A Rocky Mountain time machine

I remember watching a movie version of H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" back in the 1960s, and the remake a couple of years ago. I enjoyed the movies, and the idea of a time machine is intriguing -- except perhaps for the part in the '60s version, where the world was destroyed in a nuclear war in 1966. After a trip to Estes Park, Colo., last weekend, I realize we've had a time machine at our disposal for years. My great-uncle built a cabin at Estes in the 1920s, and he and his descendants have been kind enough to allow relatives and friends to use it over the years.

I'm not sure just when we went to "the Retreat," as it is named, but I do remember traveling in a 1956 Dodge (blue and white), a 1962 Dodge (maroon) and a 1969 Dodge (blue). Yes, Dad preferred Dodges, and they were always at least a couple of years old. The latest trip was in a Plymouth, so you know that has to be a few years old as well. Each time we unlock the door, it's like a step back in time. A deck has been added, the exterior of the building has been weatherized and indoor plumbing added, but a visitor from 1926 would not have any trouble recognizing the rough unfinished lumber walls around the rock fireplace. Over the last few years, our private "time machine" has helped open another ancient world, that of the Celts, Scotts and Irish at the Longs Peak Scots-Irish Festival. Jousting, sword fighting, Lords and Ladies -- all come to life at the annual event. And bagpipes. Have you ever heard "Scotland the Brave?" This year, we heard it only eight times. (I'll hum it for you if you don't know the tune.)

Lest you think you've actually been transported to ancient Scotland, there are plenty of electric guitars and amplifiers to accompany the 'pipes. But it's easy to imagine yourself being transported to medieval times, complete with kilt-wearing caber-tossers and "Nessie" floating in a nearby pond, awaiting an encounter with a brave knight. "Where is the jousting?" my wife asked to now one in particular at last year's visit to the festival. We were startled by a nearby response. "Are you looking for the jousting? It's over there." The speaker was bedecked in armor and black leather, shaved bald with a real scar extending from forehead to cheek, across an artificial eye. Obviously, there was nothing artificial about his past sword encounters.

All too soon, our weekend at Estes was over, as we knew it would be. We had done and taken in as much of the mountains as our energy allowed, cleaned up the cabin and locked the door. Lord willing, our time machine will be waiting, just the same, the next time we have a chance to travel to the mountains. ------ Who says phone book publishers can't make editorial comments? If you check one local phone book for a Red Willow County office, you'll find the number under "Obnoxious Weed Board." I think they're referring to the weeds, not the people on the board.