Fern Lake Overnight

 

Led by "Colorado Joe," a small group of fathers, sons, daughters and friends hiked the Fern-Odessa loop in July, 2000.  The hiking was tough, the fishing was fabulous, but the fellowship was unmatched.  All on the trip will long remember the burrito dinner served up at the Fern Lake Group site by Joe and Paris.

To those of you who were on the trip and are visiting here to see the pictures, thanks for your parts in making the trip truly memorable for Emily and myself.  Particular thanks to Joe, Paris, and the YMCA of the Rockies for providing the opportunity to enjoy a unique backpacking experience.

Click on picture to get larger image.

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Passing a small snowfield along the trail from Bear Lake to Odessa.
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The talus slope below Flattop Mountain just before reaching Joe Mills Mountain.
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Resting at the overlook near the Joe Mills pass.
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Intrepid hikers with Notchtop in the background.

 

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Notchtop Mountain and Grace Falls.

 

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The Fern/Odessa gorge with Odessa Lake in the foreground.
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Preparations for fishing at Spruce Lake.
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Joe, the patient teacher, with Emily.
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Emily with Spruce Lake cutthroat on the line.

 

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Enough fishing. Time to rest before hiking back to Fern Lake for burritos.

 

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Sunrise at Fern Lake.
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Ready to hike out to the Fern Lake trailhead.
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Michael, John, and Patrick at Fern Falls
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Doug and Cam at Fern Falls.
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Emily at Fern Falls.