Lake Isabelle

So I just realized that I forgot to post any Lake Isabelle pictures!  Not that there's anything particularly interesting to our story, but it was a great hike with a beautiful alpine lake to cap it off.  If you are ever in the area, head up to Lake Brainard Rec Area and find the trail for Lake Isabelle.  You won't be disappointed, and it's only about 5 miles total (maybe 6) without any major uphill battles.  Not sure what it's like every year, but it seemed this year that July was the time to go - lots of running water, snow fields and even snow bridges up near the glacier (Lake Isabelle is fed by a glacier).  Lots of dogs on the trail - and why not, they've got a cool place to dip their paws after some hiking!  After all, it's part of the Indian Peaks Wilderness (those are the Indian Peaks behind Lake Isabelle in the pictures) which is open to dogs.

I sent these pics out in an email to parents a few weeks back - and my dad even commented that Lake Isabelle sure "is a belle"!  Funny, Dad.  ;) 

 See the waterfall in the middle of the picture above?  Yes?  That snow above is creating a snow bridge under which the water is flowing - overflow from Lake Isabelle!