IOFL Blog Blog

Must be Springtime!

Paula Scheil — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 05:00:00 GMT

We have the perfect get-a-way for you at the Inn on Fall River. Whether you are looking for a cabin with a private hot tub on the river or a room with a balcony just feet away from the Fall River, we can accommodate your stay while you visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park. Days full of sun & bright blue skies. And night skies full of stars are out your back door when you stay at the Inn! The wildlife is abundant. Today while on our walk, Skamper found a new friend. This beautiful fawn was just about his size.

The wildflowers are blooming, the hummingbirds have returned and the chipmunks are ready to be fed by our guests! There is plenty of snow in the high country; the river is proof of that. We are enjoying being lulled to sleep every night by the run off. Give us a call to plan your visit to the Inn on Fall River. We will find the perfect room or cabin for you!

Paula

Another Beautiful Day in Estes Park

Paula Scheil — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Wow! What a difference a day can make! As of last evening the High Park fire is 85% contained. This is the fire that is closest to us, just up the Poudre Canyon west of Fort Collins. They are still predicting 100% containment by mid July. Mother Nature was very helpful to the firefighters the last couple of days.

We had showers again yesterday! The weather today is typical Estes Park. Just lovely! If you were double thinking your vacation to the Inn on Fall River, Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park, maybe you should rethink that one. It is really nice here in the High Country. The air quality is great and we are expecting a high in the mid 80’s today.

Paula

All Clear in Estes Park

Paula Scheil — Thu, 28 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Just an update to my post on Monday. We have had beautiful blue skies and the air quality is great. We had a few rain showers in the area last evening and there is still a bit of dampness on our driveway this morning. This is promising!

The High Park fire is 75% contained and the expected containment date has been pushed up two weeks to the 15th of July. We are so grateful for all the dedicated firefighters who have given so much to make this happen. Thank you to the firefighters across our entire state, too!

It is a great day to be in Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. Plan your trip to the area soon. We would love to meet you here at the Inn on Fall River.

Paula

Overwhelmed...

Paula Scheil — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 05:00:00 GMT

I do not know what to say, except that I am overwhelmed by the calls, emails and text messages since all this fire stuff started in Colorado. It is amazing to me, the past guests who have contacted us, “just checking” to see if we are alright. We are so grateful to have so many wonderful people in our lives. Whether you are a past guest, a future guest or one of our family…we want you to know that we are safe.

The High Park fire has been a big concern, because of its size. It is absolutely huge. It continues to burn and probably will all summer long. There is so much Pine Beetle kill in the area. Just wish it would take those pesky bugs with the fire. The Estes Valley and RMNP has not really been affected by this fire. We have had a couple of days in the last three weeks where we have had some smoke. (Late afternoon and early evening for about an hour) But to honestly say that this fire is going to ruin your trip to the Inn on Fall River, Estes Park and RMNP is improbable. It is business as usual in Estes Park and RMNP.

We did have a fire of our own, in Estes on Saturday. It was a structure fire and with how the homes are built so close together and on the mountainsides, it destroyed 22 homes before it was finished. Some of these homes were summer cottages and some were year round residences. What a blow to the Estes Park community. We are just so grateful that our firemen were able to attack this fire and that the helicopters and air tankers from the High Park fire were able to assist. No one was injured in this fire.

Mark & I watched the news last night---after 20 minutes, the only thing they had talked about was the fires and a police officer in Denver who had been shot and killed. What a shame. I said enough is enough—went to bed and prayed for rain. We had some rain on our property today. Enough to make me run the windshield wipers—praying for more now…for the whole state! For all the dry areas in our Nation!

I plan on posting everyday as to the air quality in our area and as to what I know about the fires that are close to us. If you are a guest with reservations in the near future and have concerns—please contact us. We will be happy to give you our take on what is happening in the area. You can check out the RMNP website, too! I think they are putting posts as to changes in the fire and conditions in the area as well.

All I can say…I am overwhelmed. We thank you all for your concern, thoughts and prayers.

Paula

Mountain Time

Paula Scheil — Mon, 14 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

We are just a couple weeks from the first holiday of the summer season. And it is Mountain Time! When planning your mountain vacation you can have an adventuresome stay or enjoy some really laid back time. We have guests who go rafting, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, shopping and everything adventurous. While others opt for scenic drives, picnics in Rocky Mountain National Park and just relaxing on their patio watching the river go by. Whatever your idea of a vacation—we hope you will consider a stay at the Inn on Fall River. Our guests have bragging rights to some of the closest patios on Fall River. You can open your patio door and let the sound of the river wash all your cares away.

We have seen signs of early spring visitors including the bear. Our chipmunks are out of hibernation and love nuts of any kind. The flowers are starting to push their way out of the ground and the elk found my Iris the other day. As I say...I plant half for them and half for me! The hummingbirds have returned along with the song birds. The snow is still visible in the high country and the river is flowing briskly.

