Francophile in the West

Happy Autumn, everyone!! Today was a lovely segue into the new season: I went hiking (again)! This blog is starting to make it look like just about all I do in Colorado is hike, but I promise, I AM in school and am working and am very busy. All these great opportunities keep coming up to get out of the city on the weekends and see some gorgeous parts of the state while the weather is still relatively nice. How can I resist?! Today's hike was the Herman Gulch Trail to Herman Lake, a moderately strenuous 6.5 mile out-and-bike route just outside of Bakerville, CO. Although it was overcast, rainy, and a bit cold during the entire middle chunk of the hike, we started and ended our trek with pleasantly warm and sunny weather. Nature also let us take a peak at the beginnings of the leaves changing from green to yellow and red. This really is a fantastically beautiful state. I'm eager to see more of the new season! And now, some pictures from the day: Here's Chispa,

Today, myself and five others ("The DU Crew") hit the trails in Rocky Mountain National Park for the first time. We drove up in the late morning and spent the afternoon exploring a lovely 5.4-mile out-and-back trail to Alberta Falls and Loch Vale. It was BEAUTIFUL. The day started out sunny and hot, but by the end of our hike, we had been refreshed with cooling cloud cover, crackling thunder, and a rain shower. As can be expected, we saw plenty of wildlife, including several chipmunks, a rabbit, a robin, and even some female elk (albeit accidentally)!! First snapshots from the trail First dip in the water and scrambling around at Alberta Falls Two views from the trail Two of our adorable chipmunk friends Arriving at the Loch I loved the roots of this old tree growing all over the rock. In the water again :) Great work, crew! Another great day of exploring in this beautiful state. I'm already looking forward to my next