MOUNTAIN VIEW CREST

Barbara Larson successfully tackled leading the Moxies on a hike that we all love but dread to due the fact we always get lost and its a long drive on a rutty gravel ground. I'm not sure how many leaders we really had on this hike but we all had our maps and opinions in effort to make sure we stayed on the correct route. Once we reached the saddle and the first rise up the ridge this hike rewarded us with some of the most dramatic views in Colorado. Pidgeon and Turret Peaks loomed within reach while Ruby and Emerald Lakes laid quietly below in Needle Creek Valley. For the first time in weeks we were able to enjoy the day without threat of stormy weather. With that being said, I still did not get to sit and enjoy my lunch. So, I hope you all enjoy these posts because I am starving to death because of getting the photos for them. Our Moxie team consisted of Barbara, Mary Ann, Glenda, Candy, Lillian, Laurie, Toby, Connie and myself.  We all agreed that this was the most enjoyable and easiest day of hiking Mountain View Crest as we did not get lost and although tired everyone made it home safe and sound. 

PORPHYRY BASIN TO COLUMBINE LAKE

After surviving the first hike from Porphyry to Columbine Pass that I did with Jane Marie and Penny on July 10th, (see post), I decided to return with Zarita with the hopes of less snow and not getting lost.  It was a beautiful sunny day and the wildflowers were Amazing near Columbine Pass. This hike is view filled across open tundra and is now my favorite approach to Columbine Lake. Since the weather was great and there weren't any storms brewing we had plenty of time to hike the additional mile from Columbine Pass over to Columbine lake where we did some exploring and photographing before retracing our steps. We met up for a short visit with Tim and Angela on our return.