Aug 2, 2013 - Hanging Lake (one of the most popular hikes in Colorado)

The drive there was absolutely beautiful. We then went on a great hike with an even greater reward at the end. Geologically speaking, there are few places in the world that can compare to this marvel of Mother Nature.

Resting!

Ty and Car cooling off in the stream while Ry throws rocks!

Ty would often run ahead. Here he sat waiting on us to catch up!

He was such a trooper. Though the trail is only a little over a mile long, it is steep and rocky in places. It takes well over an hour to ascend. Fellow hikers kept looking at Ryder and saying, "If you can do it, I can do it!" Proud of my boy!

The clear turquoise lake and the waterfalls that spill into it are a breathtaking sight after the uphill climb.

Mom is Here!

My Mom flew in yesterday. She has never been to Colorado before. We are so thrilled to have her and cannot wait to have FUN exploring this great place together. There is a lot on my "To Do with Mom List" and it keeps growing. I know we won't fit it all in, so she will just have to start planning another trip :)

Today, we drove Mt. Evans - the road into the sky. It is the highest paved road in North America. From Memorial Day to Labor Day you can drive to over 14000 feet! Storms were rolling in as we descended.

On our way. Scary at times - no guard rails with steep drop offs!

At Summit Lake. 5 miles from the top!

Yellow-bellied Marmot

Mountain Goats!

Threatening Skies and COLD temps!!! We picked up a poor hiker on the way down and took him to his car.

Echo Lake near the bottom of Mt Evans

A great picture spot along the way

Drove Rte 6 on the way home and stopped to see Clear Creek. Mom fell and I laughed so hard (once I knew she was ok)!

Cleaning her wounds from Day 1! Her hip is going to be so sore.

A quick look at Red Rocks on the way home. They were preparing for a concert so we couldn't go in the amphitheater.

Ready for Day 2!! Going to Hanging Lake and Glenwood Springs. Quite a drive, but I hear it's beautiful.

St. Mary's Glacier 7/27

Saturday afternoon we hiked St. Mary's Glacier with our Care Group at church! It is a "must do again" hike! We had attempted this same hike back in April when Annsley was here and it was covered in snow. We couldn't even see the trail head. Grateful our 2nd attempt was successful. Colorado really is a beautiful place of adventure for our family! And, to all those people who love to come when we are buried in snow, please come in the summer some time. There is so much more to our state than skiing.

Our CG leader allowed Carter to drink from his CamelBak. Obviously not a germ a phobe!

Part of our CG

Look how handsome he is!

Glacier in the background