Passing Dream Lake (not pictured) and continuing up towards Emerald lake, it's necessary to stop frequently to rest and breathe the thin air. Yesterday, I was at sea-level, and today I'm hiking at almost 2 miles up (10,000+ feet elevation today). This trail continues to gain elevation as I look back over several of the lakes already passed on the way up.

Resting at Emerald Lake, nestled high in the mountains, I take this picture and decide to continue up to one more lake.