The years speed by, marked by our annual trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, where my family visits the same weekend of every year. We go in the winter, strapping on our snow shoes, a plethora of winter gear, and a deep breath ready to exhale.
We chose to head to Sprague Lake, where we often end up. It’s not quite as crowded as Bear Lake, farther up the road, and not as long of a drive to the trail head.
There’s been a lot of snow this year. Some years we don’t even need our snowshoes, the snow base is dotted with patches of gravel. The wind is furious as we use our numb and cracked fingers to strap on our snowshoes. We make it into the shelter of trees, which keep out the wind and beckon us into their comforting embrace. I love being in the forest; the trees give me a kind of peace I don’t experience many other places. I exhale as we begin the slight uphill climb.
Sprague Lake is located at the parking lot of the trail head. Unlike other trails, this is not a destination hike. The trail connects to many other trails, the routes of possibilities almost endless. We continue on, stopping to take photos and catch our breath. The trail is being lightly traveled today, the stillness and the quietness filling our souls. The sun was out when we began, but the clouds have steadily built.
We come to a fork in the trail and decide to turn towards Glacier Basin. Light snow begins to fall, trickling down playfully. It feels magical, like Christmas is happening again, although it’s February. As the snow begins to pick up speed we make our back down the trail, thankful for another year to experience this beautiful place.
Between the Trees 