United States • July, 2003 • Central Colorado, Day 2

The second day was our outdoor activity day. We started the day with a hike up to Lilypad Lake. The trail head is located in Frisco, just over I-70. The base is at an elevation of 9160 feet, and the climb ascends about 700 vertical feet. Most of the trail lies in the Eagle's Nest Wilderness area of the White River National Forest. The ascent took about sixty minutes to complete, while the descent took twenty minutes less time to complete.


The sign marking the trail, located at an elevation of 9580 feet	But which way to we go?

This picture was more difficult to take than it looks, but the stream was beautiful. The bridge over this creek is located at an elevation of 9630 feet.	Who's that tall woman?

Haggiss is taking a break	Lake Dillon is back to its normal level

*Lilypad Lake, which is more full than it was last year. Notice the beaver construction in the center of the picture. The lake is located at an elevation of 9880 feet.*	Mom is enjoying her lunch before we head down the mountain

This is the sign that marks the beginning of the wilderness area. Why are wilderness areas administered by the Department of Agriculture?	This is the path from which we came

After the hike, Brian and I joined Bernie, a fly-fishing guide, for an afternoon on the Middle Fork of the South Platte River. My father had made the arrangements through The Blue Angler in Breckenridge, which included waders, rods, flies and the fishing licenses. Once Brian and I were fitted with our gear, the three of us headed south on Colorado Highway 9 through Hoosier Pass and Alma to the point on the river where we would fish. Bernie instructed us in the basic techniques of fly-fishing, including casting and hooking. It was a refresher for me, while it was a first lesson for Brian.


The fishing permit for the day	Brian demonstrates his casting abilities

Brian is looking stylish in his waders	Bernie attaches the fly to Brian's rod

Bernie teaches Brian how to cast	I look like a pro, don't I?

I caught one six-inch "brownie", a German mountain trout ...	... and a second fish on the last cast of the day. This was a nine-inch "brownie". All fly-fishing in Colorado is catch-and-release.

We had dinner at the Swiss Haven, a fondue restaurant on Main Street in Breckenridge. Because the main dining room has a tendency to get very warm in the summer time, we sat of the back porch. We started the meal with soups and salads, followed by cheese fondue, then the beef broth fondue. It was an excellent dinner, at which we drank way too much.


Linda loves her white wine	This is early in the evening

Cheers to Breckenridge	Which one should I drink? Hell, I'll drink them both. (This is really a goofy picture of me - evidence that I should not drink!)