I woke up to a cloudy sky, more accurately it felt like I was in a cloud, but I trusted my weather app and set out anyway. This is what it looked like when I left my truck at the trailhead:
But, in about 100 yards my faith paid off:
SUNSHINE!! We haven't had a lot of that around here recently, but I'm grateful for all the rain because it means a better summer. This is a beautiful hike, but the first mile (of 2) is VERY steep, kind of a hard way to get started but its worth it.
The hike was lovely and cool, but I started to wonder if I was going to be able to get past the waterfall, which is usually pretty tame. It was running high, but thanks to my hiking poles and my super great Keen hiking boots (product placement!) I got by just fine.
Next along the trail is one of my favorite places in the world. I've been to this spot with my friends, my kids, my wife. It is most lovely in the fall when the aspens are in their glory. It may not look like much, but when I step into this meadow I forget my cares and my heart soars!
Next is the lake, which sits in a lovely spot and you'd think you were so far away from the world. I had the place all to myself. My son-in-law-Stephen was supposed to be with me, but he chose the better part and was with his family (he's leaving on a business trip on Monday). Good call Stephen, but I missed you.
I recently bought a fly rod, because for many years I have wanted to learn to fly fish when I moved back to the mountains. So here I am, and thanks to the really nice guy at Bass Pro Shops, I had the basic flys and how to fish them. The Olive Wollybugger was knocking them dead! My casting wasn't so great, but I was catching fish (catch and release) and having a blast. I even successfully did some roll casts right next to some trees and caught a fish there too!
Before I left I had to take the iconic fly fishing picture. There should be a wicker creel in there, but I don't have one!
The hike down was equally lovely (and lots easier). What a jewel this place is, 15 minutes from my house and up in the mountains I love. If Sue had been home she would have enjoyed fresh trout for lunch!
So I'm back blogging, so give me your comments, and look for me on Facebook...I'm coming back to that too!
