Wander to Chasm Lake 10.13.18

Chasm Lake Wander 10.13.18

The goal for today’s wander is Chasm Lake.  This beautiful lake sits in a high alpine bowl at the base of impressive Longs Peak.  It has snowed during the past week, so I am curious to explore how the winter freeze is developing.

Bright blue skies promise a nice day for a wander to Chasm Lake.  Ice has formed on the trail in response to the freeze melt cycle of the snow.  I don my microspikes and start up the trail.  The forest is covered in a blanket of snow.  It is calm and silent, save for the crunch of my spikes in the ice.

Snowy landscape 

Snow rests lightly on branches and needles.  Old, bare trees stand out against the white snow and deep blue sky.  A puff of snow sits in the middle of a trunk – magically hanging on.  I wonder how it landed there and how it remains.  I imagine the storm that blew through the forest, depositing snow in every crack and crevice. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wind swept landscape

The forest opens to a sweeping view of the valley below.  A broad smile forms as I get my first glance of majestic Longs Peak above.  It has been too long since our last encounter, yet feels as though no time has passed. A visit with an old friend often feels this way. 

Trees transition from tall, thick evergreens to thin, stumpy, wind- blown trees and shrubs.  One tree alongside the trail intrigues me as it has a thick trunk but grew sideways instead of up.  It looks healthy – a head of bright green needles and a thick trunk.  Amazing how trees thrive in even the most difficult terrain.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chasm Lake 

The final climb to Chasm Lake is up a 300- foot waterfall.  Ice covers the rocky surface while the gentle sound of water flowing beneath the ice invites a moment to enjoy.  As the water freezes ripples of ice form, drawing the eye and lens to explore.  Sunlight dances off icicles clinging to the rocks.  Impossibly, two tiny plants have escaped the ice forming around them. 

Cresting the top of the rocks, I anxiously approach the lake and am surprised to find it unfrozen!  I sit on a warm rock and watch the spin-drift blow across Longs Peak.  Water laps the rocky edge inviting a longer visit.  A black bird sails on the thermals and lets out a caw, caw.  His black form stands out against the bright blue skies.

Tundra 

The wind stirs, and I tear myself away to start the slippery climb back down.  It is afternoon and the sun sits lower in the sky, casting long shadows along the rocky face.  Moments in full shade chill me and cause my gloved fingers to go numb.  I carefully pick my way down the icy surface, stopping briefly to find my next move. 

 

The tundra has a delightful stream that is beginning to freeze.  Wide, open sections are rimmed with ice, narrower sections are already covered.  I take a moment to warm in the sun and enjoy the beauty of this moment.  The faint sound of water running beneath the frozen waterfall delights the ear and engenders a sense of timelessness. 

Way down

I make my way quickly down the trail.  Clouds build, announcing the approach of a storm.  I meet a fellow hiker and we hike and chat as we make our way back to the trail head.  The forest is darker and colder than this morning’s hike – encouraging us to keep moving downhill.  Just a mile from the trail head my spike catches my pant leg and I hurtle headfirst downhill.  I land on my left hand.  Upon getting back on my feet I realize I cannot use it.  It begins to throb as I make my way into my car.  Next up: a trip to urgent care!

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