My favorite thing about the days of being a fitness trainer was not only the knowledge to help myself stay fit but the ability to help others gain the confidence necessary to reach healthy goals. I may no longer train, but it feels good to know that I helped a few people.

I was reminded of this when I bumped into a former trainee at the East Portal Trailhead parking lot near Rollinsville. She was embarking on her first overnight camping adventure with a group of ladies. Her nerves shone through before she admitted she was a little apprehensive about her journey.

My initial reaction was to tell her the same thing I would tell all of my trainees, that strength and ability begin with your thoughts. She nodded and smiled and said, “Thanks, Omayra. I needed to hear that.” I can’t fully express how good that felt.

The clouds were starting to roll across the mountains, hiding the sunshine. The burst of sudden wind added a sense of moisture to the air. Excitement set in, and already I was enjoying the sound of my hiking shoes making contact with the rocky ground.

The wildflowers and the roar of South Boulder Creek added beautiful stimulation and plenty of photo opportunities. There are no shortages of steep inclines on the way to Crater Lakes. Though it’s primarily considered an intermediate hike, there will be sections that will make you question your ability to make it all the way. Trust me, you can and you will.

Depending on which of the Crater Lakes you visit, upper or lower, your entire journey can be well over seven miles. You can bring your favorite four- legged hiking companion, but they must be on a leash.

The Crater Lakes trail is in the James Peak Wilderness area and boasts the best Roosevelt National Forest has to offer. Forests, mountain views, alpine meadows and lakes, and soothing streams. Upon reaching Lower Crater Lakes, I went to war with a swarm of mosquitoes (my least favorite critters of nature).

Nonetheless, the lakes were calm and serene. It began to drizzle. After only a few moments of relishing in their beauty, it was time to descend. Roughly one- third of the way down, I bumped into the group of ladies still making their way to the lakes. They were ascending challenging inclines while carrying tons of camping gear and getting soaked by the rainstorm that had created a monsoon of showers. I didn’t know who they all were, but I couldn’t help but feel proud of every one of them.

It turned out to be a gloomy hike indeed, but thanks to my encounter with Jamie, I felt the sun shining in my heart.

To find out more about hiking Crater Lakes visit: https://www. fs.usda.gov/recarea/arp/recreation/ recarea/?recid=28242&actid=50.