“May the trail rise up to meet you; May your heart rejoice in song; May the skies be fair above you; As you journey ever on” Dan Fogelberg (Ever On)
If you read my last installment, “Just Getting Started”, then you are aware that my intention was to hike to all three lakes, finishing at Smith Lake. However, large amounts of snow only allowed me to get to the first lake, Grouse Lake. So over Labor Day Weekend, I took the trek again, with my two friends, Chad and Kristen, plus their dog Penny. Since it was a holiday weekend, the entire area of Wright’s Lake was packed with people. As a result, we had to park in the overflow parking at the Rockbound Pass Trailhead. This wasn’t a problem except that it made 5.6 mile trek, a 8.6 mile trek instead. Nevertheless, we were eager make it to all of the lakes.
One thing that the three of us agree on, is that we really enjoy solitude…meaning the less people we encounter, the better. We did encounter people on our journey, but a lot less than we thought. I am guessing that this is because the hike is strenuous and there are other trails that are easier and shorter. My first observation on this trek was that there was a lot less water in the creek. The snow was also gone for the most part. Grouse Lake was completely free of snow and looked of summer with its’ grassy lined shores.
Once we arrived at Grouse Lake, I was excited to be able to move onward and upward to Hemlock and Smith Lakes. The snow was gone and the creek receded, so the path to those two lakes was open. We continued on our climb up the mountain and reached Hemlock Lake. This was a tiny but pretty lake with trees lining one side and lots of rocks on the other. The water was crystal clear, and we had worked up a sweat. So it was time to get our shirts wet and cool off…and it was cold! After lingering there for a bit, we decided it was time to climb up to our final destination, Smith Lake.
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I must say, Smith Lake did not disappoint. We did a lot of climbing, but it was well worth it. The water was clear and every shade of blue, In one shady spot, there was still a patch of snow, and in another area, a beautiful patch of wildflowers dancing among some granite boulders. We made sure to take the opportunity to take off our boots and let our feet soak in the cool, clear water. We spent a good hour or so, just taking in the sights and cool air. The trek back was all downhill, but with some tricky stepping. Needless to say, when we arrived back at the trailhead, we were exhausted but felt accomplished. I must say, that I was happy to share this experience with my two friends and their dog. We share an appreciation for nature and solitude. And for that, I am grateful.
As I write this, I am back at work, busy as ever, and missing my time in the Sierra. The mountains are a special place for me. It is there that I am refreshed and renewed. It is the only place where I truly feel free. It is also the place that I feel most at home. It always beckons me, and with fall drawing near, I will have to make some time to get back out and reconnect with the great spirit. Until then, I will continue to chronicle my treks from the summer…
