E M E R A L D   L A K E

Gallatin National Forest
Southern Montana

The initial 1/2 mile isn't too bad. However I do notice the thinner air, my lungs have to work a little harder to get in all the air my body is demanding.

East Fork Hyalite Creek passes to the right of the trail.

There's bears in them there hills, so I opt to I bring along my bear bell. Not only do they warn the bears of an approaching meal on wheels, they also warn other bikers and hikers that I'm coming. They're pretty noisy when going downhill at a pretty good clip.

The trail soon turns gnarly and steep. I'm really starting to feel the "leg burn" now. I need to take a few rest breaks but to my surprise my wind comes back really quickly, time and time again.