Hike at about 11,000 ft -- GASP!

We set out to test our lungs and to test whether it would be smart for us to venture out on a longer more extensive hike at a higher elevation.

In short, GASP, we decided we needed more time at elevation to get acclimated (like maybe a year!). Just walking around the lake at this elevation, and we both got a little light-headed. A setback to Plan A ... on to Plan B.

These are a few shots in the area around upper and lower Blue Lakes (very close to the Continental Divide and in the shadow of Mt Quandary (14,295 ft). There is a great hike up a ridge line to gain the summit of Mt. Quandary, which, when we were there, looked like pilgrims on the way to Mecca -- TONS of people on the ridge sited through our binoculars.

Alicia - my mountain goat

making short work of the scree pile

Alicia forgot her skis

Looking down on lower Blue Lake

Real Mountain Goats -- not Alicia 

These guys were way too close to the parking lot.