Mosaic Monday #76: A Silver Lining

Colored Sulphur on Broadleaf Arnica plant

Silver linings.  All of us are looking for silver linings these days.  As I thought about my post for this week, I chose to highlight a hike from September 2017.  It is the next hike (in chronological order) that has not appeared in this blog, but perhaps more importantly, it is a reminder of the ease with which we take something for granted.

Thursday, September 7, 2017 - Upper Two Medicine Lake - 11.1 mile loop (Entry 22 in Hiking Journal)

This hike began from the Two Medicine campground, as did my last hiking post, part of a two-night camping trip to the east side of Glacier National Park (GNP).

Two Medicine Lake

Perusing the pictures from the hike, it prompted memories of the forest fires in the summer of 2017.  It was for precisely that reason that we were on the east side of the park, trying to escape the worst of the smoke.  And yet, the hazy nature of the photos shows we were only partly successful.  As I wrote in my journal "The day was much smokier and very still, which gave a misty/gloomy/somewhat surreal look to everything." 

Pumpelly Pillar
Left - this hike in Sept. 2017
Right - the same spot in July 2018 - how the sky is SUPPOSED to look

Pumpelly Pillar leads you like a beacon toward Twin Falls, which were flowing well despite the advanced stage of Autumn and the summer drought.  Man with Hat had to drag me away from taking pictures of the falls, Arnica and Colored Sulphur.   In these closer shots, you can almost pretend there was no smoke that day.

Throughout the hike, we encountered fellow travelers who had "just" seen a moose.  Each time, we quickened our pace in hopes of glimpsing Alces alces.  Unfortunately, the closest we got was a very fresh pile of scat (not pictured).  Of special note was a family group of three seen near the pond just below Upper Medicine Lake.  By all accounts, the moose gathering caused a traffic jam on the trail.  Well, neither the traffic or the moose were anywhere to be seen by the time we passed that way.

Lone Walker Mountain at the west end of Upper Two Medicine Lake

Rock cliffs towered over the trail, which quickly led to Upper Two Medicine Lake.  We enjoyed our lunch, but the fishing was not fruitful, and Man with Hat suggested we return to the pond - apparently others had gotten lucky there.  I was up for that - maybe the moose would put in an appearance!

Sure enough, he caught three lake trout (all released)!

But no moose.

We retraced our steps to Twin Falls and then took the right fork toward the boat landing.  Along the way, we were grateful for the pit toilet.  (Can I hear an AMEN from my fellow lady hikers?)  Toilets may not be an appropriate subject among polite company, but they are a reality in the backcountry and deserve a heartfelt mention for those who construct and maintain these facilities.  I am often amused by the creative/humorous touches on some of them, as shown below.

Shortly we arrived at the boat launch, chaotic with people queuing for the boat that would save them a walk back to the campground.  We had no plans to board, but it was clear that people near the end of the line were concerned about making it.  You know that behavior - when everyone is watching everyone else to ensure that no-one cuts the line?  Sometimes the tension is almost visible, vibrating in the air.  In light of our current circumstances, doesn't it seem almost silly?

It was a different, serene world after the boat had disgorged a large tour group, EVERYONE who wanted a spot on the boat boarded, and the Sinopah puttered away. Man with Hat and I were left alone with the still water and a family of mergansers.  While he fished (no luck), it was delightful to remove my boots and socks and plodge in the water (I promise I wasn't scaring off the fish).  The temperature difference between the river (freezing) and the lake (ok) was marked, and I didn't linger in the river.   

Upper right: Horsetail plant                     Lower: river entering the lake with boat shelter on left

The final leg of the hike skirted the south side of Two Medicine Lake.  We were pleasantly surprised to discover Aster Falls and a set of beaver ponds in the final mile and a half.

Upon arrival at our campsite, we played cards while enjoying first-class appetizers with our wine and beer.  Later, Head Chef would prepare a gourmet meal, and we would collapse into our tent shortly after nightfall.  

I am sure that at the time, I was not completely pleased with this hike.  The

views were diminished, the air quality was poor, and I didn't see any moose!  However, with the benefit of hindsight, I am grateful for all of our GNP excursions, smoky or not, moose or not.  Similar to many other national parks, GNP is closed and it is unclear when it will open.  We've had no communication from the Backcountry Office to know whether it is processing the camping applications that we submitted a month ago.   At this point, I would be happy to get any kind of access to the Park, and I am berating myself for my past childish, selfish point of view.  

I dare to dream that the pandemic will come to an end.  I dare to dream that we will embrace the presence of others, rather than seeing them as a threat to something we want.  I dare to dream that we will have more patience, and more gratitude for the simple things (even when they are not "perfect").  That could be enough silver linings for me.

Mosaic Monday

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