[at-l] January by the Beach...a trip report

[pmags at yahoo.com (Paul Magnanti)]

Another weekend has passed...another weekend where I
did some backcountry adventures.

As mentioned previously, been fighting a cold. Put a
crimp in my plans to say the least...but by Sunday
felt much better. Time to get some hiking in! The
desstination for this weekend was Sandbeach Lake. A
gem of destination found in the Wild Basin area of
RMNP. In contrast to last week, Wild Basin sees much
less use than areas of the park. The hikes feel more
remote..and the days seem more laid back.


So off to do some snowshoeing Sunday. Woke up early in
the AM, went to my usual coffee shop for the mandatory
coffee and bagel fix and met my two friends for a day
of winter adventures. 

We drove to the trail head, enjoyed the crisp winter
air and made our way up the trail. The snow was not
much -mainly icey and packed down hard on the trail.
Josh, Marni and myself went at a good clip  If last
week was leisurely, this week was a bit more of a
workout. Just what I wanted!

Made our way closer to the lake when we finally had to
put on our snowshoes. Finally arrived at the lake when
we saw Eve and her brother making there way down from
the neighboring slopes on skis. Perfect timing! Had a
quick lunch and hot cocoa (naturally) at the
beautiful, but windy, lake. 

Made our way back to the car and drove back to
Boulder. 

All in all, an uneventful but lovely stroll through
the Colorado mountains.

No big adventures planned this week. Suspect someone
might be upset if I miss her 30th birthday
festivities. :-)


Pics avail at:
http://gallery.backcountry.net/cowint04?&page=6

Mags


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The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau