The Old Mill in North Little Rock, Arkansas

This winter we went south to explore Arkansas. We stayed in the Northern parts but traveled to Little Rock for a day of sight seeing. The weather was cool but pleasant.
On the day we visited Little Rock, it was in the low 70's. Very comfortable for walking and touring.

Before we arrived in Little Rock, we made a stop at one of the more famous sights in North Little Rock: The Old Mill.

The Old Mill is a picturesque site located in one of North Little Rock's parks. It was used in the opening scene of Gone with the Wind. The park surrounding the mill has benches, trees, and blooming flowers.












Peter taking a picture of the Old Mill.



The Gardens have Faux Bois (Fake Wood) Sculptures throughout. These were installed by Mexican Sculpture, Dionicio Rodruquez in 1933.
Spectacular!

Trip to Valles Caldera

Sunday, Nov. 21st we traveled north to Los Alamos, New Mexico. We took the circle tour (a drive of about 90 miles) and explored places such as the Valles Caldera and took a step back in time.
The Valles Caldera National Preserve was a private ranch until 2000 when Congress created the Preserve in the volcanic Jemez Mountain Range. This 89,000 acre property is situated inside a collapsed crater. The area is very interesting and worth a return trip to do some hiking.
On the property itself is the original homestead.


This Peter looking through one of the windows on the property.


The original homestead.

First Day in Santa Fe

Monday, Nov 15th, 2010 was our first day visiting the town of Santa Fe. We began the day with a bit of geocaching knowing that this would be a way of exploring and getting to know the city.
One of the old adobe buildings in town.


Peter walking in the Plaza next to the Veteran Memorial.
Even on a cool day, there were still many people milling around in the Plaza.
A true gathering place for locals as well as tourists.


One end of the Plaza houses artisans who are selling their wares --- mostly pottery and jewelry. When talking with one of the gentlemen, I was told that they are out in the Plaza 364 days of the year (closed Christmas) selling their goods. They do not pay anything for the place that they chosen but sitting on the ground can not be very comfortable for the entire day.

While in Santa Fe we noted that shopkeepers and building owners were installing luminaries on the tops of their establishments. This all in preparation for Christmas.


Galleries were found in every corner of Santa Fe. Too numerous to count.


One of the market stalls in the Plaza selling wreaths and strings of chilis.

Trip to Taos

On Wed. Nov 17, 2010 we traveled north from Santa Fe to spend the day in Taos, New Mexico. The last time we had been there was in the mid 90's. Nothing seems to have changed.
Wonderful architecture, not much traffic and a great time trying to find the old places we had been to and to find new ones.

One of the places that we were looking to photograph was the St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ranchos de Taos. This was the subject of four paintings by Georgia O'Keefe and many photographs by Ansel Adams. Georgia O'Keefe described it as "one of the most beautiful buildings left in the United States built by the early Spaniards. It was built between 1772 and 1816 and is about 4 miles southwest of the town of Taos, New Mexico. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1970.

Dash to Milwaukee

On Sat. November 6, 2010 we left Fort Collins and headed to Milwaukee for a quick trip for a couple of dental appointments. Ride to Milwaukee was uneventful and the first night of the trip was spent in Des Moines, Iowa. En route we stopped for a couple of geocaches (only those that were close to the highway) to break up the trip. On Sunday we continued our trip and arrived in West Allis to pick up some of our prints that had been in a show at Walkers Point Center for the Arts. From there we headed to Wauwatosa to stop for a cup of coffee with friends, Paul & Maris. During our brief time with them we learned of a dietary plan that they were following that is meant to reverse diabetes. Food for thought.
We arrived at Sue & Tony's house in St. Francis where they had graciously told us we could spend the nite. Had dinner at St. Francis Brewery and then headed home to watch the Packers.

The following morning we were up early and left for our dental appointments on the North West side of Milwaukee.

Drove back to Fort Collins and arrived home on Nov. 9th, 2010.

