We have often maintained, contrary to what most of our friends and family think, besides Mom, that we learn much from our experiences on the road and in the mountains. Each day is a learning adventure but on some, our intellectual advancement knows no bounds. Take the other day. We headed up to George Lake which is by way of Sabrina Lake but instead of continuing to Blue Lake (also from Sabrina) as we did a few days before that, we went directly up the steep mountain. Hats off to the trail builders who provide us opportunity to be trail-blazers but unfortunately, we fall short. We also fall on our faces quite often, too, although damage is cushioned by the egg on them. However, that’s another story...(continues at end).
Returning from George Lake which is way above above Sabrina Lake.
Early morning reflections as we pass Sabrina Lake.
Reaching the only level part of the trail, all of ten feet.
Arriving at George Lake, the water in view is the overflow pond.
Heading up an extremely steep path.
and dropping down. (Love this lake, Sean, as do you.)
Some of the best looking trees are 'dead'.
Finally, this is George. It sits (or swims) below Table Mountain, the other side from the previous week's fantastic experience.
Struggling to keep up with Jenni.
I'm struggling up while Jenni is already returning.
Sabrina Lake, always attractive, well-shaped, not unlike a woman, appeared to glisten as an emerald. It was dark green (hopefully, the color of emeralds), it’s surface unruffled by a non-existent wind although there were a few people struggling while sitting in their boats fishing and sunbathing, as we sailed up one of the steepest paths we’ve experienced on the trip in the Eastern Sierra, outside the town of Bishop. Much snow covers parts of the incredible peaks and mountains of the region. Although we are well into summer, we know this because the ground temperature outside Bishop has reached over 100 degrees. Last week it was much less and most pleasant. Here’s the trick. One of the things we learned in our youth, Jen says that’s was just the other day, is that the higher the altitude, the cooler it is. This is an amazing concept which further illustrates our limitless knowledge. We can drive away from our residence up to the trailheads at 9,000 feet and then hike another 2-3 thousand feet higher in temperatures near on 30 degrees cooler. How's that? In winter, we find high mountains at lower altitudes so the snow is less of a hazard. Sometimes, even we are amazed by this depth of knowledge and understanding of how the world functions. Let it be stated, we always downplay our attributes as we strive to remain humble and modest, at all times.
We mentioned something about snow still covering the mountains earlier, before we got side-tracked, a phenomenon known to occur (sidetracked rather than the snow). We learned recently that snow mostly melts during summer but not all of it. We think they keep some for late skiers although we’re not sure—we should check that out. So where does the melted snow go? That’s a good question. Apparently, it flows down the mountains, forming streams, sometimes rivers and ends up in the lakes. Therefore, the alpine lakes have a source of fresh water which is actually former snow. Who would have thought? Because the water flowing into the lakes was once frozen—frozen is always very cold—the lakes remain cold. You might ask for snow to melt it surely must warm. Forget it—this is not school.
Finally, we arrive at the latest gems of understanding. By the way, all the wisdom you’ve read, we acquired in earlier years and of course, stored it away. To relay our recently gleaned wisdom, we will direct you to the picture below. You should be able to see what looks like a waterfall thundering down the mountain across from our position on the opposite side. Notice how white it is. Hopefully, we don’t offend anyone by using adjectives of color. Follow the flow and you see it enters the lake, a beautiful one indeed. But…but here’s the catch. The lake water is emerald in color. How is that possible? White water turns green upon entering the lake. This was a source of puzzlement throughout the hike.
Notice the stream on the mountain and the lake to which its flowing as well as the contrasting colors.
We studied the issue but could not find a solution. We then sought a ranger who explained it to us for which we are most grateful. In addition, that we can share this knowledge with others is satisfying and of course, provides us with boasting rights. Forgive us. That’s a little crass. The ranger said what they do is quite simple but a little on the expensive side. Between the waterfall and the lake, they have built a simple mixing tank. Basically, the flowing water enters a pipe which in turn directs the flow through the tank. Once a week, the tank is filled with emerald stones. As the water rushes through, it wears the stones down ever so slightly which causes particles to mix into the flow which in turn colors the water, ridding it of its whiteness, a somewhat unpopular color nowadays. The improved colored water continues into the lake, hence the emerald shade. While expensive to maintain, many tourists visit the Eastern Sierras to experience its wonderful lakes. The tourism industry's benefit, more than compensates for the loss and expense of emeralds.
We, who enjoy the amazing beauty and challenges offered in the region, also now know the inner workings of the lake system. Are there any other questions? Hold off on comments, it could be dangerous to our self-esteem.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
"You want my body, fella? Waving your tail at me won't cut it. Hey, maybe you received a jolt?".
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