The
trail to the peak was a long and arduous climb
Which
skirted a pristine glacial lake about midway.
Shimmering
below, it offered a cooling balm for the heat
And
a picturesque spot to rest and refuel for a while.
A
short down-climb led to a high cliff that overhung the depths
Of
aquamarine waters; crystal clear, revealing a rocky bottom.
Chartreuse
lichen grew from the wetted rock face
While
damsel flies of cerulean hue darted to and fro.
In
the shade of a small oak we were content to eat our lunch.
From
our vantage we watched the cutthroat trout feed;
Rising
to a caddis hatch. Splashes of watermelon, coral and saffron
Under
their jawlines divulged the source of their strange name.
Fronting
the shore, a spacious open meadow served as a refuge.
A
doe and twin fawns lay surrounded by tall grass and wild flowers.
Tangerine
bells, snow-white lupine,
And purple daisies with lemon eyes
In
hues of lavender and lilac covered the park in waves.
After
a short dip in the icy waters,
We took a few moments to gather our things
And
reflect on the beauty and grandeur of this unknown retreat.
Truly
we were blessed, our bodies, minds and souls rejuvenated
As
we climbed the slope to continue our trek to the snow-capped peak.
