After reaching the top of my Johnston Canyon hike, I felt the need to continue on. As I continued upwards I discovered a trail indicator leading to "The Ink Pots". Not knowing what that meant, curiosity pushed me to go find out for myself. After what felt like forever, traversing up and down an ice covered trail without crampons, I came to a large opening that lead to a valley surrounded by mountains. After my encounter with the bear the day prior I entered the valley slowly, with my hand on my bear spray. Thankfully I was alone with the sites. A river ran through the lower portion of the valley, and the "Ink Pots" sat as motionless pools. Beautiful clay bottomed pools creating stunning shades of blue/green water. After spending some time walking around and enjoying the solitude, I decided to press onwards further into the valley. Once again alone with my thoughts and the memories of the grizzly, I walked slowly with my hand on my bear spray listening for any indication that I wasn't alone in the valley. Eventually my nerves got the better of me and I decided to turn around as it was getting later in the afternoon and I was outside of cellular range. Looking back it was amazing how loud silence can be.
Silence that Echoes
