“We used to dread lives rendered ordinary; we always said we’d own a grander story; but the only kind worth telling somehow; is the one about a jolt that makes you listen; that jagged lightening bolt of recognition; that love and kindness are all that matter now.” Mary Chapin Carpenter (The Middle Ages)
Sometimes I look back over my life and wonder what kind of impact I had on anything or anyone. I thought that I needed to do or be something great, to truly make a difference in the world. Now, I realize that being alive and present in this world in a way that displays respect, kindness and love is what it means to make a difference and to leave a legacy. I did a hike late in the fall this year, that reminded of the cycles of life and what kind of meaning each brings.
Late in October, I took a trek out to Marlette Lake hoping to catch some fall color. This hike is considered moderate and is ten miles round trip. The trail begins at the Spooner Lake parking area (there is a small fee to park). Spooner Lake is located in the Tahoe-Nevada State Park which is on the the east side of Lake Tahoe, past Incline Village. It was a beautiful day, and I was excited to see what kind of color I would run across. I knew that it was late in the fall season, but I was still hoping to see my favorite yellows, oranges and reds.
As I followed the trail, which starts as a dirt road that is very popular with mountain bikers, I came to a junction, with which I could continue down the road or veer up on a single trail. The single trail doesn’t allow bikes, so I decided to go that route. Much of the single trail runs parallel and above the dirt road. Early on, it was clear that I had missed the color as most of the aspens had shed their leaves. But, for me, there was an entirely different show happening. And it was subtle.
What I saw were remnants of this past year. Flowers that were past their prime and the last of the yellow leaves holding on for just a little longer before the trees shut down for the winter. As humans, we always look for the fireworks and flashiness, but there can be just as much spark in the spaces in between. These spaces can teach us a lot. The cycles in nature show us how to prepare for change in our lives, and that change is inevitable.
I could imagine the spectacular sight when the color was at its’ peak. And I will be back next year, to try to catch it. After about 4 miles I could see the lake and made the descent down to its’ shores. As I trekked along, I could see snow patches that remained after an early snow the week before. It was cool, chilly and beautiful. The lake was much larger than I imagined. Marlette Lake is was developed as part of a water system to deliver silver to Virginia City back in the old days and serves to deliver water to Carson City. This lake is also used for cutthroat and rainbow trout spawning and provides stock for lakes around the state.
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I found a nice lunch spot and enjoyed the cool breezes. I could see where the stands of Aspens along the shoreline provide a spectacular sight when the leaves change. This entire area is heavily populated by Aspen groves and I look forward to visiting this area again at different times of the year. After 5 miles of hiking, the respite was needed before I headed back. As I decided that it was time to leave, I took a few pics of the lake and thought that maybe I would take the dirt road back. However, I decided to take the trail back as I told myself that I would come back with my mountain bike and take the road next time.
Along the way back I spotted some nice color poking out from behind the pines. Back at the parking area, I ventured over to Spooner Lake and took in some of the color that remained there. I had been to Spooner Lake last fall (See “Expecting the Unexpected”) and the contrast was amazing. Last year it had snowed and it was mixed with color, snow, and dark skies. This year, it was sunny with most color gone and no sight of snow. Each star that the sun sparkled off of the lake sent a sense of warmth through me, reminding me that life is precious. With the remnants leaving a lesson of the beauty that is yet to come….
