Had been flying high for several weeks, marathon training right on track, successfully finished my 1^st 10 mile race Saturday past, then BAM – unexpectedly hit by the blues.  Not 100% sure why…maybe one too many ‘All by Myself’ Valentines, maybe too much running (body needs a break), maybe nutrition/diet issues (have dropped too many pounds lately) – either way….

After almost a week of struggling with the February blues, couldn’t have been more excited to see my Colorado hiking friends – for a moonlight hike to Gem Lake in Rocky Mountain Nat’l Park.  FAAANNNNTASTIC!

In addition to John, Annmarie & myself, we added Lisa, Paul & Terri to our Gem Lake group – making our team tally 6!  Who wouldn’t want to snowshoe at night in February?  HA!

Fortunately/unfortunately our biggest snow storm of the season didn’t start until after 8pm, so only microspikes (or crampons) were needed for tonite’s moonlight hike – left our snowshoes behind.  Gem Lake is only a 1.7 mile hike (one-way) so tonite was all about the journey – and enjoying laughs with friends.

Snapped a few group pics showcasing our snowy Rocky Mountain view – WOW shots!  ALSO snapped a shot of twinkling Estes Park down below – very Christmas card-esque.  In addition to crampons, snowshoes & poles, packed a head lamp which I found wasn’t needed because of moonlight reflecting off the white snow.  Such a BEAUTIFUL nite!

Our full moon dashed in and out of impending snow clouds until we reached Gem Lake, hemmed in by rock & frozen for the season.  While Annmarie & I made ice angels on the lake, John unpacked a Bunsen Burner and fired up some s’mores.  Seriously, my Colorado circle o’ friends ROCK!

Snow started blowing on our hike return but that didn’t deter us from stopping at the Stanley for some apps & light dinner (portabello fries were amaaazzzzing).  Let the East Coast wait ‘til summer, every month is s’more season in Colorado 🙂