Eagle Lake

Yesterday my good friend Jarred Behrendt and I took advantage of a rare mutual day off by heading out of town and hiking what is reputed to be one of the best back country access points around. The Eagle River (and subsequently Eagle Lake) is a 20 minute drive north east of Anchorage.

We followed the fold of the river between the mountains. In the distance you can see Cook's Inlet. The sky was vaulted in azure, the cirrus clouds stretched like wings high above us.
As we descended into the river valley, the mountains wrapped about us, like a warm fleece.

The peacefulness pressed against us like water, broken only by chirping of Snow Buntings, and the muted sounds of our own breath. Feet were miles and miles were feet in the snow and the space from mountain side to mountain side.

The sun stalked us from behind the mountains; peaking over the rim but never revealing its full splendor. Still, the light spilled over the rock face, and cleansed the place of darkness. The stillness of the WORD was in my heart.

My help comes from the mountains, from the one who made heaven and earth. HE will renew my heart. HE will guide me on just paths. HE will not allow my foot to slip as I go. As HE has stalked the lioness's prey, HE shall provide for me.