Sunday, July 25, 2004
The Rock is Getting Harder
07/25/04
We made it out of our Lena Lake campground at 7:15. The scenery was spectacular all morning. It seems like the rock is getting harder, so there was a little more struggle between the mountains and the glaciers. Further north, the glaciers pretty much had their way with the crumbly mountains. Here in the Beaverhead National Forest, some of the mountains are a little more jagged.
Saw a young grouse today with light and dark speckled feathers. I've been seeing grouse just about every day. They are small chicken-sized land birds.
They can fly, but it's awkward and loud.
After some lakes and passes, we dropped down into forest and followed the creek that flowed out of Rock Island Lakes. Then we made a long, steep climb up in forest, then dropped back down. If there was a pass, it was hidden. Being buried in the trees, unable to see landmarks or the surrounding landscape, the climb seemed so unnecessary. I like knowing where I am and why I'm there. I did see six what I think were morel mushrooms growing on the trail. I wish I could have completely ID'd them. They would have been yummy as an appetizer.
Later in the day, we found ourselves low, and road walking through sagebrush.
I was grumbling to myself wanting to be in the mountains, up high, not in some cow-infested yucky spot. Then I looked up and saw the light of the setting sun on a peak. As I admired its subtle qualities, it occurred to me to look behind me.
We got to see was not subtle. It was the most incredible sunset. I usually don't take photos of sunsets because they are such a popular subject, but the colors in the sky and layout of light were exceptional.
I'd think that I'd taken enough photos and that I should get hiking again. Steps later, I'd be floored by the increased drama and shoot off another half dozen photos. I did this many times. I know I'll have to suffer through editing them, but I don't have to do that tonight.
We are camped about 5 feet above the sage in a lightly pined area. I'm comfortable and tired.
