Lily Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park is a small lake with some nice trout fishing available.  The trail around the lake branches off in a couple places, including a 500 foot jaunt up a small mountain.  My kids particularly like that mountain as it’s an easy climb that will make any five year old feel like an accomplished mountain man. 

My first visit in 2007 didn’t yield any indication as to why the lake would be called Lily Lake…last year that all changed.  I found a small patch of purple, blooming lilies near the water’s edge.

On a lonely morning at Lily Lake, outside of Estes Park, Colorado this little guy was the only one shreiking about.  Even the usual variety of ducks were calm, but this guy had something to say to everyone.  I really didn't want to get too close as this tough bird, was willing to take on anybody.  I stayed safely away with my 85-300 telescoping lense maxed out on distance. 

Funny thing about this photo is that the subject isn't really cute, dramatic or inspiring, just ticked off that someone's even around.  Reminds me of another web site that I visit from time to time... www.despair.com  Along those lines, what would be a good title for this picture? 

Driving out on South Saint Vrain in Estes Park will quickly take you to Lily Lake, a Reynolds' vacation spot favorite.  There are a couple of easy trails, one completely around the lake and another up a small mountain.  Going around the lake in early morning will get you nice photos from any angle.  Not every day will you get fog at Lily Lake, so enjoy it when you can, though I prefer a clear day with a nice sunrise to shoot.

Photo Statistics:

Shutter Speed 1/90 sec
Lens Aperture F/4
Focal Length 17mm
ISO-100
Metering Mode Partial
Exposure Compensation 0 step
No Flash

After experimenting with the Time Value setting on my Canon 10D setting it on about 1/10 of a second, I was able to get some nice river pictures.  I really like the photos and the effects that they were captured on our vacation this month.

Along the main drag in Estes Park, Colorado is a small stream, the locals call it a river.  It runs behind most of the restaurants and always seems to be the favorite stomping grounds of the kids.  In fact I remember back in 2006 when my 3 year old son decided to get too close the rivers edge.  Fortunately, I was close by and fished him out.  I can't believe how wet I got carrying him the three blocks to the car.  At least I managed to snap a few rounds off and got this one decent pic. 

Estes Park, Colorado is the official vacation spot of the Reynolds' family.  The last two years we've gone and had a blast.  Something is in store for each of us...Chris is always the cut up.  She used to be a center fielder and her arm can still throw like a cannon.  Here's she throwing like a girl, probably cause she doesn't want to hurt my expensive camera!  Not to worry, I was sitting safely in the van.  I'm looking forward to this years trip, though it might be the last for awhile.