What A Maroon

We saved the best for last for our hiking weekend. Maroon Bells is quintessential Colorado. It's probably one of the most photographed locations. Since running up a mountain isn't my thing, I broke away from the group to look at wildflowers. Besides, some of the scenery reminded me of the Forest Moon of Endor. I'll let nature speak for itself. The pictures don't do justice to how absolutely beautiful it was at this National Forest. 

Colorado's state flower, the Columbine, grows wild here.

To read more about Maroon Bells, click here:

https://www.stayaspensnowmass.com/activities/visit-maroon-bells

Bang! Bang!

Hiking to Rifle Falls is not just a shot in the dark. On Day Two of our hiking weekend adventure, Rifle Falls was the first of two stops. This was not far from Glenwood Springs, and it was an easy hike. As you can see, it's beautiful. But as we were hiking to the top of the Falls, we heard thunder. Oh oh!

Just like on the Jungle Cruise, my friends are checking out the backside of water.

To read more about Rifle Falls, click here:

https://www.colorado.com/state-parks/rifle-falls-state-park

Hanging By A Lake...Hanging Lake

Mudslides. Thunderstorms. Misplaced prescriptions. Lost car fob. A cracked windshield. Is it the Apocalypse? Nope. A group of friends were on our way to hike Hanging Lake Trail. As you'll see, the views are stunning. Besides the picture of me, of course.

Because this area has become so popular, you have to make reservations ahead of time to hike. To read more or to make reservations, click here:
https://visitglenwood.com/hanginglake/

Rocky Mountain High...Real High!

The last time I went camping was in 1980 with my parents and sister. When my friends suggested we go camping after the 4th of July, I wanted to be part of the group. What an amazing group of guys who made the weekend memorable.

Over the course of the weekend, we would hike to see Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, and Emerald Lake. We started at an elevation of 9,475 feet, and ended up around 10, 090 feet. I won't post the 243 pictures I took (aren't you lucky?), but I'll include a few. We saw all kinds of wildlife. It was so awesome!

To read more about the area, click here:

http://www.protrails.com/trail/60/rocky-mountain-national-park-nymph-dream-emerald-lakes?fbclid=IwAR1DM_hsNvUqqmHEvw1VhHdpXl_x57gpfQMHGENCjBjh_XCx9YDXtKx6png