The next morning Joan and I set out for Lake McArthur. On our way we passed the Lake O'Hara dock, where the canoes were floating on air. Or at least on water like glass, with strategic lighting. The white flecks are small insects that have just hatched out of the lake.
There is a large swarm of insects in this photo, taken at Mary Lake, where we stopped for boot adjustment. They didn't bother us, nor the duck. The water so clear that we could watch the duck as it swam underwater.
I have blogged the particulars about the trail up to the lake, via Big Larches, the previous year. This time I didn't take any more photos until the lake first popped above the trees.
Closer up, Lake McArthur got even better.
We found a hillock with a view upon which to take our lunch, and soon were fending off the usual pesky ground squirrel. They are accustomed to begging or stealing from hikers.
People accumulate near the lakeshore.
Joan and I strolled on the lakeside trail until we reached the junction for the lower return trail.
Lake McArthur was higher last year, as you can see.
These mountains are stacks of colorful geological strata. Former sea beds!
It's good to stop when absorbing this or any other vista. Walking and gawking at the same time can lead to accidents. From the very large to the very small, our focus changes. Here a pika has left harvested foliage in the trail, perhaps to dry?
A few minutes later we're granted a view down the valley of Cataract Creek.
The day is not over, and Joan and I are considering climbing to All Souls' Prospect. Looking ahead, we spot others ahead of us doing just that (click to enlarge).
This photo zooms in on our trailblazers.
After an hour we catch up to them; after a chat we push on while they continue taking a breather.
We reach the top! Not of the mountain, but of the trail. A hopeful squirrel is already here.
The other hikers join us at the prospect's marker cairn as I'm recording a panoramic sweep.
All Souls' Prospect is of course also a great vantage point for still photography. Here's Lake O'Hara.
A closeup of the peninsula with the lodge and cabins.
Looking south, to Opabin Lake, barely visible well above Lake Hungabee. The hiking trail is visible in both the left and right of the photo.
We returned via the Opabin Plateau, down the West Opabin trail, rather than retracing our steep ascent. After dinner, as we walked back to our cabin, the setting sun put on a light show.
The reflections in Lake O'Hara were astonishing.
We paid another visit to the Sufi Bench, mentioned in at the end of the previous post. The angle of this photo nicely displays his painting and the glasswork star (click to enlarge).
Tomorrow Joan and I will tackle the huff-and-puff hike up to Wiwaxy Gap.
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