It’s a rare occasion when every person in my family goes on the same hike without complaint. Usually my dad will opt out (in his defense he does have bad joints) or my mom will (the elevated hikes get to her), which just leaves my brother and I to do the hiking. I mean it’s always a good time, but our “four-way” personality as a family is far more pleasant. The hike we chose to do, upon reading countless reviews on many different sites, was the 2.4 roundtrip trek to Eagle Lake. The trail curved into the mountains, and so the entire time we were surrounded by large trees and thin forest air. At first the trail was very simple and gently rose with elevation, but then it became a moderately sloped set of stone stairs that led up the mountain and down into the lake.

Along the way we crossed a bridge across Eagle Falls, and unlike many other trails, this one wrapped back around to the falls once reaching the lake. The atmosphere was quite dry, with heat intensifying further up the trail. There were many viewpoints that had only scenes of pure natural beauty. My brother and I enjoyed one opening from the trail that led out into a rocky overlook of Emerald Bay. Situated on the rock was a little tower of stacked stones, at any moment ready to tumble down the mountain. We naturally added to the tower and continued along the trail to the lake. Since the hike was definitely doable for most, we were happy to see many dogs along the way as well.

Reaching the lake, or any destination for that matter, is always such a rewarding experience. Not only was it a great way for all the built up sweat and heat exhaustion to cool down, but the gentle serenity of the moment made it so refreshing. The lake was a deep blue surrounded completely by mountains and arched trees. I just sat on this rock, perfect for gazing the view, while also peering around at all the travelers. Some seemed like this was just there ten minute workout, now ready to climb some crazy mountain. Others appeared to have taken this trail with a definite purpose, one that had focus on the lake as a planned part of their day. I saw this one shirtless guy, full of hair, sitting on a rock without anything with him. I convinced myself he was Tarzan, and any given moment he was going to stand up and ululate a great yell. He was amidst all the trees, as if not wanting to be seen, but still had an identity that gained others’ curiosity. As more and more people came I just wanted my own rock, so I walked down to the lake and stood ready to cross this narrow log to the other side.

I think many people don’t like to admit those moments when you assume people are watching, so in a discreet way you open your mind to others just so you can boast a certain characteristic. For example sometimes when I’m at art museums I’ll give a subtle smirk at a painting, in some hope that someone is observing my deep analysis of the painting and that hidden meaning.  I’m not gonna lie I was totally feeling I was James Bond or Black Widow, partly because I live for the deep satisfaction of having others’ attention and also a bit since there was a really cute boy leaning cooly on the rock. I’m a huge hypocrite this way since I hate it when others openly say, with words or actions, a reflection of that needless struggle for recognition, but I do the same thing just in my mind.

Anyways, let me tell you, I almost did fall off that log. I tried to remain balanced, but I’m no karate kid, so there were so many times I was ready to call quits and yell for help. Level 1 yoga had not prepared me for this, and even if it did I screwed myself over due to the fact that I always cheat during the stupid tree pose (everyone’s eyes are closed what did you expect). The log itself got more narrow, and as a very tall person it was hard to remain so centered in thought. Yet I had to be Black Widow, and with so many obvious eyes on me I had to calm down and find a way to cross. That was when my ingenuity came in, since I saw a small rock popping out of the water next to the log. I took a deep breathe, told myself this was a mental not physical challenge, and then jumped onto the rock with a beautiful landing. I smoothly kept going until I got over, then hiked up with a supposed inference that everyone saw that and thought I was the biggest badass ever.

I hiked onwards for a while until I saw a pretty big ledge, jetting outwards, and so I picked it as my rock. Needless to say, I was having a very deep moment with myself in the isolated area I was in. I noticed that Tarzan had left, and in his place many other families had arrived. Below me was this couple playing fetch with their dog, who dutifully was retreating the piece of wood that was being thrown in the lake. I was having this precious moment when all of a sudden I heard branches crinkling around me. Great, I thought, a bear had come and it was going to eat me. I was never going to get to see pictures of Andrew Garfield again, or ogle at cute boys (also not become a journalist and have a hella aesthetic apartment in NYC) (but if I’m being honest those thoughts came after the first ones).

I got up from my rock, and braved my way, ready to be eaten. That was precisely when my brother jumped out from behind me and I screamed my lungs out. I was ready to push him into the lake from that rock, and it took every ounce of self control not to do so. After I yelled at him for a bit, and resumed some passivity, he asked if I wanted to put my legs in the water and I said I did. Coming from very warm weather and hot beach days, the lake was freezing. It felt great after a while, and so I walked around in the shallow parts of the lake.

We hung around there for a while, and went as far in as my shorts would permit, then crossing the log to meet back with my parents. With a couple last looks and a few more pictures, we all hiked back from the lake, and onto our next journey.