On Nov. 8th Heidi had her surgery in Denver so we went to visit with her on the 10th before we would have to leave home again. This time to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Red Mountain Open Space

On Friday we decided that our adventure for the week would take us North of Fort Collins.
We had been told earlier in the week that the Red Mountain Open Space would be a good place to explore.
So with the weather predicted to be in the upper 60's we got out our map and headed north about 25 miles. On the way we stopped to catch a few geocaches en route.

Arriving at the Open Space we noted that one of the parking lots was closed due to rattlesnake hibernation. So we parked lower but had to walk through that parking lot to get to the trails. On the trail, I kept my eyes wide open in hopes that a rattler would not show itself on my path. With the warm weather I thought that they would be coming out of their hidey-holes! But none that we saw.

On our walk we had to cross a couple of creeks. I am always leery, but managed fine with Peter's encouragement. Of course Peter had to ham it up for the camera while he was crossing. No worry he has not fallen yet no matter how much he packs along with him!

And me going the opposite direction.

Peter getting down into the rattlesnake/cacti area.


Some of the wonderful birds nests that we found along the way. Built right into the side of the mountain.

Our new truck

When we moved to Colorado this summer we debated about having a truck to better navigate some of the back roads. We have been here about 3 months now and we have chosen to stick with our "regular" vehicles.
On the Poudre Canyon Road that we took this past Friday we came across what could be our new/old truck! A beaut don't you think?

Doug's Birthday

On Sunday Oct 24th, Doug turned 39!
Wow! How did that happen when we weren't looking?

Peter & I met Doug, Heidi and their friend Tom at a climbing gym in Thornton, Co.
Peter had not been climbing for some time so it was a time for a refresher course.
Doug also showed Tom the "ropes" of climbing.
And of course Doug showed us all what a fast monkey he is climbing up those walls.
Peter was not far behind.

Enjoyable morning.


Peter, Tom & Doug scaling the walls.


The family after the climbing.

In Search of Moose

On Friday, Oct 22nd we decided to take Hwy 14 from Fort Collins and head west along the Poudre Canyon. We had taken this twice before when we went to Steamboat Springs, but this day was intended to be a leisurely trip to catch the last golden hues of fall and a few moose grazing.

We were not disappointed along the way. The colors were obviously less than a couple of weeks ago, but what remained was brilliant.

Our destination for the day was to be Walden, Co (the moose capitol of the US). We had seen moose in the area before so we hoped we would again be lucky enough to catch sight of a few (or even one!). Alas, it was not to be so. No moose in the area today. We stopped several times for some geocaching along the way and our last stop for the day was to Cameron Pass TH. By the time we arrived there the snow was just beginning to fall gently. Along the trail, it began to come down heavier. The quiet in the woods was wonderful. All you could hear was the snow pellets off our hats and coats. We gave up for the day and headed back home. Perhaps the moose had been warned of our imminent approach? We will try again.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Peter & I got off to a very early start this morning. Alarm went off at 4AM. Our plan was to get to RMNP for a sunrise. We arrived at about 6:30AM. Drive into the park was uneventful....no large animals in the roadways! Arrived in the park before the staff was there to check us in. Our plan was to look for elk today, photograph a sunrise and do some geocaching.

Initially went to Bear Lake for the sunrise. On the way up to that point we first came across some wonderful glistening frost on the low lying plants. As we progressed farther up, the frost turned to snow. Lovely to look at with the aspen trees still glowing their beautiful golden hues. There were about 4 other cars in the parking lot when we arrived. One was covered with snow so we presumed that the occupant (s) had spent the nite up higher on an overnite hike.

Peter proceeded to walk to Bear Lake along with another photographer who arrived at the same time. Said the water was not calm, so not terrific for reflections, but still beautiful with the recent snowfall.

Sunrise at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park


Sunrise showing alpenglow at Bear Lake a few minutes after the initial shots.


Large bull elk taking a rest. Alone. Before or after his harem duties???!!!

As our car was almost empty of fuel, we then headed back to Estes Park to refuel the car and ourselves. We stopped for breakfast at a small restaurant called "The Other Side". Hearty breakfast of shared Denver Omelet, Blueberry Pancakes and coffee.

