Perfect Valentine's Day

The highlight of our Valentine's Day was driving to the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center this evening to see Nick Molle's historical documentary, The Living Dream - One Hundred Years of Rocky Mountain National Park. It's a beautifully done production with breathtaking photography. The following is taken from an article in the Estes Park Trail Gazette.

The ninety minute film documents the history of Rocky Mountain National from the Native American and Mountain Man eras through the pioneers. It continues through the 20th Century and into modern times.

The film reveals a unique relationship locking the people of Estes Park firmly into the story of Rocky Mountain National Park. "The inseparable ties between Estes Park and Rocky are unlike any other national park development in the country. There is no other park like this," said Molle.

As a historical documentary it explores the influence of people from the passionate naturalist Enos Mills, to the self-serving Lord Dunraven, and the benevolent F.O. Stanley on this national park. Gunfights and legal battles failed to stay the progress and process of protecting the park for future generations. 

Fires and floods have not deterred the determination of the communities of Estes Park and Grand Lake to live in harmony with Rocky," said Molle. "Our goal in making this is to recognize that the bond between the wilderness, its wildlife, and the people who preserve it has an inherent power greater than any artificial possession." One particular poignant quote from the movie is that of a park ranger Cynthia Langguth when she says, "What people bring to the park is as important as what we perceive the Park gives to them."

The story is told through interviews with historians including James Pickering PhD, Curt Buchholtz, Dave Lively, and Bob Brunswig PhD. National Park personnel and local citizens contribute their personal insights. In particular, Tom Hornbein of Mt. Everest fame and world class climber Tommy Caldwell share their feelings about the Park's centerpiece, Longs Peak.

Several years of filming and months of editing have gone into this production. Included in the work are numerous historical photos as well as archival films dating back to the beginning of the 20th Century.

Wayne and I have a strong emotional connection to this special place ... our favorite spot on earth.