Estes Park promises elk sightings at every turn. Last year we saw them daily on hillsides, around the lake, and throughout the park. Where were they this year? After 5 days, we still had not seen a single one. Even the couple in the cabin next door asked if we had seen any elk yet. Part of the fascination of touring the park is the opportunity to see wildlife and take pictures of them. And not just one picture, but more pictures than anyone would ever be able to do anything with. Vacation just isn’t complete without a picture of each plant, geological feature and wild animal. And the more close up the picture is, is like a trophy of the trip.

Last year we had gotten to the point where we felt we could count on the elk. Other animals were more elusive, like the bighorn sheep and the black bear. At least we got to see other types of fascinating critters. Always the chipmunks and ground squirrels would come up to us. Even at the cabin, they liked to run along the fenceline. Lots of ravens, magpies and stellar jays flew around. The Clark’s Nutcracker abounded in the subalpine area. With delight during one picnic we got to see a Nuthatch run down a tree trunk head first, just like we had read about in our science book a few years ago! A lady we met while we were watching the bighorn sheep said she saw some black bears by Bear Lake, which is uncommon. There are less than 10 bears in RMNP. On our hikes through the woods we’d hear a chattering noise made by the nervous Chickaree, but we never saw him.

After our 7mile hike, where we saw the usual birds and squirrels, we were hungry. We drove along the beautiful Glacier Creek, the rushing stream tumbling over boulders along the side of the road that originates from Alberta Falls. We eventually pulled into a picnic area near the stream to enjoy some hot soup and relax. As we entered the picnic area, we heard the Chickaree nervously chattering, because we were entering his space. We set up lunch near the rushing Glacier Creek and relaxed and enjoyed the sounds and sights and finally caught a glimpse of the frazzled Chickaree, though he was too quick to capture on camera.

From there we headed out of the park when …elk sighting!!! The hallmark of a great tourist in RMNP is keen observational skills, which thankfully the kids had! They sighted them through the trees! Like any good tourist, DH managed to turn the van around and strategically parked within walking distance but not too close to the animals. Dutifully, we grabbed our cameras and quickly popped out of the van. With expertise, we quietly moved along the edge of the road and started taking as many pictures as possible to see who could get the most impressive one. If you’re really good, you attract the attention of all the other tourists who may not see what you are aiming the cameras at, but they trust that you found a treasure! Before long, the road was lined by several vehicles, doors flung open and more tourists were whirring and clicking cameras!

Meanwhile, there was a hint of rain in the air. The temperature was comfortably cool. Peacefully, the elk laid down or nibbled grass from their favorite spot, contentedly enjoying their space. Calmly they ignored the 20+ tourists aiming little boxes in front of their faces that scarcely made a sound. The elk, because they knew from past experience that they would be undisturbed, refused to worry. They knew this park was their safe haven. As in the past, the crazy people would eventually move on. It happened yesterday and the day before…and will happen again tomorrow.

How often have I learned that my Heavenly Father is always my safe haven in the storms of life? How often do I choose to worry like the Chickaree, instead of calmly waiting on my Heavenly Father who holds me safe in His hands. He is always here with me. Such is the blessed security of the believer in Jesus Christ.  I am always ultimately safe in His secure hands.