The Ottoway Lakes Loop
Near the junction of five canyons, I began to get better views of the Lyell Fork canyon, seen here. The white peak on the right horizon is Mt. Florence at 12561 Feet.
Nearing the First Step
The Ottoway Lakes Loop, September 2004Before long I neared the end of this high altitude canyon section, and the trail began to drop in altitude below 9000 feet on trail that became more and more engineered with steps and rip-rap. Some shade trees graced the trail but did not obstruct the views.
There was a particular section with granite benches and a shady grove on the right some 40 meters away that may have been used for camping. For some reason I felt a kind of menace emanating from that area, like hostile eyes were watching me. Long ago I have learned to trust my instincts, and I believe we who are attuned to wilderness become sensitive to things on a subconscious instinctual level. This feeling was pretty much out of the blue, so I kept going and the feeling seemed to recede behind me. I kept checking my rear as I passed through a semi-shaded forest section, but nothing revealed itself. I tried to put it out of mind.
During early season, I am sure the creek would draw the hiker to the brink of the sometimes-deep channeled flow of water with its constant roar. For me there was nothing but a barely flowing stream I did not bother to visit. Even when I could see the stream channel from the trail, there was not much to see. I have seen pictures, so I know the show could be better.
