On the way to Echo lake (which is on the way to Mt. Evans) we came across a picnic area that was completely deserted and just too perfect for us to pass up. So we stopped for lunch, and enjoyed the perfect weather and scenery there!
Once we made it to Echo Lake, Nicole really wasn't feeling well, and I was feeling quite leery of going to the top because I remember having altitude sickness the last time I went to the top of Mt. Evans. So Nicole and I hung out at the Echo Lake Lodge while the boys went to the top of Mt. Evans. They saw some mountain goats really close to their car, which made me a tad regretful that I didn't go, but I think I'm still glad Nicole and I stayed behind. We had fun walking around the gift shop at the lodge. Nicole saw this sign that cracked us up, so she took a picture of it (see below). The boys didn't get any pictures of themselves at the top, but they did get some of the mountain goats and one shot of the amazing view! Nathan took a picture of me in front of the lodge, so I'll include that one as well.
We headed home just in time for Tim to get ready for his 3 counseling appts, which he conducted from the back bedroom of our camper. I ensured the kids had dinner, and then I took off to meet a colleague of mine from IBM/AT&T whom I had never met but just adored from our contact over the phone. She now manages my old department, but we didn't even talk about work for probably the first hour together! It was neat just getting to know more about each other. I didn't keep track but I think we ended up spending 4 hours together, and it just FLEW by! It felt like maybe 30 minutes to me. :-) We got a picture, but again it was my camera phone where the flash isn't working, so it isn't the best shot. But it will be a great memory, so I'm so thankful she took that time out with me. She asked me if I ever regret leaving and I thankfully said I really don't - I just miss the people, but at the rate I've been able to hook with them, maybe I won't have to miss them too much. :-)
Like I said, a very full day indeed. Tomorrow we leave for Colorado Springs, so we're looking forward to that. Pictures are forthcoming. Blessings everyone!