47.16 Colorado, Silverton: Ice Lakes Basin and onto Island Lake, a truly great experience.

This is one of the great experiences in hiking. The wilds just outside the interesting town of Silverton, a place that transports one back a couple of centuries to a different era, provides a feel of what the old America appeared visually. It's nice. Growing up, the idea of modernity, the skyscrapers filling the cities, the hustle and bustle of it all seemed so exciting. Today, the serenity, beauty and order of the wilderness with its occasional rebellion illustrates a world that we find fulfilling, educational, challenging and calming. 

If I had a more competent brain and we weren't rushing out to seek adventure this morning, I could add additional facets of the wonder of the Western United States but that will suffice for now. Instead, take a look at an aspect of Colorado and its attributes, another gem...and physical challenge.  

Jen appears fearless although we both felt a little nippy on parts of the climb. In fact, we left the sandy path preferring the steeper but rough rocks.
 

Up a further 500 feet (3,200) to arrive at Island lake—the green body of water at over 12,000 feet.

 

Arriving at Ice Lakes basin after quite a sweat—the blue water lake.
 

Hard to keep the eyes off that peak. Easier than trying to get the feet onto it.
 

Heading from Ice to Island Lake.
 

and passing a pond below on the way.

 

Even during 'death/rest' period, there's an inherent beauty.
 

The trails are great but the signage and river crossings are not the forte of the BLM in Colorado. No this is not a radical statement-Bureau of Land Management, much more pleasant. Neatness in the forest may not be an attribute either.
 

Jen arrives. Contrast this with a visit in 2015, two weeks later in the month.
 

A slightly different hike, you think? The path on the next mountain heads toward Island Lake. We were younger then so less energetic and decided to return home. The fact that a thunder storm was about to hit the basin may have influenced the decision.
 

Ice Lake in 2015. The lake remains attractive while the visitors deteriorate.
 

We even had two Jenni's with us, spinning and reflecting.
 

Checking foot placement. Can't keep her off the slopes.  

Preparing for the 'big shot'...whenever he's due.
 

Colors of the wilds are wild.

One for the road.

Cheers, 

Jenni and Jeffrey