I Wasn't Prepared

I wasn't prepared for the beauty of the lake as I came around the corner.  It was calm, cradled by the mountains.  It was breathtaking.

As the sun rose behind me, It lit the mountains at the far end of the lake.  I just wasn't prepared for this spectacle.  It was absolutely next level. 

I wasn't prepared to see the lake, lit in gold  as the rising sun bounced off the nearby mountain.  I was stunned.

My backpack was loaded with water,  the "10 essentials", and other gear, but nobody told me to bring tissues to wipe my eye, and blow my nose (yes I cried). 

I wasn't prepared for this moment at all.

Chris Claborne

Saddlebag Lake

9/24/2025