8 replies to this topic

[Midmccoy]

We woke up to a beautiful morning after two days of rain. The sun was out and the clouds were clearing out. Everything was cool and crisp and bright! We were so happy to see an end to the rain that we got up early and decided to do the three lakes hike. We got around and arrived at the Bear Lake Trail head around 8:30 am.

We learned a lot as we hiked this trail including how out of shape we all where. I know that this is an easy hike for most of you guys but it was a really tuff one for us.
Here are a few quick pictures of our hike....

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[Midmccoy]

My favorite of the three lakes was Nymph. I thought it was the so pretty with all the flowers all over it!

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[Midmccoy]

When we got to Emerald Lake it was pretty cool and the wind was really blowing so we snapped a quick picture and headed back down the trail a little bit and sit and rested for a while. It was a nice hike just a lot harder on us than I had thought it would be. We had planned on going on down to Alberta Falls while in the area but by the time we got back to the trail head my legs would carry me no further so we went back to the campground for a late lunch and a lot of sitting down time.

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[Brent D]

More cool pics Amy! So glad you guys made it to all three lakes. And don't feel too bad about being pooped on the trail. I live at 5200 feet, and still huff and puff up there!

[BukElgle]

Amy - thanks for more photos and the report. We have hiked to Emerald a few
times and more than once it left several in the party worn out. The altitude takes
time get acclimated if you drive or fly in from the flatland. As long as you enjoyed
the hike and being on the trail - it's not a power hiking or endurance contest - just
enjoy the journey...


Rick

[JDgreen]

glad you got to do one of the premier hikes in the park, patiently waiting for more reports

[Rhonda]

Amy....That first long uphill stretch to Nymph Lake, (where the trail is still paved!) always makes me stop every 10 feet to gasp air, no matter how conditioned I think I am, so don't feel bad.

My very first hike at RMNP was to Emerald Lake in 1992, and it left me pooped and thoroughly sore the next day. I have learned to start conditioning my legs for hiking year-round, and especially the last two months before I go to RMNP. I put the treadmill at a steep grade and do other leg exercises, and it does help a lot. However, I always have to stop often for air. A lot of it is my low-altitude flatlander lungs, but I also have a harmless blood condition called Alpha Thalyssemia (sp?) which means my red blood cells are smaller than they should be and are very ineffecient at carrying oxygen. That's why I have to stop and catch my breath a lot more often than my son does when we hike together.

Sounds like you are having a great time, in spite of the weather. Wish you could kick some of that rain and coolness down here. It was 107 here today!

Rhonda

[Allie]

Amy, I am really enjoying your pictures and stories. Looks like you had a great time. Thanks for the reports.


Allie

[Bill 007]

Looks like a terrific time, Amy! It looks like the kids were having a blast.

Bill