We recently took a quick run up to Rocky Mountain National Park to check out some fall colors. That was not happening yet and we may have taken a fall if I did not remind myself of the photographers mantra: if you don't see what you want, look at what you have. This seemed to be the 24 hr. theme and I had alot, but nothing I had actually planned on. On getting to the park I got my yearly pass. That gets me through all of September next year for 40 bucks. You can get that or get a week pass for 20 bucks. Not a tough choice for a semi-local. It has a little owl on it. It was getting into the evening so I decided to take a quick trip on the most popular hike in the park at what I hoped would be a not so popular time. Up to Nymph, Dream, and eventually Emerald lake. I was dreaming of a sunset shooting fest. Dream on white girl, I just cannot seem to pick that winning number. We walked fast and only saw a few people. The other time I went on this trail was a weekday in the summer. It was a literal parade procession of people. I vowed to never go there again, but without the crowds the beauty was apparent. There were some lovely grey clouds framing the Keyboard of the wind range, but there was not much yellow yet. Strike one. Upon reaching Emerald lake the sky was flat gray with no clouds. Strike 2. I was bitching until I saw Steve stopped dead in his tracks.
There was a family of elk having an evening meal at the edge of the lake. They all posed for me and I got up close. Apparently that is not smart. Well, I didn't care, I had a hit. After pulling ourselves away I turned around to double check the sky and there was some golden light out of no where. I got some tres bon silhouette shots. Another hit. Heading a further down Steve says, "Look at this" and there is amazing pink reflective light on the east peaks. Oh, this beat a lake sunset. Almost. It was getting dark and Steve was nagging me to stop already. He has never done this before, but pizza was calling and he was starving. I think he was afraid of bears but he used hunger as a decoy.
Up at 5 the next morning after amazing pizza and our first taste of the film Metropolis on the hotel TV. Trippy wonderful. No sunrise. Why am I not surprised. We did get our spot at the Glacier Gorge lot which is something to celebrate in itself. Still taking what I can get. It's super windy and I have to tell myself to go with it. Except for one guy, we have the first leg of the trail to Alberta falls to ourselves. This is unheard of. I try a few extended exposure water shots but without a tri-pod I never quite master that. Steve feels sick. Maybe it was the giant cup of coffee, the double allergy pill dose, the quick climb, and an empty stomach. Ya think! We stop and have some leftover pizza for breakfast. This is my favorite hiker move. I hate those bars. I don't take many shots as I've done this trail a few times. I am headed to the Loch Vale and hoping for some clouds and reflections. I don't think so Tim. Strike 3, but I'm not out. It's so windy I can barely hold the camera but I manage a few framed shots in the bright morning light. We are off the Lake of Glass and Sky Pond. This is where it counts. I tried to do this last year in July and was blocked by snow.
We see some 20 year olds literally jogging past us with skis and packs. Not light ones either. They are going to free ski at Andrews Glacier. Ah youth. Last yr. the only people that went up to my goal lakes were 20 yr. old antelopes wearing gym shorts and tennis shoes. How the heck old am I really! I have a hat, hiking boots, and 2 waters.Comfort over form I tell you! If you know me you would know that is total BS.. but I will make an exception on a long hike. Skirting around the edge of the Loch, we start the bridged walkway toward Timberline falls. It's a bit dry compared to the fields of rushing creeks filling the treed meadows in the early summer, but still beautiful. The sun is reflecting and blowing out my pictures. I love my photoshop I tell you. Soon we hear the falls and I notice with joy, it is snow free. I'm gonna do this!
We approach and I am excited to find myself climbing through the middle of the waterfall, which is the trail to get to Lake of Glass. It's a tad bit tricky but not daunting in early September. You can probably only do this 2 months of the year if you are an amateur or have a sense of caution. I have heard the lake is right over the ridge of the falls. The wind has quieted for the last mile and to look back East from whence we came is astounding. We scramble up the slippery rocks of the waterfall. You can't tell from the pic, but it's straight up and pretty fun. Mind your footing!....... Lake of Glass my ass! As soon as you pop your head over the ridge you are assaulted with gusts so strong your hands go numb and your hat flies off. Steve goes around the side of the cliff to take a Pringle break while I continue to explore. I'll just see what happens. I really want to get to Sky Pond. Things take an amazing turn, literally. I am soon ensconsed in a little Switzerland type valley full of green grass, astounding cliffs, soaring clouds, fresh dusted peaks and huge boulder fields. Not to mention more waterfalls, beautiful ponds and even better views behind me. As bizarre as it seems, I find myself quoting the bible in my head as sometimes happens at these moments. This is a day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it! If the quote fits, use it. Turning circles and burning up the memory card. Oh I love these moments. This time the real thing just can't be captured but I will try to show a bit of the splendor.
I can't stop. I know the apex is not far. Steve will get worried but he made his choice. Clouds roll, cliffs resound, marmots chirp, fall grasses lend color. Ahhh, here is the nordic cirque of Sky Pond. It's a green lake at treeline. I can't get it in my viewfinder at all. I must save this one on the internal memory bank. It's cold and windy but I wait for the light to lend me shadows and color. Heading back I marvel at the path. This is way the heck up here in heaven and people have actually lined this upper section with huge bolder steps and retaining walls. Quite amazing. I mean like- how did they build the pyramids- amazing. Maybe this air and this surreal beauty lend strength to the park crew as well as eyesight to the blind.
I meet Steve on the way back. I send him on to what he can't miss. I'll wait and snack. Right. The wind has picked up and I have to crouch under a bush to try to shove some pringles and smoked salmon down. That's right, I picnic in style. I am just about to have death by wind when Steve gets back. Thank God he doesn't have a camera. Down we go and now tons of people are coming up. Steve has on a Packer shirt and every other person stops to rave on about football. He eats it up. My feet have me limping by the end. I gotta get some Dr. Scholls inserts, but I only think of this when I am at 12,000 feet. Steve is craving McDonalds. Why does this happen when in the wilderness? I cave in and get an Angus beef. I'm good for 6 months on that action! Steve is supposed to drive home. I drove there and that was the deal. He is SO tiiirrreeed. He is going to fall asleep at the wheel. Good thing I have had a rewarding and surprising 24 hrs. or he would never hear the end of this. I will use it in the future though. Mark my words.
Emerald Lake, Lake of Glass, Sky Pond, Rocky Mountain National Park
