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I really never thought I would make it up there but its been on my 'hope to' list for a few years. Understand that a few years ago I was very out of shape and was dealing with some health issues that sapped my endurance. I thought that making it to Mills Lake or the Lochwas great for me. But I kept seeing everyones photos of places like Sky Pond, Black Lake and Chasm lake and wishing I could manage to get there someday. I had tried Flattop a few years ago and it almost killed me. I was so sore for days after.
Well I finally got my thyroid fixed, found out what was wrong with my metabolism (insulin resistance)and have been working on the correct diet for about a year now. Its working and I feel better than ever. Well time to stretch my limits so to speak.
I could not find a hiking partner so I drug hubby along withe. He's always game for one of my adventures.Cuz I usually don't tell him the extent. ;-)
We got started on the shuttle (can't believe that the GG parking is full by 7:25 am) probably left the trailhead by 7:45 or 8 am. Nice little stroll up the beginning of the trail and I happened to have the waypoint of the fire trail so we took off up that direction, hoping for a shortcut.
After a bit of 'off trail' exploring, we made it past a cute little pond with a wonderful reflection. Anyone know the name or is it un-named? We saw a grouse and baby but he hid as soon as they heard us.
Got to the top and started up the Loch Vale trail. It was not as bad as I remembered and seemed to go pretty quic. I was surprised by the big snowdrift right before the lake. Must have been some drift 4 months ago.
The area after the lake is very pretty and worth a stroll even if you aren't going up to Timberline falls. Lots of litle waterfalls and meandering stream. There were fisherman trying to catch a bite. most said they had some luck.
The water is so clear that you can see the fish swimming by. Lots of stepping up-up-up and then more up. My legs were sceaming but I was determined.
Then you get to the really 'UP' part. Timberline Falls is beautiful. Lots of places to explore, catch a snack or enjoy the view downhill. But I knew there was more to go.
I had read all the reviews, hints and tips of getting around and above but at some point you just have to suck it up and start climbing. I have reaproblems wioth vertigo and don't care for heights. Especially wet, slippery rocky heights. The trail is really very nice for the conditions. Most places have large rocks placed for steps or a pathway across swampy areas. They have done alot of work to make it as safe and pleasant as possible.
Many big snowdrifts, melting from beneath and dripping. Amazing to relize that all these little drips form that raging river below. There was alos a Marmot that peeked his head out on the way back down.
Well, up and over the top to Lake of Glass. Large, clear green lake - but I knew there was one more to go. Its a very nice, meadowy area with flowers, streams, waterfalls between the 2 lakes.
There was no wind just a slight breeze. Everyone we ran into said what an amazing weather day it was. Not many bugs once you get past the Loch.
Stopped for a long rest and tried not to think about how far away ar was. Got up to Sky Pod around 11:45 (4 hours is that pretty good?)
The way down was uneventful- had to back down some areas beside the falls but didn't get too wet in the running stream that was supposed to be the trail. Great day and I'm looking forward to many more.
