A Beautiful Discovery at Brainard Lake!

When we headed up to Brainard Lake for a picnic and a hike, it never occurred to me that I would make a beautiful discovery. I had to share my photos with you.

The overcast skies and heavy air felt more like Wisconsin, than Colorado. Thunderstorms predicted in the afternoon didn’t stop me from grabbing my hiking gear and heading outdoors. Sometimes I just have to get out of Dodge.

My husband, Danny, and I drove to a picnic area near the lake as the temperature dropped. The clouds gathered so we didn’t waste much time.

We took a trail to Long Lake.

The river rushed down from Long Lake.

As the lake peeked from the branches ahead, I felt a drop of rain.

We never made it to the lake with the storm pressing down from the west, but we hiked to a meadow and made a surprising discovery.

The color popped even without the sunshine.

Everywhere along the path, the flowers bloomed profusely.

Painted daisies everywhere.

And so many more to enjoy.

But, the thunder concussed through the mountain range in the distance.

Time was running out.

Click on this video to see the intense colors of the wildflowers and then… THUNDER!

We made it to the car and avoided most of the storm. Whew! With the threat of lethal lightning strikes, I don’t fool with Mother Nature.

—This shot was taken before the hike.

I can’t wait for our backpacking trip to Devil’s Thumb. Another adventure is right around the corner.

Have you picnicked this summer? Do you like to eat outdoors? How about camping?

Pin for later!