Baron lake

Baron lake is the most beautiful lake I have hiked to up to this date.  This was my second backpacking trip(Aug 2014). I have been dreaming about going out into the wild again and while waiting for summer to get here I decided to write about our past backpacking trips.  

  

We started from the Grandjean trail head off of highway 21.  From there it is about 11 miles to the lake.  The trail was very well used and easy to follow.  There were a few fallen trees that blocked the trail, but it was easy to go around them. There were a few creek crossings on the way.  I love these creeks because they provided cold water to drink and I love the soothing sounds of running water. However, I don't like creek crossings unless there is a bridge, but I managed to crawl over the log without too much trouble. 

  

There were wild blue berries on the trail. What a treat! They were sweet and juicy and there were plenty of them.  We also saw elder berries.  I know some people makes elder berry jam, but I wasn't sure if we could eat them raw so we left them alone.

When we got to the base of Baron falls we had to climb a rocky hill.  It was very steep with many switch backs.  There were some unstable rocks on the trail and we had to be careful where we put our foot down.  I hate to think what might happen to my toes if one of the rocks landed on my foot. I was grateful for my hiking boots. It was hard going and I was feeling like Frodo and Sam heading toward Mordor.

When we reached the top and just around the corner a whole meadow opened up and there were wildflowers that made me forget the trouble I was facing only moments ago.  It was getting late by this time, but we had to take our packs off and take a break to take in the beauty that was placed before us.  This is the reason I go out into the wilderness. 

We ended up camping by a small creek about a mile short of Baron lake.  It was late and raining by the time when we found suitable camping spot.  We pitched our tent, had dinner, and went to bed.  The next morning we hiked the mile to Baron lake and also to lower Baron lake.  Mike fished a little bit but by the afternoon we didn't know what to do with ourselves.  We each had a book to read, but still it feels like we were just there.  That is when we decided we would rather hike than stay in one place.  We find the joy in the journey itself.  Maybe that is why it takes us a whole day to get to the lake.  We enjoy sitting by the creek after lunch.  We enjoy watching the butterflies. We enjoy standing still and listening to the waterfalls.

At the end of the journey when you are faced with such an awesome view, you can't help yourself but proclaim, "How Great Thou Art."