Red Castle Lake Trip

Last week we went on a backpacking trip up to Red Castle Lake in the Uintas.  Besides a few adrenaline-producing encounters with moose, we had a great time!  Here are several pictures of the dogs and all the beautiful scenery:

Two happy campers on the trail.

While the trail was very scenic,  a good portion of it was surrounded by
numerous dead trees (previous forest fire?).  However, once we got to the lake area,
all the trees were healthy and beautiful.

Additionally, the trail was extremely rocky, but there were also tons of
mud holes, streams, and small rivers that the dogs were more than happy to "cross"
(by cross, I'm mean splashing and wading through).

Our first glimpse of Red Castle in the distance.

Taking a break at the top of the switchbacks.

My photos don't do justice to the most beautiful waterfall I've ever seen.
(And I've seen some big ones, like Niagara...)

Red Castle Lake

The weather ended being perfect for hiking: it was overcast but not too chilly.
We also got rained on a little at night, but our tent kept us nice and dry.

There were, however, a zillion mosquitoes.
But thanks to deet (I <3 deet), we didn't get a single bite!

Camping at the base of Red Castle.

Funny/Not So Funny Side Story: It was early the morning we left and because of the three hour car ride, I was wearing flip flops and had just grabbed my shoes to throw in the car.  Look really closely at both of these "pairs" and you may notice something odd...basically I hiked in a mismatched pair-but boy was I grateful that I had at least grabbed a left and right shoe!

Cheri swimming to her heart's content.

Please, please, please throw the stick in the water!!

Lucy dipping her paws in the lake.

Again, my photo skills do little justice to these cool rocks all along the path.
They have this lime-green moss mixed with other kinds of fungus that make
the rocks look like they were covered in camo.  

On our way home :)