A view of our favorite icon in this region, from Table Mountain.
A surreal feeling on the relatively level mountain top, covered in boulders and river sand. It was like being at the beach without water. Not another soul about but square miles of open spaces surrounded by other mountains.
Jenni was explaining a feeling she has of traveling to- and living in- the various destinations we reach. She then added, besides the hiking, climbing and scrambling on the mountains, how does one explain the feeling of sitting on a peak, or anywhere for that matter at height, and absorbing the natural world. To see the lakes, outlines providing distinctive shapes giving them style and beauty, the changing colors of the water as the clouds blow in and away, and of course, the surrounding mountains engulfing us and everything within them, is not easily interpreted. Two little people, viewing and absorbing the vastness, magnificence, sometimes feeling and seeing the danger, often exhausted but never despondent. How is it possible that when one steps onto the trail, mostly rugged, comprising stones, rock, sand, sometimes mud, scree and a host of other materials, the emotions within one change almost immediately and each time a fresh adventure begins. We cannot provide a suitable answer to the question. Whereas we often try to understand the meaning of each facet of life, analyze it, ponder over it—we have yet to understand the feeling. In the end one concludes with an answer, no matter how imprecise. Who cares. That it works is what counts. As long as we do no harm, seize the opportunities with both hands and let the trail take us into a world of mystery and perhaps, an alternative to aspects of the harsh reality of life, even temporarily, then we believe we succeed.
Perhaps the best result of all is the humility one learns. Nature is awfully humbling in many ways. Do many realize man's insignificance in the greater world? To have a level of self-esteem is vital, essential. Nevertheless, we often find when we look out toward the valleys below or the mountains above and across from us, concentrate a little on where we are and what confronts us, we've come to realize where we fit into the big picture. In earlier years, the picture was very small and we were much bigger. How perspectives change.
Gorgeous view and the lake wasn't bad either. Looking down on the upper (5th) lake. Breathless, both literally and figuratively.
Standing some 2,700 feet above the trailhead, the shape, color and location mesmerized us.
Temperature at ground level in excess of 100 degrees. The snow attests to cooler weather on the 'Table'. The mountain yonder is impressive.
On the way down, Tyee Lake 3. Each time we visit I wonder how they could have run out of names for lakes.
Tyee 1 currently, see below for contrast. Also, note the crocodile or perhaps an alligator with its 'head' resting above the surface.
Fall (autumn) colors make the Sierras even more attractive. This photograph was taken some 9 years earlier. Yet, it's hard to believe, the creature has not moved. Makes us think it's a crocodile, more like our African mentality.
The surrounding mountains look like models built to complement the table as background features.
Big mountains, small alpine lakes, part of Tyee 4, a wonderful contrast.
Tyee 2, the least attractive but with wonderful surroundings.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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