Following breakfast we decided to do some geocaching in the area. I had looked up about 10 places the night before. We were ready. We found all but one. Perhaps it had floated down the river or been taken by someone? Will never know. But the places we did get to were interesting.

Left this morning when the temperature was a mere 28 degrees and returned to Fort Collins where it was 70 degrees! What a pleasant way to spend a fall day!

Mount Audubon

Peter set off this morning at 4:30AM to hike/climb Mount Audubon. His plans are to meet up with Doug and Tom. They figure it should be about an 8 hour hike.
Very cold when he left......35 degrees.
Sun is now out and it has warmed to a balmy 45 degrees.

I am staying inside to work on our pictures from our latest trip to Vail and to do some reading. Contemplating baking something to warm the house a bit. Refuse to turn on the heat! Way too early. Expected to be in the low 70's later today. Will then head out for my daily walk.

Peter brought home images from his adventure on Mount Audubon.

Doug and Tom before the trek begins.


Douglas as he reached the top of Mount Audubon.


Doug's headstand when he reaches the top!


Who's happy now?

Peter joins in the fun!


Picking up a rock to return to Renee for her collection!

Grouse Lake Trail

Peter left this morning about 8am and was headed to the Grouse Lake Trail just north of Minturn. I was not feeling well and chose to stay home. His plans are to hike the entire trail (about 4.5 miles) and return to his starting point. He is figuring it should take him at the most 8 hours. Elevation gain on the hike is about 3,000'.

While he was gone, I chose to relax, go for a walk in the village and read my book and do some painting.

It is an absolutely heavenly fall day. The snow that had been at the tops of the mountains has melted. People are driving around in convertibles with the tops down! Is it really October? We are so used to much cooler weather in Wisconsin. This will take some getting used to? No!

Lost Lake Trail

On Wed, Peter and I headed north on Red Sandstone Road. We drove up the FS Road 700 to the start of the trailhead. The road had recently been graded and was much less bumpy than when we took it last week. Big improvement.

The full trail was 3.73 miles between trailheads. The plan was for Peter to go the whole distance to the lake and then turn around and head back to the car. My plan was to walk about a mile and then head back to the car.

The trail followed a ridge dividing the Piney and Red Sandstone drainages while traveling through lodgepole pine and aspen groves. I'm sure the color was more vibrant a couple of weeks ago, but it was still a great place for a hike. To begin with we were the only 2 on the trail. It was so peacefully quiet. Gave us a chance to really experience nature. Along the way I noted a couple of Pileated Woodpeckers pecking away on the trees. Just me and the woodpeckers. No camera along.

The trail gradually climbed about 600 feet to the high point and then dropped down to Lost Lake. Peter said that he was able to see Vail ski slope from the top of the ridge. He stopped for about an hour to munch on his lunch and take some pictures. And then headed back to the car. As he was coming down the trail, he called me and I started out up the trail to meet him.

It was a beautiful day. Weather was perfect. Definitely a place we could return to when we get back to the Vail area.

Mount Massive Snowstorm

Thursday's drive took us South from Vail on the way to Leadville.
We stopped several times for some geocaching at Turquoise Lake and San Isabel National Forest.

During the day we stopped near Mount Massive to take pictures of the snow storm approaching.

Geocaching near Vail, Colorado

On Wednesday, we decided to do some geocaching in the area.
For those who have not done this, it entails using a GPS to find hidden objects in sometimes unusual and out of the way places. It gets us to go in areas that we may not have explored previously.

We started our day at Vail. The plan was to go West and then South, perhaps as far as Leadville. We never made it to Leadville, but will go there today (hopefully).

Our first find of the day was at Dowd's Rapid right off Hwy 24 and Hwy 6. Well hidden.

Our second one took us to Grouse Creek/Grouse Creek Trailhead a short distance further. This one was a bit more difficult to locate. Peter's persistence paid off when he discovered it in the middle of a beaver's dam! Eureka!

