Be patient, and the stars.....

...will align for you!  I will admit patience is not my forte in most circumstances but for certain things in life it measures in with the highest of ratings.  Having patience to wait for the perfect day to venture towards Watridge Lake and Spray Lake paid off.  I was happy some friends were game to go with me.  While this was my 3rd time in 6 years to check out this area, it seemed like a whole brand new experience today.  What was not new or different was the route, distance, elevation gain and time.  With minimal elevation gain and on the shorter side of distance, it never fails to take a long time to complete. I realized today why. The roughly 6 kms that follows the River to the Lake is packed solid with scenery of all sorts and we seemed to stop every few minutes to admire what we were seeing.

Weather conditions play a big part in star alignment!  

It was ideal today with sunshine, blue sky, no wind, and warm temperatures.  

This was our first real view of the day.

In no time at all, we arrived at Watridge Lake.  

We checked out its' conditions first then made our way to the far end.   

My Watridge Lake destination shot!

Next we put our route finding skills to work, along with trail breaking and a little log hopping.  Eventually we made it back out onto the trail where we worked out way to the bridge that crosses the Spray River.  There was lots of open water here which made for pretty sights.

This is the beginning of the 6 kilometers that follows the river and the reservoir.  It was also our choice spot to dine.  It was noon time, there were just the right amount of stumps to sit on, the sun shone upon the area plus the scenery was spectacular.  Star alignment once again!  

I was very happy with how the day was progressing!

How on earth is that hunk of snow balancing on that rock?

I kept looking back as the scenery was just as nice behind us as it was in front of us.  

We made it to the wide open spaces where we could see forever.  

I was happy little puffs of cloud were scattered here and there.  

This mountain looks like it is spewing cloud.

We found a fun place to play.  Having a perfect mix of friends who share the same attitude when being "out & about" measures up as star alignment in my books.  These tree stumps were so perfectly placed,  we could not just pass on by.  

shadow shot

I wonder what transpired here!

The ice formations were amazing.  

Sections of our route had been wind blown of snow and that added to the wonderful scenery and made for more fun places to play.  The ice was very thick yet very clear.  We could see right through it to logs and rocks well below.  

We were approaching the end of this scenic 6 kilometer stretch and lucky for us, this trail, made by we are not sure what, was hard packed and lead directly to the forest to where we needed to go.  This meant for no trail breaking and quick movement at point when we are beginning to feel tired.  Star alignment, most definitely! 

We reached the forest for a small amount of route finding back up to the main trail.  Before heading into the forest, we all stopped to enjoy the view for one last time.  This is the last big scene of the day. What a sight to end on!

I have said many times that when I head "out & about" for the day, I go with wishes & hopes.  Today was filled with everything I wished and hoped for and in some cases even superseeded what I could have imagined!   I big thank you for sharing today with me and for playing a part in the equation that equals star alignment!