The Faces of The Lake

One of the most special things about living here at Elk Lake Resort is living on the shores on Elk Lake. Watching the face of the lake change, season by season, is completely fascinating. Like any other aspect of our change from winter to spring in the high mountains, watching the lake shed its icy cloak is intriguing.

Last fall, for the first time, I had the opportunity to watch the lake ice up. It was a fascinationg process. Each morning a little more ice. Starting with a thin surface, the ice remained clear enough to see through even when it thickened enough to hold my weight. Furthermore, it had a reflective surface. Granted, it wasn't like the water's reflecting quality, but it was amazingly reflective.

And, of course, the most unexpected part - the sounds. I have heard the ice's deep boom. I have had the ice crack and shudder under me in the winter. However, because the lake frozen over most but not all of its surface, the wind could still reach the water's surface. As a result, Elk Lake's personal lake monster became very vocal. Loud enough to be heard inside the lodge, the wind and water created something which sounded like a whale.

By spring, however, I am more than anxious for the ice to leave the lake. For one, it is not nearly as pretty in the spring as it is in the fall. For another, the water wildlife cannot return until the ice is gone. But, most of all, I anxiously await the sunlight dancing on the ripples or the picture perfect (where does the water end and the land begin?) reflections of a quite morning. Even the wisps of fog which raise off the lake on an occasional early summer morning are gorgeous. And, one of my favorite aspects of open water - my occasional excursions in the kayak.

So, in keeping with last week's post, I decided to share a few of my favorite lake images with you.

Believe it or not, the lake is frozen in this picture. The trees and light are reflected off the ice's surface. As you can see, the reflection is quite clear.

While I am not a fog lover, there is something about watching the fog lift off the lake's surface which turns 'fog' into a thing of great beauty.

You just can't be a quiet morning on the lake. The water is so still and calm. The reflections are almost too life-like. The water fowl and even animals along the shore often seem a bit lazy, as if they, too, are wroth to disturb such peace.

Canoeing and kayaking are not the only ways to enjoy the lake's beauty in the morning. A hike up the hill often provides incredibly beautiful opportunities to watch the lake's face change color as the sun comes over the mountains.

No matter the time of year, no matter the time of day, Elk Lake always adds to the delight of living on its shores surrounded by the beauty and serenity which is Montana's Centennial Valley

Lady of the Lake