It takes unique people to be daring enough to adventure into the wilderness. An explorer intellect that draws out powerful notions of curiosity about "What's out there?" or "What kind of trout is awaiting my presence to love out there?". Exploring new mountain lakes each year(especially around my birthday) never loses its luster, a tradition I've kept for many years keeps my mind just as curious as the year before. A person could visit multiple lakes per year, die of old age, and still never see the grand majority of lakes that are "up there". A strong mind and body is necessary to be fruitful of future quests.
The trail up to our first group of lakes is a nasty one. Very few moments were restful, as the boulder laden trail works hard to buck us off our ATV'S, poke a tire, or scrape bottom. Our only allies are our great trail riding skills and our courage not to turn back. Helping each other not " Flip a Quad", our teamwork keeps us steady under stressful conditions. This trail isn't for no greenhorn by any means, she's a mean one! My legs shake from adrenaline and the stability requirement. The crazy things I do for trout fishing. Every corner revealing a different threat, testing your mind continuously.
After not faltering dangerous conditions, a first lake eventually shows itself through the trees, reviving our hope for easier passing. Past the first smaller sibling lake, another larger one is still ahead. After a short traverse up more rugged trail, the larger lake ensnares the senses left and right. A peek towards the west, our eyes follow where our hiking trek will take place from here. Where great places sit in wait, we follow the water....
The pinnacle of this journey awaits a mile ahead, steep and untamed wilderness. Travelling on foot, our safety is reliant on our strong wit, and safe choices. The Backcountry Is Brilliant, is an understatement. Always humbling us for where we live and our opportunities we get to enjoy. Up here, you see life which others couldn't imagine, natural wonders which should be kept a secret from human destruction.
Our pride gives us the strength to conquer a great feat, anything above 9,000ft is a good trek. On our way up the lakes outlet, little trout wiggle through the rocks in sparse water, giving hope before we actually saw the lake. Upon sight of our great triumph, we are relieved that we have made it. Instantly the trout showed themselves, swimming right next to the banks and rising to surface insects close and afar. This high up here, we are in the heavens, along with all the angels swimming around in harmony. A fisherman can feel no more harmony than this. With most respectable diligence, I caught many trout, losing count pretty quick. I even caught em when I wasn't ready for it. They were not picky on presentation. I would be in the process of releasing a trout, fly still dangling in the water, another fish would be quick to grab, trying to take my rod away. This is my version of heaven on Earth. Chipper enough to do "The Victory Dance" on a large boulder and sinking my toes into the alpine beach, this is living!
Pods of trout at my feet, right off the beach, and in the middle, lovely..... The Pika are collecting food for the long winter to come. Time doesn't go slow enough up here neither, the mountains shadow tells us it's time to move on back to our ATV's. A last glimpse of respect to our great achievement, we acknowledge our great wealth in achieving this goal. Through the woods we go, the backpacks weight only gets heavier.
Heels, legs, back, and knees feel the burn and aches as we made it back to our machines. The sun produces it's last momentary sunset as we take a breather before lights end. So many trout out there, I love Montana. 3 lakes in one spectacular day, I could not be more humble adventuring with my dad still in the most gloriful and rewarding landscapes........
