Lake Jean, Ricketts Glen State Park, April 2014

After my hike on the Highland Trail but before setting up camp I visited Lake Jean and spent a few minutes along its shores. There is a short trail from the main camp road to the boat launch area, and I walked it and along the camp road looking at the lake and the sun setting in the mountains behind it. Had I known there was a trail from the camping area to the lake, I might have started from there instead of driving to the dam. I will have to hike that trail next time.

The weekend of my visit was following the 450th birthday of William Shakespeare, and the Bard was on my mind. Watching the waves on the lake and thinking about my life I couldn't help but recall the opening lines of Sonnet 60:

"Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore,
So do our minutes hasten to their end; 
Each changing place with that which goes before,
In sequent toil all forwards do contend. "

I wondered, have I used my minutes well, as I watched the waves make towards the shores of Lake Jean. Pondering that question I left the lake, set up camp, and went to bed.