Walking in the Rockies - Johnson Lake and Cascade Ponds

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Glad for only a low level of haze from forest fire smoke, the eight walkers in our group followed the sun-dappled woodland path around Johnson Lake . The coolness of green buoyed our spirits after the heat of the past few days. Deadwood from fallen trees in the forest and in the water were fascinating in their many stages of beneficial decay.

Discovering the correct unmarked path, we came to an old cabin, once home to a recluse who survived only because of a few non-judgemental friends. The cabin itself, explored by Carla, was empty, but hunks of thoroughly rusted metal outside gave rise to unanswerable questions.

Emerging from the forest as we rounded the end of the lake, we were happy to see Black-eyed Susans and other wild flowers. Dozens of electric-blue Dragon Flies swirled on our sunny path. On the slightly rippling water, a Loon trailed by her chick dipped into the bottom weeds for food. Her haunting call swelled through valley.

Just before lunch, I tripped on a tree root, taking a hard fall. My face was saved at the cost of a very sore wrist. Within a few minutes, I soaked my hand and wrist in the surprisingly warm water of Johnson Lake where lots of families splashed near the mud beach. Another hiker kindly wrapped my wrist in a bandage to support it, supplemented by some Ibuprofen.

After lunch, our leader, Lois, exhorted us to walk faster at the cost of photographs. Except for a short unplanned detour, we headed towards Cascade Ponds where the bus would come. The path paralleled a hill-side, trees on one side and a drop-off on the other. The huge landmark of a water tower guided us. Just when our hopes were met by the path heading down and towards the distant Pond, we found ourselves walking with extreme care on a sharp descent covered by loose stones. No group was happier to reach the bottom of the valley where holiday-makers were on, in and beside the deep blue Cascade Pond. Our 7 km walk had become 10 km for no apparent reason.

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Photos

Johnson Lake in smoke
Accompanied by the piercing call of a loon

Cascade Ponds
Relaxing picnic spot

Johnson Lake
Recreational lake for families

Juniper
Plentiful berries

Hermit of Inglishmaldie
Away from civilization a century ago

A log cabin in the woods
Hermit of Inglishmaldie

Dragonfly
One of many - they eat mosquitos.

Black-eyed Susan
Cheerful occupier of rough ground

Loon and chick
Famous national bird

Hoodoos
Usually seen in a flash from the highway

Hoodoos
Remnant of pre-history

Water tower - hikers' icon
Look way up!

Comments

[Isabel Gibson]

Going out with a sprain?
Goodness - I hope you didn't do worse damage to your wrist than you seem to indicate. Offended tendons can take a while to recover, but that reflex of throwing our hand out is impossible to overcome without special training in how to fall, I fear. Is that why you're hanging up your walking pole for the season? This hike seemed to be more than you had bargained for, in a few ways. Your shot of the loon and chick is excellent and of course the dragonfly is a favourite subject of mine. I'd like them even if they didn't eat mosquitoes.

[beentouring]

Sprain - not!
Well, my wrist was actually broken, which why that's the end of the season for me. My cast was removed yesterday and physio is next. This afternoon I couldn't pick up a mug of tea because of the weakness caused by immobilization. Inconvenient mainly.