10 replies to this topic

[Scrapinator]

I had told my parents about the views from the Gem Lake trail, so we decided on Sunday morning to head up the trail. It was once again a beautiful morning. Bright sun, cool enough to be comfortable. We were not the only ones out enjoying the day, though. This little guy was just hanging out on the trail enjoying his morning.



We got to one of my favorite overlooks and took several pictures.



My dad must have decided to try his hand at view blocking (ala John) and i think for a first timer he did really well.



I always love it when I get to Paul Bunyan's boot. Always reminds me of a story I wrote in seventh grade. In a nutshell, it was about the forming of the Tetons. Paul's big blue ox babe was rolling around and he managed to push up the Teton mountains. When he found out what Grand Teton means he got so mad he stomped his feet forming the Grand Canyon. Can you tell where we were primarily backpacking about that time in my life?



We got to Gem Lake and it was a placid lake so there was a bit of a reflection.



We got to looking at this log in the water and if you look at it just right it looks like a bird sitting on a log. In fact, my mother was pretty sure at first that's what it was.



I was taking pictures of the dragonflies as I like to do. I will only post one. Sometimes it all works out for the photographer. The dragonflies were flitting around and not wanting to land anywhere. I finally decided to try to focus on one "on the wing" and I got lucky that it stayed in one spot long enough for me to focus and get this shot.



It's a tough life, though, for dragonflies. After taking this shot I saw a smaller dragonfly and was trying to figure out what kind it was and considering trying to photograph it. As I was watching it and considering another larger dragonfly came up behind it and snatched it out of the air. Oh, to have had the camera ready for that!

We started back down the trail after hanging out at Gem for a while. We paused long enough for me to get this shot of Estes Park. It looks so much smaller from this vantage point.



As usual, I had my eyes peeled for interesting sights, like butterflies and moths. I saw a little off white moth flutter by and thought about taking its pictures, but it wouldn't stay still long enough. A few moments later I saw it going past upside down. Well, that got my attention. This time it did stop and I got this shot. Another life ended on the Gem Lake Trail. I have no idea what the predator is.

[Lynette]

I love your pictures, Becky. You take great close-ups. The dragonfly is great!

Sure wish we could have spent more time there.

[Scrapinator]

We decided to take the long route down, going by Twin Owls. I believe this might be the trail to the old trailhead. We saw a nice group of Brown Eyed Susans,



Don't you wonder sometimes about how rocks end looking like they do?



And a different view of Twin Owls.



I wonder how long that bit of projecting rock in this picture will remain standing?



I love the names of some of the areas around Twin Owls. Bowels of the Owls?



It was getting sunny and warm so we rested under some trees and I got this nice shot of the scenery.



About this time my dad decided he wanted to get "Breakfast for Lunch" The idea of The Egg and I sped us on our way. I did pause to take a picture of this little one. He seemed to think that if he just stood still we wouldn't notice him.



I do have a reason for taking this next picture. My dad did some Civil War re-enacting for a few years. One story he tells is that when foot soldiers during the Civil War saw horse droppings they always said "Officer" We saw lots of officers on several trails. Some of which I think must have been generals.



Right as you get back to the trailnhead I spotted this group of rocks. Am I the only one that sees a dog's muzzle?



I wish I had thought to take the camera into The Egg and I to give you a complete feel for the day. Suffice it to say, it was a wonderful way to end another great hike.

Edited by Scrapinator, 09 August 2011 - 12:02 PM.

[mistylady]

I love reading about your hikes, Becky. You not only get the big shots, but you notice all the little stuff on a trail that is so easy to miss when hiking. Your dragonfly is awesome! And I adore your dad's blocking skills - an A+ for sure!

[Monica]

Another wonderful report, Becky!
Yes, I see the dog muzzle.
You had a great imagination as a child!

[Rhonda]

Life can be short in the Rockies. I see the dog's muzzle, and the bird on the log, too. And I loved your story about Babe the Blue Ox. I used to write stories about what I experienced on vacations, too. That dragonfly is awesome.

There are truly some great views on the Gem Lake Trail.

[B-Jay]

I enjoyed your interesting observations along the trail. It's fun to "see" different formations in the rocks.

Love the dragonfly shot!

B-Jay

[Allie]

Not only are you a wonderful photographer, but a fun storyteller. Great photos.

[foxfire]

Allie, on 09 August 2011 - 11:43 AM, said:

Not only are you a wonderful photographer, but a fun storyteller. Great photos.

Agree with Allie! Thanks for sharing!

Fox

[John]

You do the best job of close up shots! And your dad...a natural at blocking!

[DeeCeeM]

Fantastic pictures and report!