We've been told that the region is home to the Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, yellow-bellied marmots, pikas, blue grouse, moose, etc. HOWEVER, it appears that all of the above-mentioned critters were either out-to-lunch, OR on vacation somewhere else.  Bill did catch a glimpse of a yellow-bellied marmot but not long enough to get a photo, etc. I did see a chipmunk. Oh well, such is life.

This is Mirror Lake (one of the most photographed lakes/mountain). Unfortunately the wind was ablowing and so we didn't have the mirror effect that day.

It was a wee-bit cool up at this elevation but did not bother this group. The guys were down at the lake fishing and the ladiesd were lying in their chaise lounges bundled up in blankets catching some sunshine while the kids played.

Still snow around the campsite (you could put your soda/beer/whatever in there to keep cold).

Just plain mother nature's beautiful handiwork

At the west end of the Snowy Range was a town called Saratoga where we decided to have lunch. Here's a quaint shop that I just had to pop into to see what they had.

Just like the WalMart greeters

Saddles, Tack, Boots

Harnesses, Bridels, Artwork

Even a bear trap could be purchased

How about some chaps ?

The guy in the backroom was more than willing and very friendly to give you any help you might want or need.

Some photos of Centennial

A steak house is Centennial

This is the Centennial Depot which was built in 1907.

It houses The Nici Self Museum, however, we couldn't stop to check it out because it was closed. It was only open from mid-June through Labor Day, Fridays through Mondays from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Of course, we didn't know this, oh well. 

Our first glimpse of the Snowy Range way off in the distance as we begin our journey up Hwy 130

Nearing the town of Centennial

There a some lodges and cabins scattered around along with numerous campgrounds for tents and small campers. 

Here there is a lodge with cabins for rent. The Snowy Range typically opens Memorial Day through October weather permitting. We were here shortly after it opened however some of the cabins, etc. remained closed along with some of the campgrounds. The east entrance Visitor's Center was closed for renovation. 

This is St. Aalbins, a small outdoor Episcopal chapel near Little Brooklyn Lake and is the site of frequent weddings and other ceremonies.

Remnants of winter weather. This snow cat was parked on the side of the highway near the chapel

Little Brooklyn Lake (there are 2 fishermen out on the lake in small boats)

There were a few other people up at the Libby Flats Observation Point so one nice lady offered to take our picture. In the background is the Medicine Bow Peak (12,013 feet elevation). The pass where we were standing was at 10,847 feet elevation.

Photo out of order. This is a creek coming out of Little Brooklyn Lake.

Panoramic photo of the Medicine Bow Peak and surrounding area from the Libby Flats overlook.

Taking you all the way around in a circle.

Round and around we go and still not done

Ok, this is the last one going round and round. Isn't it beautiful?

I zoomed in for a closer look at Medicine Bow Peak

Another view of the area

This is Libby Flats overlook where we were standing up on top for our Kodak moment.

Just more beauty

Below are the dolls with the clothing referred to above. 

A collection of fans regularly used back then

I don't recall if they referred to this room as a sitting room

Dining room with exquisite table settings 

Various old kitchen utensils (can you guess what each one is?)

Butter Urn (they would make approximately 20 lb. of butter each time)

Old fashioned washing machine

I have no clue what the wash tub was used for (bathing the baby perhaps seeing its next to the highchair) Any ideas from anyone?

I never heard of this one.  It's a mustache cup (I didn't get a great picture but there is a slit just beyond the rim and then there a bar which protects the mustache from getting wet plus it keeps the mustache wax out of the drink).

Picture of the kitchen

They also had an old schoolhouse on the ground which they placed behind the mansion. Above is a picture of the school house when it was located out on the plains.

As you can see the teacher taught different grades (by the sizing of the desks).

Another view of the one-room schoolhouse