I took a week off from the blog. Much to my dismay, I got sick. So instead of staring at my computer screen, or going outside, I slept and watched Halloween movies all weekend.
The weather is getting cooler, and I’m wondering what I’m going to do with myself during the winter months! I might have to consider taking up snowshoeing. Though I’m not really one for cold weather in general…we’ll see.
A short post today, as the majority of this trail was displayed on the Dream Lake post! Just about a mile past Dream Lake, you come upon Emerald Lake. Just as dazzling (if not more beautiful) than the previous lakes on the trail.
Trail: Emerald Lake, 3.5 mi round trip
Park: Rocky Mountain National Park
Location: Estes Park, CO
Difficulty: Easy
Incline: 650 ft
Shade and Seating: Most of the trail is fairly shaded. No seating.
Wheelchair Accessible: No
Parking: Minimal parking, must get there very early to get a spot.
Shuttle Service: Yes
Price: $25 for a day pass, $35 for 7 days
When you pass to the other side of Dream Lake, you see beautiful rock formations and little streams.
Getting towards the end of the warm season, this trail is actually really cold. Even in the middle of September, my face was so frozen, and I felt like I wasn’t wearing enough layers.
My face was so pink from the cold, and I was wearing fleece over my windbreaker, but it didn’t seem to make a big difference. I probably needed warmer gear. If you have any suggestions, I’m all ears! I’ve never done outdoorsy stuff in the cold before, and would love some feedback.
Before you know it you come along the path leading down to the freezing yet gorgeous Emerald Lake.
There were a few of us wandering around, looking for a warm place to sit, or at least a spot where the trees or rocks were blocking the wind. It felt like we stayed the longest, but gave up fairly quickly as we couldn’t feel our fingers anymore.
But not before we made a new friend..
We call him Gary. He was fearless, and wouldn’t leave us alone. Gary eventually pushed me out of my own spot (mostly out of fear of being pecked), and took my place as Kyle’s new best friend.
He was looking for food. Which reminds me: Don’t Feed The Animals! Our processed foods aren’t made to be digested by wildlife. The little guy has obviously been fed so much, he is not afraid of getting close to humans. I don’t mind being close to wildlife, but I do mind the fact that he’s not getting appropriate nutrients if he’s always being fed by humans. And don’t feed ducks bread! It is so bad for them. If you go to the park to feed ducks, give them oats instead.
Anyway..
If you get the chance to go out to Emerald Lake, do it. If not, go to your local National Park if you have one! They are beautiful and preserved for a reason. We all need a little nature in our lives (:
Mary Jane xx
Fierce and Freckled 