9.45 Grouse, Hemlock and Smith—not attorneys at law—rather, Lakes above 8,200 feet

Smith Lake at 8,700 feet above sea level

Taking a bow in the Hemlock

We decided against staying a second time in Kyburz but selected Pollock Pines further west instead. The decision was an easy one: ‘Go West, Young Man, go west’. So here we are, in accommodation that is most comfortable in the biggest non-suite we’ve ever seen. It took us further away from Pyramid Peak but the ‘luxury’ of this Inn made the decision a good one.

We never mentioned that some hikes are extremely popular whilst others, equally good if not superior, attract very few. A point in case was on Friday. Mount Tallac was extremely busy for such a strenuous hike whereas at the Pyramid trail, we were the sole hikers in the great desolation wilderness—how appropriate a name. We love it when we have the editor to ourselves in the great outdoors. The problem is that as we age, we forget what we are supposed to do when such opportunities present themselves.

You're supposed to face the lake, Dummy

Jenni's mind is still at the Pyramid

“I need to go to the bathroom,” our editor announced. We did not know what to make of this outburst. Up to now, she has always been quite capable herself. We decided to ignore the remark. However, when she repeated it, we had to sit up and take notice. Then it hit us, that is, just before her purse did. Jenni was so tired from the tough Pyramid Peak climb that we had to carry her to the bathroom. We had ‘called’ the hike so we were comfortable to pay the price. Fair is fair.

Grouse Lake—only 8,000 feet

We left late for the trail because of a build-up of too much work. It is most inconvenient when work interferes with life but who are we to complain. We commenced at Wright Lake and headed toward the three lakes mentioned in the title. Jen was recovering from multiple mosquito bites and ‘pyramid paralysis’ so she was a little quiet as she followed. However, we thought it a most enjoyable hike, especially swimming in lakes 8,700 feet above sea level in cold, clear, emerald-colored water. We could have stayed in an hour but time ran away from us.

Setting the scene

You're a little mixed up. You're supposed to take your hat off, not your pan..

We climbed 1,700 feet, took an ‘undiscovered trail’ from above Grouse Lake and actually climbed up a waterfall. We may not be sensible but we sure have fun. At one stage, Jenni tied an imaginary rope around our waist so that we could search for the trail while she anchored us to an ‘imaginary trail’, the one we thought (hoped) would get us back home. It actually worked. Subsequently, we met Gary at Smith Lake, a body of water surrounded by an amphitheater of mountains. He too, got lost on the way up so we felt less stupid. This area is so gorgeous that we are in awe. Yet they call it the desolation wilderness. Go figure! We’ll be back.

Another scene at Grouse Lake

In the last few hikes, we met some interesting and first-class people, including Gary from Sacramento. Our adventure enables us to come across people whom we would not, in our former city lives—we consider it a privilege to get to know interesting folks from different backgrounds, places and cultures. These experiences enrich us, for which we are grateful. Thank you, Gary and pass on a ‘woof’ each to Savannah and Milo—they are camping next to a lake this evening.

Seconds before a sneak attack by a 'brown bear'—Gary fortunate to be with us

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Thank you, Gary

Color and calm at Hemlock Lake

Glacier fed Smith Lake