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Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP) is one of our favorite US parks. It was established 26 January 1915.
The scenery is magnificent--especially when getting off the road on various trails.
Off in the distance, you might see a moose like the one below. They can be seen in the lowlands.
Elk can be seen in various places. I saw this one by the roadside, parked and got back to photograph it whilst cars whizzed by.
And not to ignore deer though common in the US.
There are small mammals too like the yellow-bellied marmot. They are the size of a cat and known as a species of ground squirrels. They hibernate in winter.
Hiking above the tree line offers fantastic views and a chance to cool down in August. Here I am above 12,000 feet. It's one of the highest US parks with elevations up to 14, 259 feet at Long's Peak.
The Alpine tundra is vastly different from the mountain meadows. There is more than one tundra trails in the park.
When hiking the trails to mountain peaks, look among the rocks to find a Pika. They are herbivorous, about 7-inches long, and weigh about 7 ounces.
Of course, there's a diversity of flowers and plants as well.
Some small birds hidden in crannies.
And near the Western entrance, I saw these eagles.
Here's a few photos of the scenery at Rocky Mountain National Park.
Along Coyote Trail
Nymph Lake, Bear Lake Trail
A hike to Alberta Falls is worth the effort--see below.
You can still see some snow in August.
And here's the sign marking the Continental Divide-- the point where drainage runs off either to the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean. You'll see it along Trail Ridge Road, which peaks at 12,183 feet.
And here's the park sign--what a great setting!
On leaving the park, I got this shot from my car -- a moose just outside the western entrance off route 34.
Some park notes
Native people were in this area for a long time. In recent history, Native tribes known as Ute, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche and others were in the area that is now Rocky Mountain National Park. Read more about Native Americans in this area.
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Pirton is in the middle of the village. The early church was constructed in the 1100s. Various changes were made over the centuries with a restoration and rebuilt tower in 1883. The walls in the chancel date from about 1330.
Most of the windows are from the 1400s. We were privileged to have a tour of Pirton by Rev. John Potipher who served the church along with his wife, who is my cousin. They gave us the top photo in 1995. The other photos are from 30 September 1996.
A look inside St Mary's church.
St Mary church cemetery
The parish records include Baptisms 1562-1776; burials 1558-1776, and marriages 1560-1753.
Beaumaris Castle is on the Welsh island of Anglesey. It's such an impressive castle but it wasn't finished.
There are 12 towers and 2 gatehouses along the outer walls. As you can see, it's surrounded by a moat. At the southern end, the castle can be supplied by ship.
It was the last of King Edward I castle projects, which ended in the 1320s.
So, it's known as "the greatest castle never built."
It's not the only pub claiming to be the oldest but it is old and that's part of the charm.
How old? Well, sometime in the 700s there was a pub here. Today's pub dates from the 1,000s.
Where is it? Conveniently located across the street from St Albans Cathedral. There's underground tunnels to the Cathedral for the convenience of the monks. Google Map Link.
What's in a name? Cock fighting was here in the 1800-1900s. It was a popular activity for some 600 years. The Cock Pit was about 8 x 10 feet.
What about Celebs?
It's claimed Oliver Cromwell slept here during the Civil War 91642-1651).
Part of the foundations link to the Palace of King Offa, King of the Mercians c793.
Address: 16 Abbey Mill Lane, St Albans, AL3 4HE UK
Items you might find in a British Pub
Adapted from the book, Mind the Gap, by Geoffrey Sutton
St Albans Cathedral links the present to the Roman Christian era. The beauty of the architecture and landscape inspire wonder and awe today as it likely did for parishioners for many generations.
According to the stalbanscathedral.org, Christians have been here for centuries.
731 The Venerable Bede wrote:
"A beautiful church worthy of Alban's martyrdom was built, where sick folk are healed and frequent miracles take place to this day."
793 King Offa of Mercia founded a monastery.
1115 The tower of St Albans Abbey, which can be seen today, was part of the church completed using bricks and tiles from the Roman era.
1213 Nobles and churchmen met at St Albans. Their discussions led to the signing of the Magna Carta at Runnymede in 1215.
1539 The Abbey was closed.
1553 The people of the town of St Albans bought the church.
1877 The church was restored and became a cathedral.
Enjoy the grounds
And note the old Roman Wall
I took a video in 1996. It's vintage tape so not as clear as it would be today.
According to Tarah Hearne, St Alban was the first Christian Martyr in England. The story goes that St Alban swapped clothes to protect a Christian priest when the Romans persecuted Christians. He was tried, found guilty, and executed in 304 or 209 -- Scholars disagree.
Here's a quote attributed to St Alban when he appeared before the judge:
“I worship and adore the true and living God who created all things.”
The first shrine marking St Albans may have been built in the 300s. This may have been destroyed in the 500s by Saxon invaders.
The Norman Abbey mentioned above was built on the site.