The Ottoway Lakes Loop

As the sun begins to set, the alpine-glow begins to make itself noticed. This is the view of Red Peak (here living up to its name) as seen from the lake shore.

The Evening Changes

The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004

Towards sundown I found out what really makes Lower Ottoway Lake so special. Its surroundings already makes it a winner, but the fact that the valley/bowl it sits in faces directly west and is unobstructed is what sets it apart from the majority of Sierra lakes. Facing west guarantees that it catches the very last dregs of the setting sun, a significance not to be underestimated. After I finished my modest dinner and resulting chores, the sunlight turned golden, so I grabbed my camera and headed down the small grassy garden-like slope to the lake.

The trail reaches the lake at a point about mid-picture and circles the lake towards this viewpoint. This is late afternoon.

Soon I discovered yet another feature that makes this lake special. Due to the small ridge on the west side of the lake, it blocked the sun on the lake, and as the waters calmed in the still air, it became a perfect mirror for the sun drenched views above the lake. I had seen few lakes with this feature, and none that fulfilled the full potential of this kind of light. Lower Ottoway Lake fulfills this potential. I began to take pictures.