Lukens Lake in Yosemite is a tucked away hidden body of water that is a pleasure to visit after a short hike from the trailhead. A forested perimeter around the circumference of the lake gave the place a familiar character. Much the same as many lakes throughout Yosemite and Sierra. Leading up to the lake is a long stretched out meadow to complement its beauty. A portion of the meadow submerged yet with a portion of the lake receded.
Sometimes there are much higher hardships and costs to get to places that are much more remote. Yet once there, the reward makes it all entirely worthwhile. The abundance of wilderness features both near and far really brings out a deeper awareness of life.
In the words of John Muir, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
When a tree is felled, that is when a regeneration process of sorts begins. As trees fall into decay from exposure, the weather, and wildlife, they become a source of shelter and food for wilderness creatures. Pine needles and duff become bedding for deer and bear. They become the material birds to use among their nests. The bark provides shelter for insects. Insects that in turn become eaten by scavengers. Rough and calm winds carry bark and debris into the forest floor which in turn serves as fuel for natural wildfires that occur from time to time.
On a Summer afternoon heading down into the canyon, you often come upon fantastic views. The contour of the terrain, the color, and the range of flora comes into full display. The closer to the Fall season you are, the more likely you’re able to a greater variety of color both at a distance and up close.
Along the way to a destination, sometimes the best of the time is the route on the way. Because of what the time and place bring to you. With a heart of humility, without haste, to make way for what it is to dwell at the moment.
Remember when such a bush spoke to us. Directly and indirectly. It’s the message (Gen 3:2-3) that was explicit and implicit by what it said and did. Ablaze metaphorically or otherwise to symbolize an intensity and state entirely dangerous and in demand of our attention. A command of authority by its beauty and behavior.
A squared and up the center image of Tenaya Lake and its surrounding domes. A mid-day photograph to reveal the character of the area. Between Tuolumne and Yosemite Valley, this lake is a popular destination for families for day use. The mid-shoulder up to the right is the route up Sunrise and to the backside of Yosemite Valley. Heading toward Cloud’s Rest, Half Dome, and Little Yosemite Valley.
In early Spring with the forest floor still damp, you can feel and sense the quality of this area. Just before nightfall, I was out and about the Giant Forest area in Sequoia scouting about for wildlife and unique openings to contemplate and absorb the natural settings.
Quite often when you break trail, you navigate through the brush, over the boulders and make your way to areas that invite you to set up camp or just remain awhile. Here I was out on a heading to Aster Lake below Alta Peak in Sequoia National Park. The peak in the distance is Alta Peak.
On this ascent of Ontario Peak, we really should have had snowshoes with us. It was a slog the whole way down this route, but quite beautiful nonetheless. The naked and worn trees were littered about with Mt. San Antonio looming in the distance. The mountain erosion you see on Mt. San Antonio is also known as the Mt. Baldy Bowl.
While reaching for the Eastern approach to Mt. Lawlor, a view of Josephine Peak opened up before me. The wear and use of the land were apparent, but the character of this front country stood tall and true.
Another early morning through the forest near Wolverton led my partner and me through strong contrasts of shade and light. The range of colors and mood of the wilderness was a highlight of this outing. An unforgettable experience that continues to inspire me.
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