Back to Nature (Because I'm Happy...)

Look closely at the profusion of shapes and color under these magenta paintbrush flowers.  Wherever your eye rests there is a scene that could be studied intently, 

if only you were not immediately diverted to another one.

This is our "dilemma" as we hike back to 4th of July and Washington Lakes with John and Lisa. Our brains can't quite soak in the beautiful extremes - a sky so blue with clouds of eiderdown...

The short, single blast of thunder and a light shower that is just enough to cool us off and leave little dimples in the trail.

Views ahead that promise surprises upon closer inspection....

This crossing at Lake Washington was like a tumble of giant matchsticks...

We found a nice shady place for a snack and a rest and watched young trout swimming near the the lake shore.

I decided to join them, but of course, left my swimsuit in the car.  Ben let me use his trunks and my bra sufficed.  For this dip, I decided to be more modest than yesterday... This however, left Ben to once again go in "au naturel."

The water was cold and clear!  Ben inched his way in, as he always does, while I always urge him to just dive in - all to no avail.

John joined us with a few gasps and Lisa was content to "commune with us", as she put it, from the shore.

Lisa was enchanted by the Buttercup mini garden bordering the lake.

Our short swim somehow made everything more beautiful.  Even my soaked bra worked to my advantage as a  secret "air conditioner" for the hike out.  Temperatures were probably in the high 80's.

Some days everything seems like art...

And rushing water seems like magic.

The greens are so green and the stream seems to be speaking a secret language.

This shrub with its snowy blossoms intrigued us - is it in the Rhodedendren family?

Bliss!  Making snow angels was my way of sending a joyous message to the Creator - thank You for everything.