Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Mill Lake...Fossil Ridge Wilderness

Tucson/Lazydays KOA
Tucson, AZ
July 25, 2016

As I begin this post,  we are in the middle of another awesome thunderstorm.  We have grown accustomed to the  flash flood warnings as these storms seem to roll through the area with some regularity.  And the lightening displays are nothing short of amazing !  In southern Arizona, the monsoon season begins the middle of June and doesn't end until the end of September.  What a treat it is to experience the rain in the desert...a nice reprieve from the blazing heat we experience on other days.  

Our hike began at the Fossil Ridge/Gold Creek trailhead located  at Gold Creek Campground (about 20 miles northeast of Gunnison).  We followed this trail for about 1/2 mile.  A fork in the path with signage points left for Mill Lake.

This was the last "big" hike for us in Gunnison.  This trek through the Fossil Ridge Wilderness packed a big punch as we gained 1,700 feet in 2 miles.  

Fossil Ridge was designated a wilderness area in 1993.  The  valleys and shallow lakes were formed by ancient glaciers.  The limestone ridge rises between 13,000 and 14,000 feet.  Fossilized remains of prehistoric sea creatures have been found in these ridges.

Our path took us through a forest filled with pine, spruce, fir and aspen trees, wildflowers, birds, mossy water crossings and ferns Mother Nature planted in dead tree stumps.   



  









 






 The destination was Mill Lake.  And the best part is that we had the lake all to ourselves...an advantage of getting an early start.  This beautiful alpine lake is nestled in a glacial cirque cut out of the Fossil Ridge.  It sits at 11,700 feet elevation.  





I tried really hard to get a picture of the fish jumping out of the water.  Very entertaining to watch. 




The white granite mountain is a splendid backdrop for all the green.  

 I could sit for hours !

On the way home, a marmot ran across the dirt road. A squeal from me and Joe's quick reaction saved the day.  It quickly disappeared in a hole behind a rock.  It slowly reappeared and we discovered it was a she...a sweet mama protecting her baby.  She kept her eyes, ears and nose busy as the baby slowly made it's way out of the hole.  






All the while, Daddy never moved...







 Joe's appointments are almost over.  When he visited the dermatologist they froze 12 to 18 spots and did 4 biopsies.  Of the 4, 3 came back positive...all on his face. 
Yesterday and today he had MOHs surgery and tomorrow he will have the last one done along with a skin graft on his nose.  Stitches will come out in about two weeks.   

 The visit to the oncologist turned out much better.  PET/blood work results show no signs of cancer.  We will return to Tucson in February (6 months) for another check.





It's always such a relief to have this behind us.  


   
 So until next time,  happy trails !

22 comments:

  1. Another beautiful day on the trail! The marmots are so darn cute!

    Joe, here's hoping your recovery is smooth.

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  2. Thunderstorms can be exciting to watch as long as you know you aren't in any danger. Sometimes the summer storms are beautiful and other times ... well, not so much.

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    1. I love the storms and sound of pouring rain Jeri...

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  3. Love to watch a good thunderstorm, have never seen one in the desert though.
    Good luck with Joe's recovery may it be quick.

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    1. Thanks George...stitches will,come out in a couple of weeks.

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  4. Good, good news! May Joe heal quickly from his MOHS procedures!

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  5. I grew up in Southern Arizona and remember those storms well :)
    Box Canyon

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    1. The srorms are the best part about being here this time of year Mark...

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  6. What a beautiful area and great that your hiking ability allows you to get there. I do that go to the dermatologist every six months for my regular face burning.

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  7. Love the trickle of water and the interesting logs below it. Another really beautiful hike. I envy your ability to adapt to that elevation! Marmots are such characters - glad momma made it to her baby :-) Love monsoons when I'm on high ground.

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    1. Thanks Jodee...we sat for a few minutes and watched mama and baby. She was very protective!

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  8. If I was with you on this hike, I would sit with you at the lake and enjoy the view. Another beautiful Colorado trail we have to tackle.
    Glad to hear the results came back with no trace of cancer. We hope Joe continues to heal.

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    1. Thank you MonaLiza. One of these days we have to take a hike together!

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  9. Beautiful scenery as usual, especially Mill Lake. The marmots added to your pleasure I'm sure. They sure are cute. What really piqued my interest though was your first paragraph. I do love a good thunderstorm, one with a lightening show. It just gives me goosebumps to watch.

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    1. Monsoon season is spectacular in southern Arizona Gayle....the desert is so green.

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  10. Beautiful hike, Gay:) How very nice to have the lake all to yourselves. Sometimes I wish that we hiked with our books and those light weight fold up chairs so we could spend some extra time surrounded by all the beauty. Love the photo Of you sitting by the lake:)

    How wonderful to have Joe's blood work all come back with good news!!! Wahoo! Hope all goes well with the dermatology work:)

    I did see the temps came down some in Tucson. Hope you are all managing:)

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  11. I forgot to tell you how great your header photo is!! Super photo:)

    Tell the puppies I'll see them next Feb, if not before:)

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    1. Message delivered Pam...they can't wait!
      Can you believe it was 110 today? We had our MH serviced and rented the deluxe pet friendly cabin here at the KOA to hang out. Way to hot!

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  12. Gay, yahoo on Joe's blood work coming back normal! I can't imagine what a relief that must be. Hope the MOH went well, results are good, and the healing is quick. As always gorgeous photos. Always enjoy seeing them. What a cute family!!!!

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