Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Fun with Kerry and Brandon

We traveled to Colorado for an extended vacation that began in Fort Collins where Kerry (Sheri's sister) and her husband Brandon live.  The week included lots of hikes, some scrambling, climbing and a 3-day backpacking trip in Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP).  The weather was all that we hoped for, i.e.,  sunny, hot and arid with cool evenings that made for some great sleeping.  The first few days we stayed close to Fort Collins, exploring the trails to Horsetooth Ridge, and climbing at Duncan's Ridge.  We also had great day hiking to Emerald Lake in RMNP as a warm up for our backcountry trip.  The backpacking in the Wild Basin area of RMNP took us to higher elevations where we had plenty of snow and some cooler temperatures.  We saw lots of wildlife, wildflowers, snow and even got to swim in a spring-fed mountain lake with fantastic views; that is, until we were driven out by a beaver.   We missed Brandon on the backpacking trip, but were glad to have Kerry as a companion and guide.  She did some great route finding when the trail became buried in snow and the way was uncertain.  She was rewarded at Thunder Lake with a cup of tea prepared by Bruno who remembered to "put in the stove".

Horsetooth Ridge in Fort Collins

Hiking to Emerald Lake


Tea at Thunder Lake

View from Thunder Lake (we heard thunder!)


Ouzel Lake


Climbing at Duncan's Ridge in Fort Collins

You can see more photos at this link

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