A day hike up Rapid Creek and back down

Little Sandy Trail from Big Sandy Lake camp

The earth is enough, and if it isn't, I need to pay more attention

In god's country and no need for gods.

Palms together, head bowed, give thanks

The aesthetic confluence of lake, rock and mountain is a rapture unto itself.

Photography is so paltry in comparison to being there, and yet.

One of my favorite photographs

The co-dominant treeline tree along with Engelmann spruce.

Wind-gnarled, living a thousand years, without prayer

In trouble from bark beetle, blister rust, and changing climate.

Grizzlies depend on its seeds

And the co-dependent Clarks' Nutcrackers are an abundant, raucous lot.

Do I like the lakes better than the surrounding pines?

Can we separate these, can we separate anything?

A faint social trail appears and disappears up the valley.

Humans were made to walk.

Peaks left to right: Haystack Mtn, Steeple Pk, Lost Temple Spire, Temple Peak

Although this is supposedly one of the best climbing areas in the Winds, I didn't see anyone all day

on this perfect, warm, end-of-summer ramble.

(please use your bottom scroll bar to see the whole panorama)

Vertical stains of black manganese, an ancient calligraphy

(please use your bottom scroll bar to see the whole panorama)