As wildfires destroy homes and wilderness areas elsewhere in CO, we remain very dry but unscathed in Summit County. On June 25, four of us hike the Gore Trail, starting at 8:30 AM at the trailhead near Copper Mountain and ending 8 1/2 hours later at the 10 Mile Creek Trailhead in Frisco.
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| Pink Paintbrush |
Wildflowers provide vivid color as we ascend.
Startled by the loud whirring of Ptarmigan Quail taking flight, we pass through the shade of old-growth pine forests.
High elevation meadows are still green and boggy from snowmelt.
Approaching Lost Lake glittering in sunlight, we spot 2 elk heading for cover in the forest.
Finally reaching the tundra above 11,500,' melting snow waters wildflowers in Nature's rock gardens.
Snow and clouds seem to merge at the horizon.
Snow and clouds seem to merge at the horizon.
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| Columbine |
The Blue Columbine, Colorado's state flower, flourishes in this harsh environment.
Glowing in fragile beauty, it grows amid lichen-covered rocks.
Glowing in fragile beauty, it grows amid lichen-covered rocks.
The snowmelt feeds a glacial lake, creating a shimmering oasis above tree line.
I long to sit and rest in this pristine spot, but we still have a long way to hike.
I long to sit and rest in this pristine spot, but we still have a long way to hike.
Continuing our descent on a twisty, rock-strewn trail through lodgepole pines, we must climb over fallen trees and wade through several chilly streams.
Entering the Eagles Nest Wilderness, we follow the 10 Mile Creek Trail to the trailhead in Frisco.
Entering the Eagles Nest Wilderness, we follow the 10 Mile Creek Trail to the trailhead in Frisco.
Uneva Pass is the high point of our hike (11,951'). We gain 2,552' in elevation and then lose 2,261.' Fording several ankle-deep streams, I put my waterproof trail shoes to the test. Wildflowers, sunny skies, and moisture from melting snow add to the wilderness mosaic. Sharing the experience with friends makes it even more memorable.
After 16 miles of hiking, I am very tired but also exultant.
Thank you to my husband who had dinner waiting when I arrived home!
I am also grateful for a hot shower and my comfortable bed.
I invite you to view my photo journal of the Gore Trail/ Uneva Pass hike.
"It does not matter how slow you go, as long as you don't stop." - Confucius
That is Very ambitious. So glad you don't have any fires nearby. The dryness is eerie. Today's clouds brought nothing.
ReplyDeleteHi,Barb!
ReplyDeleteThe news on wildfires in Colorado aired in Japan as well.How awful uncontrollable fires are, destroying houses and forested hills! However, I am so relieved to see your photos: the greens, the woods, the flowers and the sky are so fresh and beautiful.Also the melting snow and the glacial lake surrounded by blossoming flowers look as if they are giving the mountains moisture.
Thank you for inviting us to your photo journal.
They are beautiful!
Take care.
Tomoko
Wow, You really take advantage of what Colorado has to offer. What a great hike. Thanks for taking so many photographs.
ReplyDeleteI am so impressed that you walked 16 miles, a lot of that uphill. And I think 5 miles is a rough day. Big time kudos.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures are stunning, especially that Columbine shot.
I was wondering how you were doing with all of the fires around . I love the lost lake and the glacial lake. They are a feast to my eyes!! Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great hike, lovely photos. The wildfires are devastating Colorado Springs, my office is in the burned area and we don't know if it's still there (it probably survived because it's a steel-and-glass building). The rumors are that 100 houses may have been destroyed yesterday.
ReplyDeleteHi, Barb! What a timely post to tell us you’re safe and sound amidst the news of terrible wildfires in CO. I was so frightened to see the news. I hope these natural beauty won’t be destroyed by fires. Thanks for taking us along with you in this hiking. I saw all the photos. I especially like the lake photos and the one a person looks ascending to the blue sky. Take care and be safe.
ReplyDeleteYoko
Beautiful hike. Thanks for taking us along. Been watching the news and the Colorado fires. Go away heat!!!!
ReplyDeleteBarb,
ReplyDeleteI was worried about you, so I was very relieved to read your blog. TV news reported devastating wild fires. Always it is too sad to see nature being destroyed by fires.
