Abyss Lake 2016
We hiked the short distance to camp along Scott Gomer Creek through a mixed forest of lodgepole and aspen and set up camp under threatening skies. We had enough time to fish a bit and enjoy a dinner of salmon fajitas and a dessert of campfire-toasted marshmallows before a cool rain set in, sending everyone to their tents. The next morning's chill was dissipated a bit by a campfire and a breakfast of french toast croissants washed down with hot chocolate, and then we headed up to a meadow another mile up the trail. We fished the beaver pond and creek with little success, but also enjoyed the meadow and its fall colors and basked in the warm sun and even took a few naps.
Several of the girls caught the fishing bug and soon mastered the use of their Tenkara rods. Zoe got the prize for the biggest fish, a nice 14-inch cuttbow caught in the beaver ponds just above camp. By dinner time, we had a nice mess of trout, which we roasted over the campfire and shared all around. A few of the girls even braved the cold waters of the creek to take a brief swim and then dry off in the afternoon sun. Elsa and Marie also participated in our photography academy, taking some really great photos posted here.
We will take an easy hike a couple of miles into the Mt Evans Wilderness via the Abyss Lake trail. From our camp by a beautiful stream, we will strike out to enjoy the meadows, ponds and forests of the beautiful valley. This will be a good chance for our Tenkara fishers to practice their skills on wild trout.
Park County - Guanella Pass
Pike NF, South Platte Ranger District 303.275.5610