After a very difficult Day 2 hike to Twin Sisters, we took it a little easier for Day 3. The hikes were actually longer, going over 9 miles total, but we had more stops along the way, making the entire day easier and faster. There were definitely some tough sections of the hike, but we were able to keep the boys moving and we had a blast.
We left camp about 8:30 and headed to the Bear Lake parking lot. We were lucky enough to find a place to park and then we set off for Alberta Falls, Mill Lake and the Loch. I almost wasn't able to convince the boys to tackle the Loch at the end of the day, but they all agree that is was the highlight of the trip! Beautiful scenery, tons of snow on the trail, and a real blast! Super fun!
We attempted biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Unfortunately, we couldn't keep the bottoms of the biscuits from burning and my gravy just didn't have the taste that I enjoy. But, it was food and we ate it and enjoyed it!
Our journey begins - we really did enjoy the day in Rocky Mountain National Park. It was good to have Preston and Brennan with us as well - they missed the Day 2 hike, but they really enjoyed the hikes on Day 3.
The water was REALLY moving at Alberta Falls. For so late in the season, I was a little surprised at the speed and volume of the flow.
As we hit the trail for Mill Lake, Jared Picker decided to jump into a "cave". He has a pretty amusing personality!
The clouds and the valley were just incredible! Such beauty!
The river flowing by the trail was also very beautiful. I snapped a shot at every crossing!
The entrance to Mill lake. I was afraid that this was all the lake had to offer, but the actual lake was really beautiful! (as seen below)
The backside of the lake was impressive as well! We spent some time fishing from the backside, but we had ZERO luck!
Timberline Falls, between Mill Lake and the Lock. Beautiful snow-drivng falls!
It was only about a mile from the fork to Mill Lake and the Loch, but it was almost entirely uphill. I was praying that we loved the Loch - it was a really tough hike!
The snow fields covered the trail as we approached the Loch. The boys spent about an hour playing in the snow and "sledding" on their behinds down the snow!
The Lure - we caught 8 of the 10 fish during the trip using this lure. Nothing was caught inside the park though!!
Austin struggled with nose bleeds the entire trip - his bleed at the Loch was really tough!
We enjoyed some BBQ for dinner at Smokin' Dave's BBQ. This is a must-eat destination in Estes Park! I can't wait to take my family there for dinner sometime!
Miniature Golf to finish the evening - I think I may have beat them all again, but Sean Mackrory put on a great show! He showed up during dinner and we enjoyed his company.
We had a nice fireside by Zeb Chadwick - he relived some of his mission experiences - it was a really good discussion and left a strong impression on the boys. (They didn't remember much about my fireside on Day 1 or Jeremy's from Day2 - but they all remembered Zeb's!)
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