White clouds and snow look like enjoying merry conversation, facing each other. When I saw the last photo, I believed that this place is the nearest to the heaven. I deeply breathed in fresh morning air and was bathed in the softly filtered sunlight with you!! Thanks a lot!
Take care.
keiko
What a hike! Beautiful pictures. You have such breath taking scenery. I am so glad you share it with us.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am happy to read that you are safe from the terrible fires. I have been praying for those impacted by these fires. Second, I loved following you along on this most beautful hike! What beauty Mother Nature has scattered about for those who explore to find! Just amazing beauty everywhere! Thank you so very much for sharing your part of the world with us! I can almost imagine dipping my toes into the cool water....
ReplyDeleteOMG! This takes my breath away. The photos, the beauty, the natural surroundings, the hike WOW. Fantastic Barb. I know I couldn't do it with my asthma and that high elevation. But I sure wished I was wish you on that journey. Carol
ReplyDeleteWow .. sixteen miles! Well done you. And such lovely scenery and company.
ReplyDeleteAmazing views and how you can do these long and hard hikes. I admire your courage.
ReplyDeleteGreetings,
Filip
Sixteen Miles! It's been a long time since I have hiked that far in a day. Now that Jules and I have both taken off some weight we are hoping to be able to hike farther.
ReplyDeleteI do hope that the fires stay far away from these beautiful mountains you showed us.
We had a great trip, we did get to visit with Gaelyn and Mike. I don't know how many of my pictures I will have time to post before we head out again for the cabin.
A beautiful hike Barb -- and believe me, after our little hikes (you'd call them walks) at high altitude I am in awe of your stamina. (As well as of your pictures).
ReplyDeleteWhat a hike! I can't believe all the wildflowers up that high. When I came to the two photos passing through the rocks, in your journal, I felt like I was up high! Photos are so much more realistic than they used to be.
ReplyDeleteGlad there was no smoke around. Thanks for sharing!
What a beautiful hike, it sounds like you had a wonderful time! Sorry to hear about the wild fires in Colorado.
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that you walked so far at that altitude! I'm glad you took the time to take photos along the way so we could pretend we are in as good shape as you are. :))
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always lovely, Barb, but this may just be the most stunning one yet. Really enjoyed all the photos in the journal...very well done! My favorite photo was of the 'shimmering oasis' glacial lake...I could sence the coolness of the water, made me want to touch, but not pick☺ the flowers in the foreground!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a beautiful hike. The lake is spectacular. And I love the quote, especially since I'm not good for 11 miles.
ReplyDeleteYour world is amazing, Barb...and you are still hiking through it!
ReplyDeleteI had to come catch up here, because I think of you every time I hear of the awful wild fires over there. I hope you will be safe up high there where you are!
what a breathtaking walk, I wish I could join you-I am a big fan of wildflower too; I have planned two weeks later this year helping in wildflower collection for organic herbal teas in the Italian Alps!
ReplyDeletehappy rest of this week+enjoy this amazing nature also for me pls...
Beautiful photographic journal, Barb, - I am continually amazed by the wonderful places you hike and your incredible stamina. Hope you soon get some moisture in CO - would gladly send you some of our floor waters to quench the dry earth.
ReplyDelete16 miles is quite a day hike! The high country is looking beautiful. I love how columbines thrive amid the rocks. I hope we all get some good monsoon rains soon to put out the fires and make future ones less likely.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great hike! I'm so impressed with how far and high you went! I smiled when I read "Eagle Nest" It brought back memories of a Gary Paulsen book my sixth graders like, "Danger on Midnight River." The main character, learns about survival from camping in the Rockies with his uncle. They camp at "Camp Eagle Nest." He later uses these skills to save some boys who had bullied him.
The flowers, mountains, trails and smiles in your photo journal pages are wonderful to view. I love the icloud layout!
Have a wonderful weekend, Barb!
*Blessings always,
Maria
ps. Those bright turquoise toes are Amanda's :o)
but I think that color would be fun on me too!
Well done Barb, thank you for sharing as always such fantastic pictures!
ReplyDeleteUK is still up to her knees in mud, not for enjoyable walking sadly.
