"Hi Jen." Looks like she found her twin from down-under.
Clarity, reflections and shadows
A powerful visual as we commence the down trail from Table Mountain.
Sitting in the car in the pre-dawn dark, we listened to the music of Brian Murray. Our timing was off as
we arrived a little early—better that way as the sun does not give one a second chance on the same day. We eased
into the darkness to put on our boots, last minute checks, flashlights ready, lock the car and head to the trailhead.
The changes are subtle. From darkness, the move towards light comes about very slowly, at first. A person notices the
clouds are suddenly visible, there’s a mountain ahead, trees appear and where did that path come from? This occurs
very quietly without the dazzle and noise of a Hollywood spectacular—that’s what makes it a double miracle.
Colors, reflections and joy...and brain overload.
One of the powerful visuals that held the eye.
Rushing to find an opening to pay respects to the magnificence.
Looking towards the horizon, the sky changes from black to dark blue and hues of yellow with some red.
Should it be a spectacular morning sun, throw in pink and purple. By this time, especially if one is
in a forest, the heart is racing and the legs are charging in search of an opening to take it all in
through a wider arc. Meantime, the seemingly passive mountains to the west, south and north are basking
in the early sunlight, warming themselves, after a cold night. The change is also slow. First, the sun
hits the tips of the mountain creating a golden thread. As it continues to rise, the gold band widens
and replaces the dark shadows below the top. Before long, the golden tip is less prominent; nevertheless,
the whole mountain is basking in golden sunlight. In moments, it’s gone and the sights are less stunning
but still good. And then one feels guilty for complaining about awakening so early. As an aside, we complain
far too frequently notwithstanding the blessings we have in life. We continue to learn much from people who
are far less fortunate than ourselves; people whose shoes we could not fill.
On a personal photographic level, we always strive to catch the gold alight the mountain tips and peaks but
alas, it tends to be elusive. Patience and effort have allowed us to attain the reward lately. (See following blogs.)
Sun catches mountain that looks like a smaller Table Mountain of Cape Town.
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Too much sun at Mono Lake, showing that many lakes in the region are exquisite.
This fellow brought up the rear, perhaps in two ways, as we suddenly noticed them quite far ahead.
The hike to five Tyee Lakes is one of the best provided we add the final climb onto Table Mountain, a place
of serenity, wide-open spaces and color. We know we often seem foolish especially when we have a bucket of
fifty best hikes—forgive us the enthusiasm. However, this one is special, particularly with the autumn colors
in full show. The water is crystal clear, in colors of blue, emerald, azure, turquoise, green…we could go on
for a while in that vein. The mountains, trees and other fauna reflect off the lakes making the scene surreal.
The aspens are a treat in a touch of green, bright and strong yellows, oranges and developing reds. Should one
stare at the lake surfaces long enough, one forgets whether one’s looking at the reflected image or the real
object. All are surrounded by the distinctive Sierras, the jagged edges reaching for the sky. We often think
that G-d had a personal interest in the design of Switzerland. The Eastern Sierras, in our opinion, is another
area He might have walked through, too.
Loan Rock takes a dip before winter at Tyee Lake One.
Old favorite from Table Mountain, actually both old favorites.
A thousand trees above and on the lake
The hike with extras was a little under 3,000 feet elevation gain over nine or ten miles return. We did it
early last week; the mind is not what it used to be.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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