From there we headed south to Minturn and stopped for a BBQ lunch at Kirby Cosmo's BBQ. Enjoyable lunch to complement the pleasant weather.

We continued south to the old mining town of Gilman. Closed to the public but viewable from Hwy 24 overlook. Here too we found a cache hidden in the railing.

From there we headed to our most difficult find yet at Homestake Creek Camping area. I eventually gave up but Peter again persisted by hiking farther back and scrambling over rocks. The area was a great environment for moose (as the sign at the start indicated), but alas they kept themselves hidden from our view.

Our last 2 finds of the day were near Camp Hale where the soldiers of the 10th Mountain Division trained during WWII. We found the first easily enough, but the last one escaped our eyes and we will return today. Interesting place.

View of moose habitat in Homestake Creek Camping Area.

Eagle's Nest Wilderness

On Monday, Peter and I decided to explore the area near Vail.
We first went to the Holy Cross Ranger District in Minturn, Colorado to pick up information on various hikes in the area. We chose hikes that were listed as "easy to very difficult" picking the Lost Lake Trail #1893 as our first choice. We drove back to Vail and headed North on Red Sandstone Road #700.

As we expected, most of the color on the Aspens was already past, but what remained was bright and beautiful and worth stopping along the way for pictures. The road that we took was a FS road and not in the best condition. Very bumpy ride for about 5 miles. We arrived at the trail head and decided that it might be best to go on to the next stop which was the Upper Piney River Trail #1885. This would give me a shorter walk than what Peter was able to take.

We passed several camping areas and commented that it would be a quiet and peaceful place to camp some day when we return. We crossed over the Piney River along the way until we reached the Piney River Ranch where we began our hike.

We separated after about an hour and Peter went on further to the cascading waterfall. The trail after the falls leads to Mount Powell which is another destination for Peter on another day. The trail winds its way through aspen groves and spruce and fir stands. The whole area is in the Eagles Nest Wilderness.

Peter and Renee on the trail

Peter on the right returning from his hike with storm clouds building overhead.

Fall Color in Vail

View of our condo from the mountain top.

Woke up this AM in Vail after arriving late last nite. Too dark to really see what our surroundings were like.

Walked out onto the porch outside our unit this morning to be treated to a beautiful site.
The ski hill is right outside our window.
Color is beautiful. Makes for a golden mountain side ---- hence the name "Golden Peak".
Below our deck is a mountain stream.
Can't wait to explore the area around here.
Should be interesting. As we understand it, no cars in Vail per se.
Bus, foot or bike transportation.

Let the exploring begin!

Pictures to follow......

First Fridays

Last nite Peter & I had a chance to go to First Friday Art Walk in Fort Collins.
Was an enjoyable evening. Good to talk with other artists and see what is happening in the local art world.
Pleasantly warm and many folks were outside eating their meals. CSU marching band was strolling downtown entertaining those looking at art.

Trip to the Tetons

While we were visiting with Andy, Tara, Hailey & Emily in Lander, Wyoming we decided to take a day trip to the Tetons on Monday while they were all either at work or school. We had not been to the Tetons or Yellowstone for some time and wanted to search out some of the large animals that populate these parks. Specifically we were looking for bison, elk and moose.
We drove the 21/2 hrs from Lander and arrived at Oxbow Bend just inside the park at about 7:15AM. Unfortunately we were about 15 minutes late for the sunrise but the scene was still breathtaking. Peter got out to take some pictures. As it was a very nippy 32 degrees, I decided to stay in the warm car and just take in the beauty.

From there we traveled south to the new visitors center and then headed back north to Yellowstone. We rode in search of lunch at one of the restaurants, but when we arrived at the Grant Village General Store and Restaurant we discovered a sign on the door saying it was closing on Sept. 20th (the day of our trip) and there was no food available.

We headed south again, still looking for moose & elk. We did not find any on our travels and decided to have lunch at Dornan's in Moose, Wy. We had our burgers outside on the picnic tables (by this time it had warmed up considerably) facing the Grand. We recalled fondly the time that we (Doug, Heidi, Peter & myself) made our journey up to the Grand. We figure it was the late 90's. Peter has a hankering to do that again.

