08/28/2026
https://larrycoulsonphoto.etsy.com
A few weeks ago I went on a photo safari. Recently I took up photography as a hobby/profession in my retirement. Anyway, I took off to Glenwood Springs for some shots of the surrounding area. My first target was a place called “Hanging Lake” a few miles east of Glenwood. This involves in a real hike from I-70 to the lake. The trek is about 98% stairs made of completely uneven steps fashioned from semi flat boulders. Rising 1000 feet in elevation in 1.2 miles.
I scheduled my visit for 5pm in order to catch the desired late afternoon light. The hike was way harder than I expected and it took me over an hour to reach the lake. By the time I got there I was totally pooped. But you know I had the motto “Never Give Up". On the way up I met a couple coming down who were close to my own age. He was 75 and the lady was 86! Meeting them gave me great hope, the lady really started to “mother” me they gave me some extra water, an energy bar, and she unbuttoned my shirt fanning me saying “you look like your too hot”. More about them late
Anyway I made it to the lake and got the shots I wanted.
So, now getting back down. It’s now about 6:30-7 and my legs are completely shot. I tried my best, but I could only go a few yards and I would have to stop and rest. My legs were giving out, after a few steps. I think I might have made it less than a quarter of the way down, it was getting dark and I had already fallen down 4 times. I was exhausted, bruised skinned and in pain, and night was falling. There was no way I was getting down on my own. I found a stone bench, sat down, resigned myself to spending the night. This trail is right next to 1000 foot cliff maybe more and there was no cellphone signal. I decided to try texting my beautiful wife that I was in trouble and could she call around for help. I had no idea if the text would go through. It’s now pitch black, the phone lit up with a reply. “Police are coming”
About an hour later three Garfield County fire/rescue folks showed up!!! They were very kind, I was able to joke, laugh and thank them all the way down as I leaned on strong shoulders and made it down. I was able to drive back to my hotel, no more problems other than my exhausted legs. Now more on the elderly couple I met on the hike. I found out later, that Brigitte was not the only one who called the dispatch. A women had called in letting them know there was a gentleman on the hike who had run out of water and may need help. I had double the protection that night! Always in gratitude!
If you would like a print, please message me!
