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.

Fern and Cub Lakes

The morning of Day 2 we headed out for a hike on the Fern Lake Trail.  The cousins know how to enjoy themselves!

We took a couple of photos as we waited for the bus:

The group starting out:

Break time!

Wild Rose:

Ninebark:

Pin Cherry:

Clematis:

Oregon Grape Holly:

Lots of rocks to climb on and through:

Looking up from 'The Pools'.  We headed to Cub Lake at this point since the troops were getting restless and hungry.

Cub Lake Trail.  This is where the Fern Lake Fire was last year (hence the dead trees).

Lots of uphill to a certain point=lots of complaining.

Our two fearless leaders taking a 'mintspiration' break.  (Life Savers)

Charged back up we start heading down towards Cub Lake and lunchtime!

Almost there!

After lunch...playtime

We get it, we get it....enough hiking already!

View looking back towards Cub Lake Trail:
Golden Banner:

Shooting Star:

Sedum:

Aster:

Recharging w/ watermelon and Cheetos!

How does mommy relax?

Dirty anyone?  (These kids look rough!)

Hike: Fern Lake Pools to Cub Lake

Trails Used:  Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail

Distance: 6.39 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Overall average: 1.8 mph

Overall Time: 3 hrs, 39 min

Total Ascent: 968 ft.

I did a run each morning.  Even saw a moose the first morning.  There's not a better way to start your morning than that!

Trail Run: Fern Lake Pools

Trails Used:  Fern Lake Trail, Cub Lake Trail

Distance: 6.08 miles

Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 6.0 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 00 min
Total Ascent: 398 ft.

I decided to see the Fern Lake Falls since we got so close to them with the kids.  Sure wished I had my camera because the sun was awesome so early in the morning and there was a giant rainbow!

Trail Run: Cub Lake to Fern Lake Falls 

Trails Used:  Cub Lake Trail to Fern Lake Trail and Back

Distance: 8.85 miles

Difficulty: Moderate
Overall average: 4.8 mph
Overall Time: 1 hrs, 49 min
Total Ascent: 1378 ft.