Water

Today we went on a family outing to Cascade Springs (off of the Alpine Loop) and then paused for a short (very short) hike up the trail that leads to the top of Mount Timpanogos. My theme was water. Funny enough we not only visited streams, falls, and natural springs, but got caught in a heavy down pour (with a smattering of hail) while descending the Timponogos trail. Here are some looks at water from near and far.

"Sleeping Giant," Mt. Timponogos Peak, Utah

Cascade Springs, UT

The following photos shows the relationship between living organisms and water. Often we forget that water forms part of another world of plants and animals whose very existence depends on how well we respect and protect our environment.

"Clinging to Life"

"Coexistence"

"Peace and Quiet"

"Springs"

(The above photo reminds me of Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" with the interspersing of water and plant, showing the co-existential nature of living things.)

Returning to the Alpine Loop we encountered this beautiful meadow.

"Meadow"

Along the Mount Timpanogos Trail:

"Run off"

"Nothing Sacred"

The above photo demonstrates the sheer power of running water. Here the water run off has washed away a portion of asphalt path on the Timpanogos trail. Perhaps it is a gentle reminder of our own weakness when faced with the power of nature.

Trees

I have always been fascinated by trees. They are stately, strong, and subject to nature and man. Robert Frost wrote:

Sound of the Trees

I WONDER about the trees.

Why do we wish to bear

Forever the noise of these

More than another noise

So close to our dwelling place? 5

We suffer them by the day

Till we lose all measure of pace,

And fixity in our joys,

And acquire a listening air.

They are that that talks of going 10

But never gets away;

And that talks no less for knowing,

As it grows wiser and older,

That now it means to stay.

My feet tug at the floor 15

And my head sways to my shoulder

Sometimes when I watch trees sway,

From the window or the door.

I shall set forth for somewhere,

I shall make the reckless choice 20

Some day when they are in voice

And tossing so as to scare

The white clouds over them on.

I shall have less to say,

But I shall be gone. 25

"The Sages," Antelope Island, Utah

"Standing Tall," Daniel's Summit, Utah

"Alone," Daniel's Summit, Utah

"Scarred," Daniel's Summit, Utah

"Reaching," Provo Canyon, Utah