Last Summer Weekend

Since the Autumnal Equinox is later this week, we decided to spend the weekend in the mountains. OK well, we do spend most weekends in the mountains, but this seemed an especially good time to head on up and check out the local color. It was a cool weekend and barely warm enough to sit on the deck of our favorite place.  There were no humming birds or swallows and the flowers that usually line the railings were spent. But, it was a spectacular fall day and we enjoyed what may well be our last time out on the deck.

The excuse reason for having breakfast in the canyon, on this fine day, was to feed our bodies a hardy breakfast so we could take a hike.  A few weeks before the local paper had a snippet (called 'Short Hike of the Week') on the Willow Heights Trail.  We had never heard of this trail, of anyone taking this hike, or of the lake at the top. The trail head was up the road a short distance from Silver Fork Lodge and, since the hike was only .75 miles, we thought it a perfect way to spend the morning. The info not included in the article was, the trail climbs 600' in altitude in that short distance, AND most of the climb is in the first 600' of the hike.  We were not daunted.  The narrow, rocky trail heads up the mountain through a thick aspen forest and after a short distance the noise of the road is lost.

Once the climb is behind you, the trails opens up on an alpine meadow that must be full of wildflowers during the spring months. You can bet we will return to see the glorious show next June. The meadow is near the top of the mountain, so we turned around to see the view.  It was a breath taking view of the Wasatch Range from a vantage point few would see.
Here is the fractured panorama.

From the meadow it is a short distance to Willow Lake.  The trail heads right across the top of the beaver dam which created the lake!  A large beaver lodge sits out in middle of the lake, which adds to the magic of this incredibly beautiful place.  Few people were around and it was so quiet, peaceful and unique. We will return to enjoy this spot over and over during the next year, in any season it is accessible.

And just to whet your appetite...Hanging Vines came along to enjoy the splendor.

Comments

[Tracy]

Beautiful scenery as always. It looks so clean and fresh and to think in a short while it will look totally different but equally wonderful with all that snow.

[Lee Ann]

I'm up way too early to think it's fair that I only get to see the shadow of Hanging Vines...

;-)

[jody]

not fair! you're such a tease!

[Judy]

She casts a lovely shadow. You tease us.

[stephanie]

I can't take it. Show me the shawl.

[Kim]

What a lovely pay~off for less than a mile of hiking!! Beautiful, beautiful spot!

I can't wait to see what is lurking in the shadows....

[Cassie]

That's got to take the cake for the sneakiest picture. Really, you should be ashamed, teasing like that.

[Liz]

It's so cool that you discovered a new hike. I think I have a new appreciation for beavers (considering we have some as neighbors).

[Jan]

It's always such a treat to get up on Monday morning and take a vicarious hike. And that shawl photo...clever but cruel!

[Teri]

Did you end up using all the yarn for Vines, or did you save a ball for a scarf? What beautiful scenery! ;)

[Vicki]

I love it! What a great photo! Can't wait to see the real thing -- she casts a beautiful shadow...

[Cara]

Evil, you are. ;-) Great hike, great photos, great vines!

[Norma]

OH, MAR.GENE! That is simply beautiful. What a lovely discovery. And that last photo is wonderfully clever!

[wool winder]

I enjoy your blog everyday, but especially on Mondays. What a beautiful hike. Thanks for taking us along.

[angela]

Ahhh, I feel more relaxed and at peace just looking at those photos. Thank you for sharing.

I keep thinking that "once the kids are older" maybe Jeff and I will be able to enjoy life in every breath...take each moment as a fresh opportunity. Maybe that moment should begin NOW! :)

[Brenda]

Good for you perservering on that climb! And I think the pictures are even more beautiful than usual.

[claudia]

That is the perfect Hanging Vines teaser.

[Debi]

When you come visit me on your road trip, can I ride back with you so I can experience your beautiful world?

I suppose I deserve the hanging vines "tease"...touche! ;-)

[Beth]

LOVE that last photo! :-)

[Snow]

B and I went wandering around Sprague Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park on Saturday morning, and I couldn't help wondering to myself if you were doing something similar. Seems that I was quite right. Yes, I should have taken pictures, but didn't think that far ahead and forgot the camera.

What a lovely shadow of your Hanging Vines stole. Now let's see the rest. You're holding out on us!

[Sneaksleep]

I'm so jealous that you have that kind of landscape so easily accessible to you! And the teasing by only showing the shadow of the shawl is not helping my mood! (Great pic though).

[Heather]

Blimey! Post a pic of the real shawl ye scurvy lubber or I'll have to make ye walk the plank! (It's talk like a pirate day today. I love the mountain pics. :))

[regina]

Simply breathtaking! So, you clever woman, when do we get to see the shawl???

[Laurie]

I really don't know where to start. How about you go girl, to do that much vertical gain in a short distance? Or...unparalleled scenery, perhaps some of your best? Or...maybe...excellent shot of shadow shawl, art at its best?

[Kim/Chef Messy]

Nice pics. I can't believe it's getting chilly out there already!

[Julia]

I love the teaser photo, and, of course, the landscape shots are lovely. Enjoy "summer" while you can!

[Kathleen]

Can't wait to see it!!

[Laura]

Hanging vines must be light as air to take it along on such a hike! Or maybe you used her to pull yourself up? heh I miss hiking and the description of this one really makes me want to go. Now to talk my husband into liking the idea. hmmmmm.....

[Sara]

Such a creative photo! Can't wait to see the shawl.

[Wanda]

Beautiful, scenic pictures Margene. The area looks and seems like a beautiful and serene area to enjoy. I hope you and Smith do go back time and again to enjoy it.

[Michelle]

Great last picture with the Hanging Vines showing in the shadows there!