22 replies to this topic

[Scrapinator]

When Ed and I first chatted about going on a hike with my dad, I said that there were only two requirements -- we wouldn't do a knob and no stream crossing. So, of course when we went out that Saturday, we went to Knob 8 and crossed a stream. Everyone survived, so I guess it was OK, though there was one heart-stopping moment.

We met Ed at the Bear Lake parking area. We had talked about meeting at Glacier Gorge, but the parking area filled really early that morning. Our plan was to do Zone, Joyce's and Beautiful Lake Marv. Ed immediately found me some beautiful running water. I guess he knows now what I like to take pictures of.





We were actually doing the lakes in the reverse of what I had done on previous trips, so we started with Zone. We were there almost before I realized it.



My dad had brought along his trail map to have Ed help identify where we were going. The two intrepid explorers consulted at Zone. Ed is holding his bug spray. There were some voracious skeeters and they seemed partial to Ed.



We spent some time walking around Zone. Taking pictures of the views and the lake.



Of course, I found a wildflower to photograph. This is a type of Lousewort.



In what seemed a hop and skip we were at Joyce's Pond.



Is this the wimpiest frolicking you every saw?

[kadeycat]

Looks like my version of heaven. No frolick to too wimpy!!

Looks like you had a great day.

[Scrapinator]

I had mentioned to Ed the elk remains we had seen the first time I hiked with him last June. So, we were able to go by it again. Ed said that when he first saw it one of its legs had porcupine quills in it. It was obviously either killed by a predator or scavenged after death as its remains are scattered around a fairly large area.





The brown ball you see here is one its stomachs.



We looked around at the knobs. It might have been about this time that it was decided we would go up Knob 8 -- the East Glacial Knob.



Our fearless leader on the way to Beautiful Lake Marv.



Some of the beautiful territory we went through.



We arrived at Beautiful Lake Marv and relaxed and admired how beautiful it is.



I considered some more light duty frolicking but changed my mind after seeing the Lake's inhabitants. Yes, that brown wormy thing is a leach. Ed tried catching one, but they weren't cooperating.



Another knob -- I am pathetic at identifying them. This MIGHT be Knob 9, but Ed can confirm if it is 8 or 9.



My dad relaxing at the lake.

Edited by Scrapinator, 19 August 2011 - 08:54 PM.

[Scrapinator]

As we continued on our way, we turned and looked back at Marv.



We started up the Knob, pausing periodically to enjoy the views.







It was about this time that the heart stopping moment occurred. My dad just turned 77. He admits his balance is not what it used to be. In the last few years he has fallen twice, one breaking his pelvis and one some ribs. I stayed behind Ed and Dad most of the day, mainly to look out for my dad. Well, we came to an area with some brush and he stepped into it. He lost his balance. I tried to hold him up but he was too much for me. He went down. It was one of those slow-motion things. There was a rock sticking up where he was falling. Ed and I both had visions of him hitting his head on that rock. Fortunately, he missed the rock -- he was pretty mad at himself for falling. Just a few scrapes on his leg. After he got up we continued on our way, breathing a major sigh of relief.

One more turn in the route and we were at the top without further incident.



We rested at the top for quite a while. Here is the only injury from the fall.



My fantastic companions for the day.





The views were wonderful from the top of the Knob. ( should be the name of a restaurant "Top of the Knob")

Edited by Scrapinator, 19 August 2011 - 08:56 PM.

[Scrapinator]

We visited with a couple of gentlemen who had also come up from Lake Marv, rested, visited, and took more pictures. That's Zone and Joyces down there.



We returned to Beautiful Lake Marv from a different direction. It truly is a magical lake.









I'm going to have to do some research on what this is.



We scooted around to the area with the lily pads.



As we headed on down the non-trail, we passed these immature Pine Drops.



There was still evidence of the long winter. This icy sculpture had been left.



And sorry in advance to my snake phobic friends, but Ed found this friendly garter snake.

Edited by Scrapinator, 20 August 2011 - 02:20 PM.

[Scrapinator]

We paused at John Rock (I didn't get a picture, sorry). Then we came to Ed's way to go down which involved a stream crossing. Well, I was pretty adamant about not letting dad do the stream crossing. I had already watched him fall once and didn't want a repeat. Dad was getting pretty frustrated with me. Ed and Dad finally talked me into letting him do it. I would have taken a picture of him crossing, but I was too worried he would fall in to think about taking pictures. The crossing happened without incident, though and before we knew it were back at Bear Lake.

We called my mom to meet us at Smokin' Daves for a late lunch. Which we all hated, as you can tell.





It was our last full day in the park. The next day at dinner my mom asked what our favorite hikes were -- my dad without hesitation said "The one with Ed." I second that!

Edited by Scrapinator, 19 August 2011 - 09:06 PM.

[John]

What? No picture of John Rock? Well then, you'll have to go back!

[Rhonda]

What a special day with special guys.

[Allie]

So glad your dad was ok from his fall, I would of been a nervous wreck too, if it was my Dad. He is an amazing guy. You had the best of the day, awesome sights, great weather, your dad, and Igloo Ed.

[Qbert]

Sounds like a great time for everyone. Glad you got to experience that with your Dad.

[Monica]

I loved your report, so did Rick in case he doesn't chime in.

I love the pictures of your dad and Ed!
I'm so glad your dad was okay and I understand your concerns. I admire him.
Thanks for sharing all this!

[Becky J.]

Really enjoyed your pictures and report.
What a great day.

Becky J.

[Mark Zemmin]

This is a fantastic report with great pictures. What amazing memories for you, to hike with your dad and Ed. You will treasure this day forever.

[Igloo Ed]

What a great day it was, the stream was flowing fast enough for you to get some good waterfall pics and it was beautiful at Zone Lake. It'd be a nice place to hang out all day but we had getting to go.
It was funny how you asked about the elk remains just before we came to them. Some kinda intuition, I'd imagine.
So, we went to the West Glacial Knob #8. The East one is affectionately know by some as Goose Knob #9
The picture you were unsure of and thought it to be #9 is actually the east face of Otis Peak and not one of the knobs of my series of 10 knobs. In that picture though, you can see knobs #5 and #6 running up to the left side of Otis' east face. They are the rocks sticking out of the trees.
The visions of your father's head hitting that rock were not good. I was to far ahead to help but I saw him take a look at where he was going to land. He did very well coming out of it with only a scrape. I've been there myself a few times where picking the landing spot was key.
Your dad did so well other than that time, he is very strong and kept right up with me. Really, I couldn't believe it! I"d say it let me get over confident in his abilities though and that was a mistake on my part.
I like the reflection in Marv of the overhanging rock, makes it look like a mouth or beak. The other landscape reflection shots are beautiful, the water looks like a cobalt blue mirror.
I think your dad was interest in getting some trekking poles. I don't know if you've noticed how I use them for balance. At times I must look like a drunken sailor.
A great trip, Becky. I enjoyed your dad immensely.

[goatboy]

i spent a fantastic week last yr with my dad in estes, i will never forget the great times we shared. i didnt get him hiking but still the time was the best, treasure it cause they wont always be around. thanks for sharing your pics, it brought back great memories.
goat