Favorite Trails

The Death Canyon Trailhead is one of the trails we took off Wilson Road. It started with a drive in the car (luckily we had rented a Jeep) on a rutty dirt road that narrowed and became worse as options for parking became scarce. Once we began walking it was apparent that this trail was rated 'moderate' but deemed a steeper ranking. But we persevered and did the walk up to Phelps Lake.

The climb to the overlook was a little rattling because a honey-colored black bear and her cubs had been on the trail ahead of us. When we passed the area we could see a bit of her color through the trees higher up above us. She was busy digging roots and gave us no mind, especially since we were talking, letting her know that we were there. No surprises.

When we got to the over look it was quite stunning. We continued just as steep a descent down to the water's edge. One of the things I love about hiking is that people who are meeting you going the other way encourage you to keep on going. Where would we be in sticking to hard things without encouragement?

Phelps Lake was definitely worth the extra hike through the narrow trails edged with wildflowers. I will post some flowers and wildlife in the next entry, but wanted to concentrate on this beautiful lake. Because it is difficult to get to it is also very serene. No boats, no swimmers, no trash, no noise. The only bird around was a solitary duck making a white trail with his glide across the reflection in the lake. It was quite ethereal.

We sat by the water and were thankful that we had 'run the race' and finished to see the beautiful prize. It was quite humbling to know that not many people got to see what we were looking at because it was difficult to get up and down the trail. I am thankful for my health and for the discipline God gave me to keep working out so I would have the stamina to hike. It was a treasure of time spent with my husband in one of the most beautiful places on the earth.

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Acknowledge Him in all ways and He will direct your path.

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Encourage one another in the race we run!