Twenty years after hiking this with my dad, I returned with my brother Ryan for a late afternoon hike. Even the drive in was outstanding. We desert dwellers were in Heaven, and lingered long. We hiked around the lake, took loads of pics, then headed back.

After the hike, we drove north to Silverton in the waning light, where we had Mexican food at the only restaurant that was open. Not great, but we were hungry. The night took us further north, over Red Mtn Pass, and dodging scores of deer, before checking into Comfort Inn in Ouray.

Ouray convenience store clerk at 10 pm: "Are you looking for something?" Mr. Sands,(in his mind) purposely knocking a bag of Doritos onto the floor: "Yea, trouble."
A very special day it was!

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odAyuoFuen0