A Pristine Lake Amid Lofty Peaks, An Exhilarating Picnic Site
Reciprocal Nature Prompt first week of September: “Pleasant picnicking”
My friend, Katie, needed a day to remember. She had been plagued by many injuries that summer. We were hiking buddies. Her physical fitness having improved, she longed for a stimulating hike. I suggested a new place to explore.
“How about a picnic at a high alpine lake surrounded by mountains?”
So we set off with my Husky, Chan Teh, to Minotaur Lake in the Wenatchee range. A three mile steep switchback trail with rest stops cut through alpine firs. The scent of pine permeated the air. Dry needles muffled our steps. At the top a meadow with heather skirted a picturesque cobalt lake. The view was accentuated by white granite boulders.
“I’m not opposed to a fancy meal, but I’ll take a picnic any day… food and nature? Sign me up.” Ryan Paevey
The climb was well worth it. What a glorious site for a picnic and welcome rest. We found a level rock shelf at the water’s edge. Then deposited our knapsacks and spread a fleece blanket to sit upon. Chan Teh lay down, in anticipation of tasty morsels.
Various picnic items whetted our appetite. Apple and orange slices joined individually wrapped string cheese. I brought a ham sandwich. Katie had a cream cheese and jelly one. Sliced homemade banana nut bread was center stage. Katie added chocolate pudding cups. We quenched our thirst with root beer sodas.
It was a peaceful setting. We had the lake to ourselves. The sun glistened off the surface of the water. A gentle breeze rippled the surface. Warblers sang to us from the fir trees. We caught up on news since our last meeting. Then packed up leaving no trace of our presence.
The wilderness invited a more thorough exploration. We trekked through a spongy moss meadow and sparse forest up to a rocky ridge. There we had an unobstructed view of Lake Theus far below.
We made plans to return and camp out for a few days. The mountainous terrain ignited our curiosity. The territory was simply beautiful, a little known mysterious gem. The sun’s rays slanted, telling us the afternoon was fading. It was time to descend back down the mountainside.
Dusk had fallen when we returned to my Subaru Outback. It had been a glorious day in spectacular country. Our picnic setting was a memory we would cherish forever. True to form, Chan Teh passed out in the back while I drove the winding road back towards town.
“My dream date would be a hike through the woods followed by an outdoor picnic followed by a glass of wine at sunset. Heaven!” Nina Agdal
Hope you enjoyed coming with us to a remote picnic location.
Thank you Sahil Patel for taking me down memory lane with your prompt: “pleasant picnicking”
Please enjoy reading the following posts by talented Medium writers.
Libby Shively McAvoy writes an interesting post about cherishing how you prepare food & take time to savor every bite.
Garima Sharma writes a beautiful poem about the power of kindness that can change the world.
Enjoy Margie Willis’ quirky poem about the effect of September’s arrival.