We left the park and headed East over Togwotee Pass to Lander. If there had not been construction on the road it would have been an easier ride. As it was, it was dusty and slow. We arrived home to Andy's in time for pizza and story time with the girls.

Here are a couple of pictures from our Teton Day Trip.

The Grand.


Lupine Meadows near Taggert Lake.

Emily's Climbing Adventure

On Sunday, Sept. 20th, the Skiba family took a walk to City Park in Lander, Wy.
The girls wanted to play on the playground for awhile.
With the normal playground equipment of slides and swings there is a climbing wall that the girls gravitated to.
Both Emily & Hailey tried climbing the wall. A good adventure for both.
.
Emily on the wall.


Hailey trying to climb the wall.

Both girls did well with a bit of encouragement of dad and grandpa.

Colorado River

After Peter's long hike to Mount Ida, he was gracious enough to
go on a shorter walk with me. We went to the Hozworth Historic area in Rocky
Mountain National Park.
Trail goes along the Colorado River that Peter is standing by.

Beautiful day!

Hike to Mount Ida

Yesterday brought us back to RMNP for an early start on a hike that Peter wanted to do to Mount Ida. Road construction in the park slowed us down a bit on the way up, but he eventually started at 7:30AM on the trail to Mt. Ida (12,880) and returned to the car by 2PM.
I stayed and waited for him during his hike. Construction workers and trucks all around me.
Quite nosy and smelly at times. But gave me a chance to finish my book and do a bit of knitting.

Peter says that it was cold and very windy on top and I believe him because I was experiencing the same at my elevation.
The trail that he took was along the Continental Divide.

Peter was also able to see the smoke from the recent fires in Boulder and Loveland early on during the hike. These became less noticeable as the day progressed.

After Peter finished his hike, we waited in line with all of the other cars for the road paving equipment to let us proceed down Trail Ridge Road. As I had been waiting all day, I felt I need to have some kind of easy walk/hike. We first stopped at the Colorado River Trail but decided to go on to the Holzwarth Historic Site. This is in the Never Summer Mountain Range. Buildings on the site date back to the early 1900's. It was known as the Never Summer Ranch where tourists from the Denver area spent time relaxing.

Poudre Lake

On Tuesday, Peter & I were in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Peter's plans were to hike up to Mt. Ida on the following day.
The Poudre Lake shown in this picture is at the bottom/beginning of the trail.

Four Bikers that we met on the road to Mount Epworth

These are the 4 bikers hamming it up for the camera.
Picture taken with Mount Epworth in the background.

Bartek Wolczyk, Ruben Karel, Brett Marraccini, Summer Ruckman.

Great meeting all you! Enjoy your biking

Hike to Mount Epworth

On Sat. Sept. 11th, Peter hiked to the top of Mount Epworth. (11,843ft)
This was after an hour's drive up to Rollins Pass (near Winter Park, Co).
The road was extremely rutted. We bounced around driving to avoid the
holes in the road. Slow going. Some scratches on the side of the car.
We had to go on a CR as Hwy 40 was closed at the pass due to a pipe line being laid.
Made for an interesting, dusty and bumpy ride.

On the way we passed the old Moffat Railroad that was used in the mountains to
transport goods and materials.

When we arrived at Mount Epworth, we decided to hike on the trail.
Me on the safe side......and short side....
Peter opted to climb up to the top of the Mount.
He made it to the top despite the strong winds and signed in on the log.
Last climber was in Aug. 2010.
We kept in touch via 2 walkie-talkies. I feel better keeping in touch.
Let's me climb along while tucked away in a pocket!
Mount Epworth on the right.

Peter before the hike.

Winter Park

Left Fort Collins again on Friday, Sept. 10th after doing mundane chores around the house.
We headed for Winter Park late in the afternoon and chose to drive through Rocky Mountain National Park to our destination. Not wise as it was late and dark by the time we arrived.

Checked into Indian Peaks resort for another week's vacation.

Return to Fort Collins

We left Steamboat Springs this morning and returned home to Fort Collins.
Passed Rabbit Ears Pass on the way. Stopped at the State Forest State Park.
Area is known for their moose, but unfortunately they did not show themselves for us!

Arrived home, washed the filthy van and drove to Golden to have dinner with Doug and Heidi and deliver a chair. Home late.

Return to Flat Tops Wilderness

Saw many more sheep grazing today in the area. Rainy and sunny today.

Peter did a quick hike to the Little Causeway Lake. Started to rain and hail on the way.
Renee stayed by the car until the rain came and took pictures of the the horses and landscape.

Peter reported that it was very wet. Covered his backpack, but boots and pants were soaked. Met 6 hikers from Madison, WI and gave them refuge while their keys were found

Flat Tops Wilderness Area

Drove south from Steamboat Springs this AM.
Destination - Flat Tops Wilderness.
We rediscovered Cold Springs Campground. Took photos here last year that were sold for the Columbia/St. Mary's Hospital project in Milwaukee.

Along the way we came across sheep grazing near Stillwater Reservoir.

Did a short hike to Smith Lake and took pictur4es of the Devil's Causeway.
Sheep were all around us.
Great!

Shopping in Steamboat Springs

Stayed in town today and did some shopping for Hailey's birthday on Sept. 17th.
Her wish.....anything related to horses!
After walking all over town and not finding what we wanted, we ended up at an landmark store in town --- FM Light. This was the right store! Had just what we were looking for.

After shopping we drove north of town to watch dog trials for border collies and other dogs who herd sheep. Interesting.

Fish Creek Falls

On Sunday, Sept. 5th we drove a short distance out of town to Fish Creek Falls. We had been to this same trail in 2009.
Renée walked up the paved route to the Falls and then back to the car to read and watch other hikers in the parking lot. It was a busy day there as the weather was beautiful and it was Labor Day weekend. Parking spots were at a premium!

Peter to the longer trail with the intention of getting to Long Lake. He tried this a year ago but only got as far as the upper falls. A local along the way suggested using the "Hike the Boat" for good places to hike and explore.
Peter followed the trail about 6+ miles to Long Lake Reservoir, a water source for the town of Steamboat Springs. He traveled through a marshy area and got his boots full of mud. Met mountain bikers along the way riding down the path either from Dumont Lake or from Buffalo Pass. Long hike, but happy he made it.

Hahn's Peak

Drove from Steamboat Springs this morning North to the State Park near Hahn's Peak. Drove up the forest road to get to the trail head.

Renée started out on the trail, but determined that the elevation gain was a bit much and chose to stay at the trail head and let Peter go on up the trail.

Peter met a retired forest service fire fighter on the summit who knew the area well.
He was able to see Steamboat Lakes in the south from the top as well as Mount Zirkel to the north. Nipple Peak was also visible to the west.

Enjoyable weather and enjoyable day.

Morning Walk

Up for our early morning walk as usual. Awoke to thermometer registering 49 degrees. Seems a bit cool for the 2nd of Sept., but as this is our first Sept. as residents of Colorado, I guess we will learn soon enough what is normal and what is not.

Put on our jackets, Peter tied on his weights, and I grabbed the cold water bottle. Heading north on our usual route, the wind was fierce. We estimated it was about 30+ mph with gusts up to 40+. May be exaggerating a tad, but I think not. It was hard heading up hill and into the wind. But we completed our lap and returned home with thoughts of hot chocolate and maybe hot cereal for breakfast. But alas I was too tired to make the hot cereal, so I opted for a comfortable chair and my cup of hot chocolate.

Is this the start of fall already?

By mid afternoon, the temps have reached 70 and it is quite pleasant. That's how Colorado is....big swings in the temperatures. Usually quite cool for sleeping.

Beautiful Weather!

Absolutely beautiful weather here in Fort Collins this morning. Actually quite cool this morning when we got up at 3:30AM. Peter headed out to Rocky Mountain National Park for a weekend camping/hiking trip with son, Douglas. Peter left early this morning in order to obtain a camping spot.....First Come, First Served. No reservations available.

