HIKING - Echo Lake - October 18, 2013

Gail and I were itching to go hiking the other day. We had signed up to go on a hike to Lake Margaret, but the hike leader suffered an injury and had to cancel the hike. We had already decided we wanted to go to Echo Lake before it snows, so the change in plans was fine with us!

The water level is quite low compared to when Conrad and I were there earlier this summer ... 

Crystal clear water! I wonder if we can take dive gear and jump in ...

Frogs?

The view from atop the mountain as we started along the trail. You can see Lake Tahoe off in the distance. That's Highway 50 winding along between the mountains down below.

Then there was the trail along Echo Lake ... Stunning!!

Such interesting flora and fauna ...

We had one of those days where everything is crisp and clean, crystal clear and every color pops. It's like the entire day was in high dynamic range!

I can't help it ... I like interesting shapes and textures!

Gail. Enjoying a quick break as we stop to take some panoramic shots.

Moi.

The water taxi dock at the north end of the lake. our stopping place for lunch.

I guess a few quarters thrown into your backpack wouldn't be a bad idea ... Just in case ...

Can you believe the colors?

Breathtaking.

Shapes and shadows ...

More textures ...

And angles ...

Amazing trees!

And, yes, we will be going back there ... More than a few times! I've scheduled a hike for 12 ladies on November 5th, weather permitting. Let's keep our fingers crossed for another awesome day!