Our first taste of the endless post-holing to come. It wasn't so funny after a couple of hours.
Grayson sucking in some of the beautiful scenery
Eric and myself enjoying a rest along Isabel Lake
This would have been a lot of fun had I brought my ice climbing gear. Even better, if it were located next to the car so I didn't have to hike so far!
Look! He's resting! quick - take a picture! Notice the water gushing out of the rocks above
Navaho Peak in front of beautiful blue skies
This snowfield was not supposed to be here! We are basically hiking along the continental divide at this point. The shoulder of Apache Peak is visible behind Grayson
Navaho close up. The Summit block requires technical climbing to reach the top.
Shoshoni Peak
Lone Eagle Peak was pretty sweet looking. I wanted to climb it soo bad!
Our luxurious camp site "the morning after". Looks much different in the light!
More snowfields....
Standing glissades are great. We were actually hiking out of our way to catch a good slide
...much better. Eric - you skin the fish, I'll gather wood, Grayson - you warm your feet.
Sherpa-Boy's not a bad cook. Our teaser of a Brook Trout just melted in our mouths
The setting sun glowing on the rocks was certainly a sight to see.
Pictures do no justice here
On our way up to the pass, looking pack at Pawnee lake
Pushing the limits for my Iliinois friends?...maybe...But this is something they'll likely not ever forget.
Grayson tops out. Once again on the Great Divide
Eric tops out - happy to be done with the exposed and rather airy scrambling to gain the ridge
Pawnee Pass - The views from this point were poster panoramic
Longs Peak and Rocky Mountian National Park, as seen from the pass
One last fill-up for the hike back to Brainard Lake
And finally - a cheesy thumbs up shot for the photo album.