These guys are the ones with all the gear, "know how", guide books, experience, muscles, etc. The rest of us managed to carry our little fanny packs and a few bottles of water while they hauled in their big backpacks full of food, dry clothing (it was raining a wee bit), tarp, binoculars, camera, hammocks, toilet paper, first-aid kit, towels and the travel pillow that Alicia managed to sneak into Dale's pack. Go figure.
Here are just a few of the incredible highlights that only our awesome CREATOR could dream up making us all the richer (and stiffer) for having experienced.
I think this must be Narnia.
Yep, definitely Narnia.
Water falls being fed by melting ice and snow...FABULOUS!!!
No, we are not posing. This is a "well-deserved" rest. We figured that trees this size would manage to hold us up just fine.
Did I mention the waterfalls???
THIS is Lake Serene. Can you imagine being the first one to ever find this place? 
I know, I know...we are looking terribly romantic in this picture...truth is I am actually freezing to death and Ken is so pooped that he can't stand up straight anymore. And this was BEFORE we made our way back down! :)An information board at the trail head gave this description of the hike up to Lake Serene.
distance: 3.6 miles ONE way
switchbacks: 23
level of difficulty: STRENUOUS
I can't say how grateful I was that I only read the info board AFTER we made it down...it is true...ignorance is bliss!
Anabel made it the WHOLE way! I was terribly impressed. The Grand Prize for climbing all the way up was...SNOW!!
