There was no time to properly load my pack. Items were grabbed from storage shelves and tossed into the empty cavity. More time was taken to fill the 100 oz. bladder than the entire pack. Est. weight, about 36# 8.0 oz.
 |
| RTD would love this level of dedication to public transportation. |
Arriving at ACAA with minutes to spare, put me last to board the van. Early morning traffic on I 70 and gawkers on our approach to Estes Park left some on the van to question if we would make the park checkpoint by 9 a.m.
We must have the worlds best and luckiest van driver in Ed Blum. We arrive at the checkpoint at 9:03. There are three vehicles in line. Will they be asked to turn around or allowed to continue to the shuttle bus site.
At 9:05 we reach the checkpoint with two park rangers standing in the middle of a dusty construction site. One told Ed, "I was thinking about when I should start turning vehicles around." With that, Blum stepped on the throttle propelling us down Bear Lake Road.
Authors Note: Over the next two years, park visitors can expect major construction on the lower 5.1 mile Bear Lake Road. Crews have already stripped the old road surface leaving a mini dust bowl for park visitors. Road work begins at Trail Ridge Road/Highway 36 and continues to the Bear Lake/Glacier Basin Campground intersection. The span is being upgraded with retaining walls, and proper drainage before a new surface is installed. The two-year project will include a reroute of about a mile of road away from wetlands, plus fix a number of old problems.
 |
| Two guys enjoy a moment of solitude and natural beauty. |
Last year, 440,000 visitors rode a shuttle bus to one of the TH's in this part of the park. As we turn the corner into the shuttle lot, the line of visitors already waiting for a shuttle bus is quite long.
 |
| HCH members approach the talus field. |
The ride to Glacier Gorge TH is short. After cinching our packs, I noticed a group of eight fishermen talking about what they would be doing today. "You guys in a fishing club," I asked. "No, we just decided to get together and go fishing today," one said. Another added, "We are all from Longmont, except one (pointing to what appeared to be the senior member of the group), he is from Oklahoma."
 |
| Sections of trail offer hikers man-made steps to get to the top. |
The TH at 9,240' elevation, leads to a solid and wide section. Later trail becomes narrow for the .6 mi. to Alberta Falls. Another .7 mi., to the junction with North Longs Peak Trail. And another .6 mi. to the junction with Lock Vale (Valley) and Black Lake Trails.
 |
| On approach to the lake, trail becomes solid rock |
Alberta Falls is running fast and furious this time of year. A wonderful place to rest, take photos, or just soak up the soothing sounds of the falls. As we make our way up Glacier Gorge Trail, we are faced with a section of rock debris called talus. After that, hikers are moderately challenged by rock steps, a few muddy spots, and some lazy switchbacks before reaching a section of solid rock just before the lake appears thru the trees.
 |
| It keeps getting better and better. |
As is the case with most lakes in the park, views from virtually any spot is one of unique beauty. Longs Peak, with it's majestic 14,255' summit, peaks out between Mt. Lady Washington (6,328) and Pagoda Mtn. (132,497). Pagoda is next to Chiefs Head Mtn. (132,579). Dove Glacier clings to the west face of Longs Peak. Mills Glacier is nestled between Chiefs Head and Pagoda Mtn.
 |
| Incredible! |
No spot...a rock, a clump of grass, a log, or at waters edge...is a bad spot to have lunch at Mills Lake.
I learn I am not the only one who made a hasty exit from the house this morning. It seems Ed forgot his lunch in the frig. Not to worry...included in the items Gary2 tossed in his pack was a backpacking stove, some freeze-dried meals, a bowl and utensils. Other members of the group offered Ed fresh fruits. Nobody would go hungry today. In minutes, Gary2 had a pot of Lasagna with meat sauce to share.
 |
| A friendly Hoary Comma displays its best pose. |
 |
| It likes to rest on soft meaty surfaces. |
There are times when nature provides an unexpected surprise. My eye caught movement beside me. On an exposed tree root, flexing its wings in the bright sunlight was a beautiful Hoary Comma butterfly. Commonly seen in the rocky mountains, this guy seemed to have no problem hanging out with us. A moment later John said, "Hey, he's on my sock."
 |
| I do not want to leave. |
While repacking the kitchen, a knife I was holding slipped out of my hand and into the lake. "I'll grab your belt if you can reach down and get it," Ed said. John made sure neither of us would go head first into the water by holding Ed's arm. The knife was retrieved on the first try. The only problem was the full weggie Ed left me with was extended as he gave an extra tug on my belt before letting go. Thanks buddy!
 |
| Trust me, the water is NOT as cold as it is clear. |
The thought of leaving a scene like this was a bit sad. Certainly many visitors we passed on trail today felt the same. I regularly take the sweep position on trail. It provides me the opportunity to stop, turn and take one more look at the unique landscapes we have enjoyed.
 |
| The lucky ones plus two new High Country Hiker members from Indiana. (Kate Hiser-pink hat-and husband Mike behind her) |
A group photo was a must this trip. As Gary2 was setting up the camera, somebody became engaged in conversation with a couple. The two were invited to be instant members of High Country Hikers. After the shot, Gary2 learned the couple from Carmel, Indiana were Kate and Mike Hiser. Carmel is located just north of Indianapolis, the former home of Peyton Manning, now a Denver Bronco. Our request for information on their trip to RMNP has gone unanswered. The reply to our email indicated they would return home next week. Check back for an update to this posting.
 |
| It's all about the journey...enjoy it. |
Our shuttle bus connection at the TH went well. We were back at the pick-up lot and on or way out of the park by 3:15. A stop at the Colorado Cherry Company, midway between Estes Park and Lyons, proved good for everyone. Their specialty, home made cherry pie. Just like grandma used to make...ALMOST!
Total miles = 5.0
Total elevation gain = 700'
No comments:
Post a Comment