Today we drive north to Grand Lake which is on the south western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. This part of Colorado received some much needed rain today, a nice steady rain that could soak into the parched earth. So be warned there's lots of clouds in today's photos.

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Monarch Pass doesn't look so scary when it's hiding behind the clouds.

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Chalk Cliffs, the bright white rock formations at the base of Mt. Princeton are not chalk but quartz that has been altered by the presence of hot water springs.

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First white thistles Ed and I have ever seen.

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One of many reservoirs we passed today. For much of the drive we followed the Colorado River.

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To me, the soft light makes this photograph look like a watercolour painting.

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Another roadside view.

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If you look closely you can see the streaks of rain.

We are staying in a cute little lodge in a cute little town called Grand Lake. Lots of interesting shops and restaurants here.

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The town of course is on the shores of Grand Lake.

A number of stores have hung hummingbird feeders up.

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A lot of broad tailed hummingbirds with zooming by and stopping for a drink. These hummingbirds make a loud sound when they fly.