Paradise

20180717_174744

Today was full of mountain time. I rose just as nautical twilight was ending and civil twilight was beginning to paint the sky. Quiet roads. Ribbons of pink and blue. And an unmistakable calm.

20180717_20162220180717_17415620180717_174911

I’ve been to Reflection Lake many times but it is never exactly the same. That might be the thing that gives it it’s character. It is certainly the thing I love the most ♡

The parking lot was fuller than usual. Also, I am later. I drove down viewpoint roads and even checked out Narada Falls before the crush of people descend. I want to know as much as I can about this place.

20180717_174118

In a few short months the snow will begin falling on these alpine firs. The new green growth will give way to icy crystals and we will be eager again for summer. It is a short cycle of summer here. The flowers barely have enough time to pop their little heads out before they go into the familiar hiding of their long winters.

20180717_18035720180717_17500420180717_18091320180717_18051620180717_18052620180717_17485520180717_174953

Here was my glorious day at the mountain.
20180717_173904
20180717_17414620180717_17534320180717_17550320180717_17482420180717_18075620180717_17502820180717_17574020180717_18093620180717_17582420180717_17524020180717_180311
I was able to do the whole Skyline Trail but not without challenges. At one point, coming down I ran into a Ranger telling people to divert to the Golden Gate Trail. Too much snow on Skyline. We talked awhile and after he saw my spikes, he sized me up and decided I could make it. And I did.
Marmots were everywhere today. This guy ran directly in front of me and planted himself face-first in the snow. Crazy dude. And I loved him. He didn’t move until I started back down the trail then he scurried off.
20180717_180721
I made it over a mile on the Paradise Glacier Trail before I lost the trail completely. The Ranger told me to be extra careful here, so I turned around and headed back. I’ve only been once so I don’t know it well enough to mess around.
20180717_18112420180717_18122220180717_18113420180717_18064720180717_18065520180717_181148
20180717_18123220180717_18124920180717_180957

Before dinner I joined a few others down at the lake. They are bright, fun-loving people and I’m learning a lot from them already. I am realizing that part of this residency for me is to be less social. It’s not a bad thing. I’m easily 20 years older than my fellow residents. They are at the beginning of their work and creative lives, while I am 15 months from big changes. I enjoy them all. While I wrap up my evening they are heading to the local tavern. Oh, to be young ! Dinner was great again. Mediterranean !

20180717_17363220180717_20122320180717_17350620180717_17344020180717_17334820180717_17340820180717_17341820180717_18131120180717_17335920180717_20104620180717_201115

 

You know I'd love to hear from you !

%d bloggers like this: