Lake McDonald in the spring
Christine May 25th, 2009
Late in the evening we paddled a silent and clear water on Lake McDonald near the entrance to Glacier Park. The tourists had not yet arrived and the quiet was only broken by an occasional robin and raven in the trees on the shore. As you can see by this photo springtime is only barely touching the Park. The trees and bushes have a mere hint of greening leaves, the water is high and in some places the aspen are standing in the lake up to their ankles. Our days are long now; the light lasting well after 9:30. I spent most of our paddle this evening simply taking it all in and we hugged the south shore. I relished the chance to Just Be. I could think of no other place I would rather sit and admire the beauty all around: the magnificent views from every direction, the water, the paddle and my husband in the stern. I practiced a few new paddle strokes as well: the draw for one – which would turn out very useful the next day when we went on our hunt via canoe – which you may read about here– Matthew’s account for The song of the paddle: In Search of the Medicine Wheel… Lake McDonald, Montana.
Here is a glimpse below of the canoe ready to be launched the next morning for our search which would take us about 6 miles round trip. The wind is calm and the sun glints off the charred trees on the opposite shore which burned most of that forest into the lake side and up to the low mountains towards Fish Creek. I will have pictures of that burn tomorrow.
For now I will wish you all a Happy Memorial Day. I paused many times here in this spot thinking of the family members, now gone, who very much enjoyed this place and with whom I was here often.
“Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity”
Edwin Hubbel Chapin
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Christine, These pictures are so serene. I can just imagine that you had long periods of reflection as you paddled the lake shore.
What a magnificent place to paddle. I haven’t been to Glacier, yet. Look forward to more.
Lovely! That early morning slanting light makes such an impression.
That’s a beautiful place to just be. So gorgeous. God bless, Christine.
Good Morning Christine~ I’m happy to hear you had such a nice time. I bet you were reflecting on your son’s visit, wasn’t you? Hope you had a nice visit with them. Love your pictures. That water looks so serene. And, the trees remind me of those Singular (I think that’s the service) commercials with more bars- each one being taller/ more than the next. Have a nice day.
That is a wonderful spot. Juanita and I went up there when I was visitng one time, and it’s stayed with me!
Beautiful place, calm lake. Nice to see spring creeping up into the hills!
I wish I was there! And, I wouldn’t even complain about the cold. Just came back from the song of the paddle. Tell Matthew I am impressed,please. Sure would like to see that medicine wheel, too. Were you there?
PS—it was 38º here this morning.
I could feel the peace & tranquility here Christine
Sounds like a lovely and peaceful trip. What a beautiful place, and your photographs are just gorgeous! I especially love that second shot, it’s beautifully composed.
Stunning photos. “Just being” can’t be beaten, can it?
Kat