Hardly Anyone There

 Soon we were out north of Boulder on the golden flanks of the last foothills before the mountains give way to the plains, and then up into the canyon, through Lyons, where there was little evidence of the floods that destroyed it seven years ago. Then we went  up the winding road, many switchbacks, int eh valley of the St. Vrain River, until you come over the divide and began descending into Estes Park.

We take the shortcut back way, avoiding the town, which in a normal year would be a mess during the first week of August---the peak of the tourist season--but this year it would certainly be calmer. We take the short cut nevertheless, using the St. Mary's Lake Road, and go out onto U.S. 36 on the west edge of town by the country store and gas station that serves the campers and cabin residences like an informal town center.

The directions from the camp had said to call from town before coming into register. Check in will be curb side. We are not supposed to go inside the main building. So we call, and we are told simply to come up to the camp and go inside the building.

We follow the familiar road, and then turn into the camp on Association Drive, and make our way up to the parking lot of the main building. There are perhaps half a dozen cars there. Everything is sunny and bright but there is little activity. There are no groups this year. Only cabin dwellers.

My sisters' vehicles are not in the parking lot. I go inside, making sure to take my mask. As expected, there are signs mandating them at the front door. The front porch has been cleared off the nice wooden chairs. Inside the part of the main hall which was an informal lounge with chairs and tables has been cleared out. The floor is shiny and bare. The cafeteria is still in operation.

There is no one in line, but I have to ring the bell to get attention. There is plexiglass between me and the the attendant. Check in goes smoothly and quickly. I am given the keys---this year they are key cards instead of metal keys. 

I am shunted out by the side door, even though there is plenty of room to exit the front. The procedure must be followed. I walk past the cafeteria and the little general store, which is open but does not accept cash this year. 

Outside the building it is a wonderful day. It is a perfect summer. I can see the high ridge of the Rockies in Rocky Mountain National Park. There is hardly anyone there.