In addition to fragrant forest smells, hikers here are treated to the sound of flowing water over rocks on much of this hike. Glacier Creek parallels the trail for several miles, occasionally allowing a glimpse through the trees, but mostly providing a 'musical' backdrop to join with the soft rustling of leaves in the comfortable breeze. There are fish in the still areas of the water, and sometimes fast, small animals darting in and around the rocks.


As the trail continues to gain elevation, the views open up.


Reaching another signpost at one of the many intersections of trails, tantalizing arrows to various destinations point in all directions, and I contemplate the route. Each intersection leads to more trails, and more intersections, (like the branches of a tree), providing an almost endless variety and selection of trails, and no possible way to see them all.

A popular and well-documented hike to Sky Pond leads in one direction, tempting me to visit -- but I've chosen a different destination to the lesser-known and more secluded Black Lake via a different path. I may never be at this intersection again in my lifetime -- and I can't help but wonder about the trails left behind. But the natural beauty of this entire area makes me confident there are really no 'bad' choices as I resume the hike.


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