Plan your visit now. Do you need help finding the perfect time to visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park? Contact us and we will help find local events that will keep you and your family occupied by filling your days with adventure and quiet nights by the fire. Exactly what you want. It is Mountain Time!

Paula

Summer's End

Paula Scheil — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Summer’s End

We have all heard it—“Where does the time go?” We are at the end of another season and looking forward to the next. Summer brought us many new guests to the Inn on Fall River and Estes Park. We have had many return guests as well and some who are delaying their annual stay at the Inn until a different season. Summer’s end means many things at the Inn. It means new beginnings for the baby hummingbirds that were born here a week ago—flying away and hopeful of a return flight to the area next summer. It means bears looking to fill their tummies for the long winter hibernation. The ground squirrels and chipmunks are stowing away for the long winter as well. It is a time for the elk rut to begin. Summer’s end will bring beautiful color to Rocky Mountain National Park with the changing of the Aspens.

Summer’s end means the beginning of a new school year when we think of cooler days and cooler nights. Time to think of staying a few nights at the Inn on Fall River with family and/or friends. Day hikes in RMNP to view the changes of the seasons. Time in to enjoy your own wood burning fireplace. Hot cocoa & Smores outdoors or in!

We have many events happening in Estes Park this fall—book your stay now! The whole month of October the town will be adorned with Scarecrows—come and see the great photo ops available! There will be specials throughout Estes Park all month long.

Summer’s end means new beginnings for many things—a weekend get-a-way with family/friends. We will get to meet new friends at the Inn on Fall River and welcome back some “old” ones. You know that reminds me of another cliché “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other gold.” We have been truly blessed to be where we are today—looking forward to seeing you! Enjoy summer’s end.

Paula

The End of a Season

Paula Scheil — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 15:54:30 GMT

We are finding out here at the Inn on Fall River, that the seasons come and go in a rather quick manner—we went from our spring season directly to our peak season and now we are moving into fall—with the change in the seasons, come many changes from Mother Nature. The river is starting to look more like a creek. The leaves are starting to turn a bit and when the wind blows through them, you can hear fall in the air. The animals are all starting to prepare for winter. We were lucky enough to have a bear on our property a few days ago, doing what he was supposed to do—not getting into the garbage, but rather stuffing himself on berries. One of our guests was very lucky to capture him on video and with her permission we are posting it on our website. We would like to thank Jennifer Brown for the footage of the bear.
We would like to remind you that it is a wonderful time to visit Estes Park and Rocky Mountain National Park. The season of fall is like no other—the sound of leaves crunching under your feet as you walk your favorite trails, the smell in the air of nothing but freshness and the fact that it is cooling off and you can build a fire in your room or cabin here at the Inn on Fall River. There are many events in Estes Park to experience as well—check out the events we have highlighted on our site. We look forward to having you join us at the Inn on Fall River.
Paula

Spring is on its way!

Paula Scheil — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:42:27 GMT

Spring is on its way! The Rockies are still snow capped but the snow is melting and filling the Fall River. It gets a bit higher every day. You don’t have to look at it to know that it is rising—you can hear it. It is just so soothing and relaxing. I find myself not focusing on the tasks that I have to complete. We are busy finishing our winter projects—making the Inn on Fall River more inviting to you our guests. We are just about ready to begin our spring projects and hopefully take a few hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park, too! We went on a hike the other day and I was amazed that there was still so much snow on the trails. We hiked up to Dream Lake and had a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to pack your picnic basket when you plan your trip to Estes Park and we would love for you to stay at the Inn on Fall River. We invite you to come and relax by the river, take a hike in RMNP and enjoy downtown Estes Park. Make your reservations now! See you soon!

Paula

Seasons of Change

Paula — Mon, 31 May 2010 16:42:56 GMT

As the seasons change, I notice change all around us. Some things seem to never change and then there are things that constantly change. The town of Estes Park saw some change this week as the historic Park Theatre Mall burned to the ground. Eleven business owners are now facing a true life change, some of whom had been in business for more than twenty years. This is a hard change to accept for some and others will roll up their sleeves and go to work to open their businesses elsewhere in town, but the change has to occur.

We have now had the opportunity to experience all of the seasons of Estes Park and are looking forward to many more changes. We have changed things around here a bit, too! I keep adding more to my list landmark tells me to slow down. This will be the season where we will accomplish many changes.

As of right now, the bike/walk path is coming by the Inn on Fall River. This means there will be a path that you can walk or bike on all the way to the downtown Estes Park area. Skamper is excited for this change.

We are excited to get into all the units this winter and freshen them up to make our guests more comfortable. We did a facelift on one of the units and the response from our guests has been wonderful. Some things change and others remain the same. We will continue to offer our guests the best value on the Fall River. And we will continue our friendly service.

