I stepped out of my car and onto icy pavement and felt a beautiful crisp breeze.  I had just driven over 2 hours to get to my location and while driving had been lucky enough to see a herd of Buffalo on the side of the road.  Man do I love living in Colorado.

I was meeting up with Larissa and Charlie.  We had been planning an adventure session together for a while and I couldn't wait to meet them in person.  Larissa seemed so down to earth and I knew we were going to have a great time.  We hiked a popular trail in Idaho Springs, CO called St. Mary's Glacier.  It was definitely a good heart pumping walk as most of it was uphill.  We were heading into the lake while many were slipping and sliding their way back out.  Thankfully, we had on our spikes so we were well-equipped for our short hike.  

When we arrived I was so taken aback.  The view was stunning.  The mountains were covered in fresh snow and the lake was frozen over.  Because of the time of year, the water level was quite low but I loved it because there were so many neat logs and stumps that we were able to use.  I don't know if you've ever walked across a frozen lake before but it is quite cool (no pun intended).  Knowing that you are literally walking on water at the base of a mountain is such a thrilling experience and 10/10 would recommend-as long as you are sure it's frozen solid of course.  

It was pretty cold so I tried to encourage Larissa and Charlie to do a lot of fun poses where movement was involved to warm them up.  Side note, for all you ladies out there, a couple of hand warmers in your bra does wonders for the body-you're welcome!  We had so much fun photographing together and as we were wrapping things up with the sun going down I threw on my pocket speaker and played "Chicken Fried" by The Zach Brown Band.  Let me tell you how these two were getting a little chilly and that song really brought them back to life-especially Charlie!  They had a blast laughing and dancing together and we wound up shooting a little longer since they warmed up.

We finished up at the lake and they changed back into their hiking clothes and grabbed a couple of beers they had brought along to include.  As we walked back down the trail we talked photography as Larissa is a photographer too (she's amazing by the way).  

We made our way down the mountain and took some photos on the way which included drinking more beer of course.  I also whipped out my GoPro, which I LOVE, to grab a few video shots of them walking and interacting with one another.  Everything looks good in slow motion right?

We ended our adventure session just before it started to get dark and we said our goodbyes.  The parking lot was pretty much empty when I left.  I usually like to sit for a few minutes after any shoot to just take a moment to myself and enjoy my surroundings.  Every place in Colorado is such a beautiful and amazing wonder and I will never get tired of it.  I'm so grateful to live in this beautiful state and go hiking with amazing couples.  I definitely want to go back to St. Mary's Glacier when it warms up so I can go swimming in that lake and have a totally different and new experience at the same place or maybe even do some photos of me and my own hubby!

xoxo

Heather

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