My (Limited RMNP) Update

I went up to RMNP yesterday and up to Bear Lake, it was about 30% defrosted. The remainder of the lake was about 40% with a thin layer of ice and the remainder looked solid. As some of you know and some don't I had to put down my crutches and increase my pain meds so I can walk some without them. I found the Trail-head to Bridal Veil Falls, Black Canyon, and Gem Lake. And on a whim I decided to try and hike it alone, with all my camera gear. This was my first big (Well by my standard, not you guys I am sure)hike 3 miles each way. I am happy to say I made it there and back, on the verge of death LOL, and took a few pictures of wildlife and landscape along the way and at the falls it only took me 5 hours round trip and I was happy and in massive pain nonetheless I made it. So there was just a little snow close to the falls on the shaded side of the river. So tell me what you think of this photo, and I will try and post more later.

Wow! I was up there two days ago and it is a 6.5 mile round trip hike!!! With your health problems I am mightily impressed that you got all the way up there!!!! I like your composition and the way you made use of that rock. Well done Brenden! One of my shots from the day before. Your comp is better though!

Brenden,

First off, congrats on making the hike. I'm sure it feels like a major accomplishment. Secondly, it looks like you came home with a winner of an image here. The falls look great and the composition is great.

Like both your guys' shots. Especially like the way you've managed to capture the spray here, Brenden.

I've hiked all around the East side of RMNP but never been to Gem lake. Is that one of the hikes in the NE corner with an out of the way trailhead?

I would like to thank everybody for the nice comments. I am still have my eyes on the PRIZE "Longs Peak" I hope to keep doing hikes to get into shape in preparation for this BIG one.

I admire your degree of commitment greatly. I would be happy to make it to Chasm Lake and/or Harrison Flats near the Three Apostles this summer.

If you haven't seen any shots of the Harrison Flats area check out this shot from Jack B.

http://www.widerange.org/photo.php?id=416&gallery=Reflections

Jesse Speer also got some killer shots of that area last year.

- Derek

Brenden, nice pic. I'm amazed how high the splash back is coming off that log!