[the Zachster]

With an apparent break in between "storms" I decided to get out and stretch my legs a bit. And since fellow nwhiker kathyb/oldgrrl was looking to get out as well, we got together for a trip out to Snow and Gem Lakes. It was actaully her first time out there. As for me, I have lost count! It is one of my favorites for Alpine scenery with a relatively easy hike. I believe it is a 12 mile round trip but the elevation gain is rather low. The bonus today was that we were virtually ALONE until the very end of the day. Can you imagine! A trail that is usually mobbed with poodles and strollers and, well, you know what I mean. It was truly a blessing to see how beautiful it is in solitude. I opted to bring Zach along...while he's slowing down some now, he still loves to go and I love to have him with me. He was rather mellow all day though. Didn't even bother with any critters.

But possibly he was overwhelmed by the energy of Kathy's little friend, Gina

And here is Kathy saying "See, here's my dog on a leash!"

So off we went...

Along the way there were pockets of color, especially the mountain ash.

And there were even a few mushy, bland blueberries left (which Kathy so graciously left for the bears!)

Along the way we found several stashes of small plants and seedlings...I hope they get planted soon...

Views of Snow Lake...

It was a comfortably chilly day for hiking with an occasional sunbreak that felt oh, so good! An occasional hand rubbing was needed though, to keep those fingers warm.

And of course there was the constant shutter clicking...photographers shooting foliage....photographers shooting photographers...

The surrounding peaks all had a light dusting of snow, and there was even a small amount on the trail at Gem Lake.

Here's some color at Gem Lake...

And believe it or, these shots of Gem are color as well! The black and white appearance was very accurate in depicting the "here comes winter" feeling of the place.

It was a wonderful hike with a new nwhiker friend!

[Go Jo]

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[Sadie's Driver]

Fabulous pics! Lucky you. Good for Mr. Z to get out and do dog things! s.d. and gus

[kathyb/oldgrrrl]

I'm glad the Zachster found some solitude, because I was yakking most of the way. So much so, that I didn't realize we had hiked some thirteen miles- until this morning when I woke up, at 10 a.m. (Sleeping is fun). I guess the bears heard us coming... we didn't see any- but I wasn't about to touch "their" berries. They could've been watching us.... Lots of pictures taken..... here are some of them. It was a perfect day- and I'm looking forward to our next hike!

snow-gem 001

snow-gem 002

snow-gem 007

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snow-gem 012

snow-gem 016

snow-gem 017

snow-gem 019

snow-gem 021

snow-gem 024

snow-gem 025

snow-gem 029

snow-gem 031

[polarbear]

Nice pictures of the color of the mountain ash juxtaposed against the lake! Thanks for saving berries for the bears. I may get up there later this year.

[Sabahsboy]

kathyyb....your camera impresses me! Very successful shots! Esp. like the autumn foliage foreground at Snow Lake with Chair Peak. Very nice! In fact, both of you traveled with great cameras and a great eye for the exciting. I realy love the photos...Gem Lake sure is a fine place to play with a camera! The stormy feel of sky and fresh snow on peaks is exciting!

[kathyb/oldgrrrl]

It's a great little camera... all I have to do is choose from a menu before I take the shot (portrait, landscape,sports, night portrait, party/indoor, beach/snow, sunset, dusk/dawn, night landscape, close-up, museum, fireworks, copy, backlight, or panorama assist.) When we were comparing cameras, we had a chuckle about what the party mode might mean. Or, fireworks, for that matter. Nancy's camera does something that mine doesn't, though. Her camera chirps, and barks (like a dog). Really.

[the Zachster]

Kathy...thanks for reminding me...I need to change that! And thank you so much for the pics of me and Zach. I don't have many (since I'm the one eith the camera all the time). The one by the lake is especially sweet.

[adamcwatts]

I'm surprised there was no snow on your hike with the low freezing level and snow in the weather forecast. I was up there this Monday and there was massive fog and low clouds, still was very pretty.

[bertman]

Nice photos. That trail is crazy busy on summer weekends. Glad you had some peace and quiet. Bertman

[Hiker Mama]

Wonderful, you two.

[the Zachster]

...ummmm, Zach is reminding me that there were 4 of us...

Thanks!

[Sabahsboy]

Zach is certainly photogenic! Good shot of a fabulous and expressive pup! I have often wondered how to photograph black dogs; you have done it so well here I am now certain no one can improve on it! Of course, the three other hikers have well posed photographs, too! The selected shot of lake and Chair Peaks with foreground vine maple is exceptional in clarity and composition. I agree...it is a Great Shot!

[the Zachster]

The trick with black dogs...pretty bandanas!