During the day his plans are to hike in the park and then meet with Doug after Doug's day at work in Golden.

I chose not to go and remain at home to catch up on some personal stuff before we leave for Milwaukee next week. Do a bit of painting, reading unpacking (still!) and generally relaxing.

Heading out for a walk of my own later in the day.

Kids are back in school. Neighborhood is very quiet!

Home Repair

Have workers here this morning doing touch up on paint and countertops.
Little repair jobs that just take time.
Home warranties.....a good thing...

Trip to Rocky Mountain National Park

Rose very early on Monday morning.....3:30AM to be exact.....and headed out to RMNP hoping to be there in time for a sunrise. We arrived so early that no one was even at the gates when we passed through. We drove to the part where we had seen elk before and were treated to a large herd grazing and drinking from the river. Of course it took time to set up the tripods etc, so by the time that was done, they had moved farther on up the field. Did get a couple of pictures of the sunrise. The best part of this sunrise was the fog bank that hung over the field.

As the elk moved on, we moved on as well. Getting so good at following them. Just observing their behaviors is a thrill. We even heard a little bugling before we left that spot.

Our main destination for the day was to do a hike near Bear Lake. The plan was for Renee to hike around Bear Lake while Peter headed farther up the mountain range. His goal for the day was to reach Lake Haiyaha. We both began at 7am at the parking lot. Peter going one way and I going the other. We had our walkie talkies on hand to stay in touch. We began at an elevation of 9475'. My walk was only an elevation gain of 20' and easy enough for me. Stopped many times to take pictures around the lake. Wonderful reflections and a perfect time of the day as the path was not littered with other hikers. About 1/2 around, it began to rain and the look completely changed. No reflections. Water very unsettled.

After my walk, I went back to the car and had a granola bar and sat and read for a bit knowing that Peter would still be several hours longer in his hike. While waiting, the hikers came in waves being dropped off by the shuttle bus. No more peaceful walk around the lake. I was glad I started early.

As the day progressed, so did Peter and he kept me informed by walkie talkie. He hiked first to to Nymph Lake (about 1/2 mile) and then on to Dream Lake (another 1/2 mile). Elevation at this point was about 10000'. From there he went on to Emerald Lake stopping many times for pictures. When he reached Emerald Lake he had to backtrack on the trail to get to his final destination, Lake Haiyaha. He said his legs felt fine and this was good practice for his next trip with Doug in a week.

When Peter reached Lake Haiyaha, he called and said he was coming down. I told him I would meet him along the way. Little did I know that the climb was so steep. Even with a walking stick it was hard for me and I made many stops on the upward path. But the destination of the first Lake (Nymph Lake) was well worth the effort. A lake with many lily pads and yellow flowers. I did not carry a camera, so had to rely on Peter's pictures. I started to head to the next lake, but my legs said "are you crazy?". I chose to wait for Peter at Nymph Lake and do a bit of people watching. By this time of the morning there was no lack of people to watch.

Eventually, Peter arrived back to where I was waiting. We then walked down to the parking lot together. Total trip for Peter was about 6 miles. At the peak of the hike he reached 10, 220'. A good morning for both of us.

From there we headed out to lunch on the fringe of the park at Trailside Restaurant. A delightful lunch on the deck overlooking the mountains. During our entire meal, we watched the hummingbirds feeding on the deck. Very active.

Having finished lunch we headed back home to Fort Collins. Along the way we encountered Big Horn Sheep on Hwy 34. Some feeding close to the roadway and others, a ram included a tad farther up the mountain. Stopped for quite some time to take pictures. Always a thrill to have the opportunity to see them up close. From there we continued on our drive home only to stop once more when we came across a herd of elk grazing in a pasture. By the time we arrived home the rain had started once again. All in all a great way to spend the day. Plans are to return again this week, weather permitting.

Lake Haiyaha

Bear Lake (left) and Nymph Lake (right) from the trail



Joshua Been, plein air painter at Dream Lake