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.
Passing a small snowfield along the trail from Bear Lake to Odessa.
The talus slope below Flattop Mountain just before reaching Joe Mills Mountain.
Resting at the overlook near the Joe Mills pass.
Intrepid hikers with Notchtop in the background.
Notchtop Mountain and Grace Falls.
The Fern/Odessa gorge with Odessa Lake in the foreground.
Preparations for fishing at Spruce Lake.
Joe, the patient teacher, with Emily.
Emily with Spruce Lake cutthroat on the line.
Enough fishing. Time to rest before hiking back to Fern Lake for burritos.