Meanwhile back at Estes Park...... really a great place to explore and some beautiful hikes. There does remain the traffic and people issue, no wheres as bad as a Yosemite but miles away from "isolated". We are off to hike to three Lakes, Nymph,Dream, and Emerald. The trail head parking is so full you have to drive to a bus shuttle area and shuttle to the trail head, not really a bad deal but not what we expected, especially first thing in the morning.We got off at the wrong stop which added a 1/2 mile to our trip, sounds like no big deal but the 1/2 mile was all up and starting at over 9000 feet (pant/puff/puff). We were to gain over 900 feet in elevation in about 2 miles. Several were the times we begged for oxygen! But the effort was more than well rewarded. Awesome scenery, beautiful panoramas, plentiful wild flowers, mountain streams, and the awesome lakes.
Hiking along the well maintained trails. Roxy had to stay home, no pets are allowed on any of the trails (which is probably good for the Rox, she is a long way from being a pup).
Not sure why, but I'm a sucker for Indian Paint brush, we were able to see lots of it on the hik
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Here is the first lake in the series, Nymph Lake. It kind of pops/jumps out at you, almost a surprise, and what a pleasant surprise. 
Now it is time to talk about the pine beetle. Colorado is suffering strong and wide spread damage from the pine beetle. The rangers say they run in cycles, every so many years. They are natural but the destruction they cause is a terrible eye sore, not to mention a very dangerous fire hazard. To stop them will require either a forest fire or a very hard, cold winter. Seems a shame, but literally, that is life. Here is the same picture, undoctored up (admittedly not a very good job of doctoring, but you get the point).
Now it is time to talk about the pine beetle. Colorado is suffering strong and wide spread damage from the pine beetle. The rangers say they run in cycles, every so many years. They are natural but the destruction they cause is a terrible eye sore, not to mention a very dangerous fire hazard. To stop them will require either a forest fire or a very hard, cold winter. Seems a shame, but literally, that is life. Here is the same picture, undoctored up (admittedly not a very good job of doctoring, but you get the point).
So this is Nymph Lake, still a gorgeous lake, pristine and pure. And just a few huffs and big puffs up the trail we found Dream Lake.
Upper end of Dream Lake, which certainly did have some nice trout in its water, probably good eating but they are all catch-and-release.
All three lakes were, as you might guess, connected by streams. For the majority of our hike we could see or hear running water and a couple of time had to ford a stream.
The opening shot of this post is also a shot of Emerald lake. Once you get there you don't want to leave. I guess one gets a feel of what Thoreau and Emerson used to talk about and experience.
These magnificent boulders/mountain peaks surrounding the lake once again give understanding to the name Rockies.
My fearless, wonderful hiking partner and water carrier.
The stream coming from the waterfall offered many eye pleasing views also.
Sooner or later someone had to shoot me! Time for a break.
Our next day was another etc day, including a pleasant highlight of eating lunch at "Smoking Dave's", well worth the stop.
Upper end of Dream Lake, which certainly did have some nice trout in its water, probably good eating but they are all catch-and-release.All three lakes were, as you might guess, connected by streams. For the majority of our hike we could see or hear running water and a couple of time had to ford a stream.
The top lake, at 10,000 feet, was Emerald Lake. No question on how this fellow got its name.
The trail ends at Emerald Lake, as it would not be possible for most folks to continue. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains making a natural bowl to form this snow fed lake.
The trail ends at Emerald Lake, as it would not be possible for most folks to continue. The lake is surrounded by steep mountains making a natural bowl to form this snow fed lake.
The opening shot of this post is also a shot of Emerald lake. Once you get there you don't want to leave. I guess one gets a feel of what Thoreau and Emerson used to talk about and experience.
These magnificent boulders/mountain peaks surrounding the lake once again give understanding to the name Rockies.
Our round trip, which ended back at Bear lake, actually our 4th lake for the day, turned out to be 4.5 miles. Not such a strenuous hike as it might sound (although time washes away any pains - Shelle's description might differ some). Plenty of opportunities for rest and reflection - in fact this was one time I think Shelle was glad I stopped for pictures! Back at camp a well earned ice cold beer was quaffed graciously and appreciatively.
The next day found us back in the same area off to discover Alberta Falls, a simpler, shorter hike but still very rewarding. The hike started off in this almost cathedral like stand of aspen.
Lots of pretty to see along the way, reasonably short hike, so a leisurely pace was called for. The falls are magnificent, but like many falls difficult to get a good picture of. Here are the falls and some of the surrounding flora and fauna.
My fearless, wonderful hiking partner and water carrier.The stream coming from the waterfall offered many eye pleasing views also.
Sooner or later someone had to shoot me! Time for a break.
Our next day was another etc day, including a pleasant highlight of eating lunch at "Smoking Dave's", well worth the stop.
Next post, Lake Granby (we have to drive back up Trail Ridge Road and cross over 12,000 feet, this time with the trailer) - stay tuned!
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