hatcher pass, gold cord lake trail

while i've walked around and explored independence mine, i had yet to venture up the hiking trails leading back into the the valleys.  so on an early (for us) sunday morning, we met up with some friends and discovered a new favorite hike:

gold cord lake

i didn't know what to expect, but it surely didn't disappoint.  the only bummer of the hike was that it was socked in, and it wasn't until we were on our way back before i realized the beauty around us.  funny how that fog can be.  it lifted a few times, just for a moment, allowing us to see the mountains so crisp and close.

our friends, scott and sharon, will be moving out of state next month.  i've known them for nearly 6 years.  it worked out perfectly to meet with them on what could be our last outing before they head south.  but, we're hoping to squeeze in one more hike before then!

thanks for the great sunday of conversation and laughs!  (and thank you, scott, for helping little red with her soggy shoes and stinky feet!)

how's the fog?

oh!  see that chubby marmot in the top right picture?  that thing was barking and whistling at us and/or the bullydog long before we saw it.  i have never been that close to one nor have i ever seen one of that size.  we saw another (or rather, heard it first) and bella and the marmot were in this minute stand-off; whoever blinked, breathed, moved, wiggled FIRST, lost...  i'll just add that the loser snored the entire way home.  

dyl thought it was very funny, hiding from us behind the rocks.  however, the we found it funny that when she peeked up, all we could see were the owl ears and eyes from her hat...  i can still hear sharon laughing!

  

dylan prefers the road less traveled. 

 dada & beanie are so far away.

of course, we stopped for snacks.

beanie in a stare-down with marmot #2.

fog lifted briefly, and there's gold cord lake!

if there's water nearby, my children are throwing in rocks & sticks.  count on it.

 the former miebs 5

doesn't dylan just make you smile?

 mission: accomplished.

ok, scott & sharon: when's our next outing???