Thursday, July 17
50 degrees this morning. We drive down to Lewis Lake and have hot oatmeal for breakfast while admiring the view. Coffeemaker still on the fritz.
We decide to drive the main road and stop here and there. But our first stop is to admire this young bull moose as we are leaving the lakes area. Young, because a ranger tells us the moose antlers should be fully grown by now and these are fairly small. Still covered in velvet.
First stop on 130 is Libby Flats overlook where there are still some wildflowers though many have finished. The growing season here is very short - the road often doesn't open till June because of snow.
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| Dandelions are prolific. |
Then Mirror Lake, which we have mostly to ourselves except for some people fishing.
Then Lake Marie where we've been many times. First time was with brother Tom and his wife Sue and we climbed to the summit of Medicine Bow Peak - (we were in our early 20's). Still love it.
The lower bridge is closed, so we have to double back the way we came. Quite a few trout visible in the water.
Last night's campsite was only available for one night, so we decide to try Brush Creek campground tonight, which is near the western end of the Snowy Range. We claim site #5 and then continue to explore. A ranger suggested a drive to French Creek, so we head there. Decent gravel road, some gorgeous flowers and a sweet doe with fawns. The campground there is fairly deserted and pretty primitive but quite a ways from the main road.
After French Creek, Greg takes an alternate road which takes us out of the forest and through several very large cattle ranches. Then back to camp. We have some snacks and hike the Moose Trail which goes along Carroll Creek and around the campground. This area was used first as a CCC camp, then as a POW camp during WWII, though there are only a few foundations of buildings remaining.
Greg cooks burgers on the grill and we bring out the cribbage board again. So far we seem to be taking turns winning....
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