is his security, or just his way to say “I’m here and love your attention.”

I will be manning the desk Christmas Day from 10 AM till 6 PM.  Friends are bringing me Christmas Dinner…truly the spirit of Christmas.  My kids are with their Mom and Grandparents in Greeley this year and we will celebrate Christmas on Sunday when they come up to Estes for the week.

Merry Christmas to all those near and far and may your holidays be bright!

Chris

It’s been a wintry couple of days here at the lodge and we’re getting ready for a busy weekend. We had a pretty intense snow storm yesterday. It snowed about an inch in 15 minutes and then the wind started blowing HARD!! All part of the fun living in the mountains! Before the little squall blew through we had an Aberts Squirrel come and visit us. I was able to get a few shots of him before he scampered off. Otherwise, besides the elk making their rounds, it was a pretty quiet day at McGregor.

This morning was great. The wind died down and it felt very cozy here…a roaring fire, fresh coffee and the winter landscape outside set the mood for some great conversations this morning with guests. One family clued me into the fact that there were 11 large bull elk hanging out just above the lodge. I grabbed my camera and ran up the hill to find the biggest elk I have ever seen. This guy was a huge 8×7. I have seen a few 7×7’s, but those are usually pretty rare. This fella was gigantic. He was a little leery of me snapping pics, but posed nice and handsome for a few before I left him alone.

We’re looking forward to a great weekend here at McGregor with some more winter weather on the way!

Michael