We would love for you to come and see us-- plan your get-a-way to the Inn on Fall River. Our winter rates begin on the first of November and there is no better time to comet the Inn just to relax than during the winter season. You can warm yourself in front of your wood burning fireplace, watch the wildlife on the river or head into the mountains and do some snowshoeing. There is shopping and of course dining available around town, as well. Or think about staying in one of our cabins or suites and you can cook your own meals just like being at home but in beautiful mountain setting.

Some things change and some things do not—the beauty and peacefulness that the area has to offer will not change. And we are very grateful for that! Hope to see you soon!

Surprise Visitors

Rich Hohne — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 22:13:01 GMT

Where has the summer gone? It was just a few days ago when I was excited to wear those flip-flops! I have worn them all and even worn out a few pair. And now it is time to head back to school. I had a guest tell me, “Your kids get out of school, next thing you know it is the Fourth of July and then you will be wondering where the summer went!” She sure knew what she was talking about.

We have had a wonderful summer meeting and making new friends! We have had friends and family come and stay with us and take in all that the area has to offer—hiking, beautiful drives, making snow balls in May up in the RMNP, shopping, dining, white water rafting, fishing in the Fall River and just relaxing & visiting while not worrying about a thing.

We have even had some surprise visitors—the Bieck’s, some friends from Nebraska, showed up unexpected one day-sure was nice to see them, even though our visit was short. We have also had some other surprises—a bear or two have been spotted by almost everyone but me. I have yet to see that guy. I have seen pictures that were taken by our guests, though! We have had plenty of turkeys, deer, fox and other types of wildlife visit us this summer, too. It is starting to cool off a bit and it will not be long and the elk will be all over town—the thought of the Aspen leaves turning gets me excited. We have not been here for that season yet. We are starting to get more acquainted with the area and finding out all that there is to do—there is always something happening.

We invite you to come and see us this fall and kick back and relax a bit. The Scottish Festival is the weekend after Labor Day; Elk Fest is the first weekend in October. There are other events between these as well—just check out the events listing on our website if you would like to see some of our picks. Happy back to school and plan your fall visit now!

Can't wait for summer.

Paula — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:51:04 GMT

If there is one thing we have learned in Estes Park in our last 6 months—it is that the weather is very unpredictable. It can be sunny and seventy one day and the next thing you know you get a foot of snow! I guess from everything we have heard from our new friends in Estes Park this is normal. Especially in the spring time. I do love spring, however. It is the time to clean out all your closets, break out the flip flops (I am a flip flop kind of girl and I cannot wait until I can wear them all) and get ready for warm weather.

The thing I love most about spring this year is preparing the Inn on Fall River for all the guests we will have this busy summer season. We have been cleaning, painting and talking to a lot of people who are anxious to come and enjoy all that Estes Park & Rocky Mountain National Park has to offer. We would love to have you visit us. Plan your family vacation now and give us a call to book your room, suite or cabin. We have something for everyone and we look forward to having you join us.

- Paula

This is the life!

Paula — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:43:51 GMT

This is the life! We just recently moved to Estes Park, Colorado and started managing the “Inn”. It was not really anything we were looking for---it just sort of found us!

You know how you have a dream and sometimes life gets in the way---well that is our story. We were very content with our lives in Nebraska. We had great friends, good jobs and our family was all around us. We have two sons who have graduated from high school and a daughter who is in the seventh grade. What more could you want?

Mark & I had always thought of someday having a B & B---but we just went on with our lives and raised our children and went to our jobs. Then one day—something happened. We heard of an opportunity in Estes Park---what do you do---listen to your heart or your head? Mark & I took a chance, and the rest is history. We love what we are doing. We wake up every day and we are at work---(of course, we go to bed every night and we are at work, too!). We work together and together we are accomplishing our goals. We love to meet new people and we would love to hear your story.

Why don’t you listen to your heart and come and see us in beautiful Estes Park. We are anxious to meet you and your family.

- Paula

Winter Snow in Estes Park

Paula — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:00:00 GMT

If there is one thing I love about Estes Park it is the snow. I have heard of the clouds opening up and the feather beds emptying out---but until we moved to Estes Park, I had never had the opportunity to witness it. I mean the snowflakes are literally as big as feathers falling from the heavens!

I was amazed at the first snowfall I witnessed here---I felt like I was inside one of those snow globes. It was just the most beautiful thing I had ever witnessed. I have seen a lot of snow, growing up in Nebraska, but none as graceful as what I have witnessed here. It just kind of floats down to the ground (7,500 ft above sea level) like huge feathers. It is not that sleety/icy snow. It is a true feather bed opening up and dumping on you. No blowing and snowing—just SNOW!

We went to Rocky Mountain National Park the other day. We went sledding at Hidden Valley and walked around Bear Lake. What beauty we have in our backyard. I invite you all to come and see us in the winter and I just pray that you get to witness that feather bed opening up and dumping on you.

- Paula