Snow LakeMy first hike since injuring my shoulder in 1999, I tentatively went alone, but returned renewed and encouraged.
Today was a splendidly perfect day and I had the opportunity to take advantage of it by going on my first hike in two months. I picked an easy hike to a place called Snow Lake, located in the same area that I usually go to. This hike is only 3 miles to the lake and about 2000 feet of elevation gain.
As I hiked I was reminded once again of how pretty this area is. Snow still clings to the surfaces of the mountains surrounding the basin, resistant to release its grip. The trail was strewn with rocks, but easily traveled. One feature of this hike is that I could see the Source Lake basin and the surrounding peaks throughout the entire hike.
As I hiked higher and higher, the views changed and became more dramatic. Various species of flowers hide among the greenery of the vegetation. After 30 minutes of gentle uphill hiking, the way steepens and I begin the first of 10 switchbacks to the top of the forested ridge overlooking the still-frozen Snow Lake. But I didn't go to the lake. Instead I traveled north (to my left) toward Chair Peak. I was not planning to summit--merely to obtain a view I have not seen before. I was not disappointed.
On this high point, as I meandered about the area upon old small snowfields and snow patches, I beheld the full set of the mountain peaks in this area: The Tooth, Bryant, Hemlock, and Chair. Below me and to my right, is Snow Lake, still frozen around the edges, open water only in the center and it's banks framed with the reflective coating of snow, reminding me of the large amount of snowfall this past winter.
I stop here, take in the view, rest and think. I'm glad I came here today, it feels good to again, be back in the mountains. After the injury I sustained on Denny Creek, this marked my return! |