Great photographs (as always). I am so impressed with your hikes and the elevations at which you climb. Glad you are not in harm's way but wish you could have some rain (without thunderstorms). Have a great weekend and relax.
ReplyDeleteAwesome photos my friend, I am jeleous of the fresh mountain air! we are melting here in the desert! 111 today! and the wind is so hot it takes your breath away. I can't wait to get into the mountain on the 24th, we are camping (yes in a tent) for 4 days in the Unitas. I am so looking forward to it and some time spent with my son and his little family! They will be in a trailer....hubby and I will be roughing it! hahahaha I love it!
ReplyDeleteI could stay a long time by the side of Lost Lake – the ground is so green. Your pictures are fabulous but also your hike – 16 miles, and in an uneven terrain! What an accomplishment! Nature looks so peaceful where you walked that it is hard to think that, in the same state, we can see such pictures of destruction. I am pleased that it is far from you. Thanks for coming to my blog and leaving a comment – I appreciate it a lot.
ReplyDeleteSuch a landscape should always be protected and revered. Your photos are very beautiful. How early in the morning are we talking about here by the way? :) I'm pretty sure I would have sat there in that place the whole day and munched on my sandwich.
ReplyDeleteBarb.
ReplyDeleteYour new header is sooooo lovely!
RedRose
I admire your stamina and photographs. I have thought of you as news of Colorado fires reaches here. Glad to hear your part of the state is untouched.
ReplyDeleteI have been so concerned about you and your beautiful state, Barb. It almost makes me want to cry, thinking of such beauty being destroyed by wildfires. On another note: a 16 mile hike! You are my hero.
ReplyDeleteI love the lake with the flowers in the foreground. Perfect.
ReplyDeleteWow, Barb! Your high mountains are much wetter than the ones that we visited. That's great. I love the wildflowers!
ReplyDeleteAnd, WOW, you hiked *16* miles? I am a few decades younger, but I can't hike further than about 7-8 miles due to my back. I am impressed beyond words.
It looks like you had a fabulous day!
A wonderful walk. The flowers and high altitude greenery and views are stunning. Well worth the day's walk I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteMy dear girl, this is amazing.
ReplyDeleteI have never done a hike like that, not even when I was young and fit. I take my hat off to you.
Hiking in such wonderful scenery makes all the hard work worthwhile. I can't begin to imagine how much physical and mental happiness an effort like that produces.
so much beauty
ReplyDeletea very long - to me- hike.
how lovely that your husband had dinner waiting.... wow to your amazing adventure.
may i ask, what kind of shoes do you have? are you happy with them?
Tammie, they are Montrail trail shoes (waterproof). I'm loving them. They are not above the ankle hikers but when water ran into them, they dried quickly - and no blisters. I got them at Columbia Outlet.
DeleteI have fallen way behind on reading blogs, so I am quite late in finally reading this. I felt as if I had just taken in the most refreshing and renewing sights ever as I looked at your beautiful photos. There is so much I wish I could find the words to express. After a week of watching so many devastating scenes from the fires in Colorado Springs, I truly needed to see other parts of my beloved state that remain pristine and beautiful. I know and love those hills that you hiked. I needed to see those summits, that sky, the patches of snow, the clear mountain lake, the columbine, the Indian paint brush. I needed to see those "twisty, rock-strewn trail through lodgepole pines" where you walked with your friends.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a long time since I hiked in that part of the world. I miss it so much. I miss the scenes, the air, the connection to the land. I hope you know that you continue to inspire me. I think of you as I walk. I think of you as I try to rebuild my health. I think of you when I worry about my heart. I remember that you had a much more serious event with your heart than I have ever had. If you can hike 16 miles in 8 1/2 hours, I certainly hope to someday again to at least tolerate the altitude enough to go on a short hike again. Thanks for sharing this beautiful post with us.
16 miles is a long day!! Especially w/ all that gain & loss in elevation. Oh, well worth it though... look at those views. Hard not to be envious! I can't even pick a favorite photo Barb, they are all amazing! I love your confucius quote... I am not a fast hiker! I tend to think that that way, I have time to enjoy the views even more than my faster counterparts. What a wonderful hubby you have, Barb... I have yet to have dinner waiting after a long hike!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th~