No Ice Axe Day Coincides with the Solstice
6/21/04
I don't know how late the rain continued last night. I fell asleep with my clothes on and no pillow under my head.. I don't recall waking or stirring until I heard Spur stuffing gear next door. I conked out.

The morning brought sun and a trail with lots of waterfalls. And other people. Until today, we'd not seen anyone on the trail after the first day or as we were approaching a hotel area. Today, we saw lots of day hikers, and even some backpackers.

Apple Pie taking in St. Mary Falls

I'm not as exhausted today as I have been on past days, and I know why: although today was our highest mile day yet, 13 miles, it was relatively easy. No snow, no great climbs, no dangerous river crossings.

Instead we had an easy, frequent access to water, lots of lush plant life, sunny skies, and gentle trail kind of day.
At one point, I came across a lovely field of blue camus lilies. Later it was larkspur.

It's always amazing to me that the beauty of flowers exists, thrives even, without regard to what humans do. That field was there and lovely whether I saw it or not.

Happy Solstice.
- posted by Monkey Mind @ 11:00 PM