Golden Solstice

Summer solstice, the longest, most sun-drenched day of the year. Or at least that's the hope. This year I celebrated the solstice by hiking into a mid-elevation mountain lake. As we gained elevation along the way, deep, lingering snow drifts caused concern. We didn't find the lake's surface in a solid state as feared, but winter hadn't completely loosened its grip on the little mountain basin.

Dry tinder and a spark saw us through the summer snow squalls, bringing warmth to hands chilled by alpine waters where golden trout swim.