Another journey to a new destination. The Alta Ski resort in little cottonwood canyon has long been on my destinations to see. Finally, I resolved to make the trip before the autumn snows claimed it. Setting off in the a.m, too late actually but I pressed on. Unfortunately, I forgot a number of things like a hat, water and real food. If Lutgart would have been with me this would have all been in order but she was nursing our lab Bailey who was attacked by something (raccoon?) and had her chest scratched so badly she received stitches so Lutgart stayed home. Driving through the canyons, I arrived at warm site next to the Alta ski resort. After securing water and some snacks off I went to Cecret lake, no problem...or so I thought. I started my trip at 8950ft for elevation. This changed and quickly. I was huffing and puffing five minutes into my journey and the sun was already too high for my liking. Did I mention I forgot my hat? Anyway, I was not disappointed by the views and they only improved as I walked. Beautiful fields of flowers, reds, yellows and purple dominated the fields with the mountains. Gorgeous but the walk up had my attention. I consider myself a decent hiker but I was feeling this. Hmmm, am I actually short of breath? Yes. I do love the land but I detest man's ability to ruin it. In the middle of this beauty is a ski resort. You can't miss it. And the lifts abandoned for the summer but don't worry. They'll be back with the first snow. We just can't leave well enough alone can we? Keep pushing but I am being punished for my late start. People. Too many people. Families, screaming children, overprotective parents. They are all there. I'll be honest I'm annoyed.
One of the attractions for me of hiking and photography is the solitude. I think. I appreciate and dream a little. But that is impossible this morning. I've been zigzag walking for about an hour now and the sign informs me "Cecret Lake" 1.6 miles. The woods and shade beckon but I'm seriously considering whether to go because I know I will have company. Well, I'm here so I go. The woods are cool and I enjoy some moments of respite from the heat and the crowds. Gorgeous scenery but damn near impossible to photograph with the deep shadows. A mini-waterfall tempts me but I resist, eager to get the walk on. I hear more people and spot a campground in front of me full of human beings and loud ones at that. What did I expect? I veer right and follow the path of solitude. I encounter 3 young lads ahead of me speaking a language that sounded Russian but I was wrong. They were from the republic of Czech. They greeted me with a good morning in perfect English, very good! I stop to rest. The land continues to elevate and I'm really overheating. Fortunately I bought two bottles of water and I'm very thankful I had the patience to wait for the store to open. The path continues and merges as I'm joined by families all on the road to Cecret Lake. Abruptly, the woods end and a huge field emerges with a path straight through. Fields of flowers loom and the elevator continues to rise up. In the distance I can see groups of people ahead of me and at this point I think "How much further can this be??". The land laughs and I get my answer "Further than you want".
Then I see it. Not the lake but the path TO the lake and this is not good. Well, if you were not prepared it is not good. For me to reach the lake I can't even see I have to climb the mountain! A very rocky path at that in the blazing sun. I'm tired, getting hungry and my eyes are burning from sweat. Am I really going to do this? Then I see him. Walking slow with a cane. Slightly hunched over. He must be in his late 70's, minimum. And he is doing it, up, slowly up, step after step. My God! I'm ashamed. This gentlemen wants to see the lake and he is going to do it. I take a deep breath as young people sprint by me. Seemed like they were sprinting at the moment at least. I put down my tripod, my camera, and take off my backpack and have a drink. I pour some on my head washing the burn out. Did I mention I had company? Horseflies. Some fast, some slow but always there. When I stop they seize their moment and attack. I kill one (I have fast reflexes!) and nearly kill his brother. Time to go and so I do. I cross the timeless desert, this Mojave of the mind and continue my journey. From a photography perspective this is stupid. Any experienced photographer reading this is shaking his head and thinking "This clown is much too late. He should have been at the lake at sunrise when the walk would have been much cooler and he would have been alone." I can't argue any of that. But the old man shamed me so I cross the burning land and start my final ascent to the mount. My legs are burning and I'm definitely struggling for my breath. Wow, haven't felt this way in a while. I catch the old gent and he greets me with a hello, I nod and press. I still can't see the lake and the switchbacks are getting tedious but this close I refuse to give in. Finally, with my legs and body at their limit, with one final push I reach the summit and see it all....Cecret Lake revealed.