Solitude Lake, Part II

Click here for Part I.

The hike was off to a terrific start.  The threat of thunderstorms seemed to have all but disappeared, and I'd been left with glorious light at the perfect time -- right as I was on the shore of Mills Lake.

I was blessed with terrific timing to see the reflection of the looming peaks in the still surface of the lake.

I love how a polarizing filter can give you reflection and transparency in the same shot.

Shortly after Mills came Jewel Lake with its marshier shoreline.

Rocks, trees, water and blue skies.  How bad a photographer do you have to be to not get a good picture here?

I was glad I had the presence of mind to look back in the direction I'd come instead of being completely focused on what lie ahead.  If not, I'd have missed this view to the south.

The marshy conditions required boards to traverse in spots.  Sadly, no moose.

Even in bright sunlight the fast-running creek still made for a pretty picture.

Shortly after this shot I ended up putting the camera away, needing my hands to first dig through underbrush to try and find the path across and then to climb the thousand-foot ascent to Shelf Lake.  It was tough.  It was exhausting.  And it was totally worth it.

I was wiped out when I finally got to the lake.  I lay on my back and whooped with as much energy as I could muster at the accomplishment, catching my breath and just enjoying the warm sun before getting up to capture some of the alpine splendor.

The cascades running down from Solitude Lake reminded me that my journey wasn't quite done.  But I was in no hurry, either.

Stark beauty, but beauty nonetheless.

Click here for Part III.