Senior lab mix with saddle bags on trail to Ice Lake Basin, San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado
Kyia near Ice Basin Trail on Oct. 1, 2013. She’s been backpacking with us ever since we rescued her. She is 12 now, had 2 knee surgeries and it’s heartbreaking to see her slow down so much even though she still wants to go. We are very patient with her. It took her three hours with frequent shade stops (below timberline) to climb the 2,800 feet and 3 miles to Ice Lake where we camped at 12, 300 feet. We camped on a ridge top where she was content to lay in the bug-free cool tundra and overlook the massive valley below to South Mineral Creek.
My mission was to get sunrise shots of Ice Lake. It was a little late in the season as fall was well past its peak at this altitude. Fortunately, there was some new snow to provide some visual interest.
Camp in dawn light, Ice Lake Basin, San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado
Sunrise, Ice Lake Basin, San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado
September hiking/backpacking at Ice Lake, Ice Lake Basin, San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado
Kyia looks like she is enjoying herself, even if it is getting to be a struggle.
She looks like our lab mix’s twin! He is also slowing down at the age of 13. His hips are starting to bother him. Wish I could add a pic of him so you could see. Very nice picture!