Bear Lake and beyond...

As the smarter half of me just pointed out, I failed to mention or picture Ella in the last post.
As you can see in our pictures posted at the following link, she was definitely there: http://picasaweb.google.com/brystarks
She had an absolute blast, and loves to ride in the pack on my back. I'm almost afraid that she will get too big before she wants to stop riding in the pack.

So on to our next adventure....

After lunch we headed back into the park and cruised over the the Bear Lake area. This area is very well known, and unfortunately gets a bad rep due to the number of tourists that migrate to this central area in the peak season. We can't be confused as tourists because we've both visited here several times right? Anyhow, we were pleased to find the trail head parking lot only 1/3rd full. The real shock came when we hit the trail.

Upon hiking up to Bear Lake, Jenny noted an abnormal amount of snow surrounding the lake, and indicated we might not be able to hike up to our planned destination, Lake Haiyaha. Of course I wasn't willing to ask a Ranger about the danger (I know it rhymes, hehe), as they would just tell us that we shouldn't try it due to taking four children under nine along. So, I said we would be crazy not to do it. Off we went...

The hike was absolutely phenomenal. It was a bit slow going due to the snow (many times the trail absolutely disappeared and it isn't blazed), but it turned out to be one of my most favorite hikes. The kids had an absolute blast. Jenny and I instructed them on the "proper snow technique" and they only got the "cold butt award" a few times. There were some really sketchy sections that required focus and skill, and they all passed them like true veterans. We are so proud!

Ella hung in there riding the whole way in the pack telling me all along that I was "hiking with my girlfriend". Any of you that know me know that she has me wrapped around her little finger. She is definitely following a true lineage of folks that like to hang out outdoors, and it is easy to see. For that matter, it is hard to keep any of our kids inside, as well as keep shoes on them:-).

We ultimately were able to hit Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Dream Lake due to the snow fall and timing. That left us one lake shy of hitting our destination, but suffice it to say it was an awesome day.

We are getting all rested up tonight, and have another awesome hike planned tomorrow in the Indian Peaks just outside of RMNP.

Until tomorrow, we leave you in peace...