Yep, That's what we do in Colorado when the temperatures start rising.
We get high in the mountains to cool off.
(what were you thinking?)
A couple weeks ago, Jim, the dogs and I went for a 9+ mile trek through the high country (topped a saddle at 11,949 ft. elevation, averaged 11,500). We explored a trail we hadn't been on before. The wild flowers were poppin' and the water falls were flowin'! It was gorgeous!
Enjoy some of the pictures as we tried to capture the experience.
(but really, you just have to go for yourself)
~click to enlarge photos~
Adhering to the warning sign, Aspen inspects the unstable rocks.
Jim leading the way up to the saddle.
Amongst the "unstable rocks", I spy the tiniest bunch of wild flowers I have ever seen!!
Who could resist playing in the snow at almost 12,000 ft in June?
Crazy trail work!
Look closely and notice that the trail is outlined with rocks!
Who does this? Aliens?
Celebration Mountain
Looking across Bear Creek Valley
One of many waterfalls
Jim kisses a Grandfather tree.
So big and so old, bearing an ancient trail blaze, we just had to pause in awe of this natural wonder.
A glance back to the saddle we crossed through.
(located in the deep V right where the top of the tree is touching the sky)
A picnic at the Bear Creek Trail connection.
Exhausted Pups
As we hiked, we gathered bits and pieces of trash.
At the connection, I used a recovered piece of cord to rehang a fallen sign.
We also did some trail maintenance along the way back,
rebuilding trail cairns...
and righting fallen log markers.
Is that a baby dragon?!
(perhaps too much time in the sun at high elevations were getting to me)
Aspen looking regal.
A family of Marmots that taunted us with their whistles as we passed along the trail.
The dogs were so tired, they didn't even give these critters a second look.
(look close, it's like a "where's waldo" search - there are 4)
Thanks for joining us.
Hope you enjoyed the high!
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