Loch Vale again by mistake but then we hit our intended target: Mills Lake

There are so many different trails heading out from the Glacier Gorge trailhead that it gets confusing making sure you're on the right one.  We hit the split and made the turn for Mills Lake but then met another split and took the wrong one (we assumed both would take you to Mills Lake).  We ended up at Loch Vale again (we did this hike about two months ago) but along a completely different route. 

Today we had crystal clear skies and warm air (high 30's, low 40's) with no wind.

 The snow had blown off or melted from much of the ice so we were able to look down into the lake and see how the air bubbles froze as they were coming to the surface.  Very cool!

 I didn't know they had sea lions in RMNP!

 On our way back down to hit Mills Lake we found some fun sledding hills.

 We were up close and personal with the ice climbers this time.

 Q and I made it all the way to Mills Lake.  It was a nice view but...

there was a mutiny!  My children were the grumpiest they've ever been on a snowshoe/hike.  We had told them they needed to get in shape for soccer so we were doing the whole hike no matter what.  Oh, did their legs, backs, and feet ache and we heard every whine all the way up and half the way down!

 Personally, I think the view at the top made it all worth while!

Hike: Loch Vale to Mills Lake

Trails Used: Glacier Gorge Trail Head to Albert Falls to Loch Vale to Mills Lake and back down

Distance: 6.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Overall average: 1.5 mph
Overall Time: 4 hr, 14 min
Total Ascent: 1431 ft.