I saw a ground hog tanning on a rock like we did by lago negro, at least I think it was a ground hog. We found a pond between the lakes and named it Marie, after that John Prine song, the one about the twin babies. Everything is quieter and louder here. Harder and softer. Unsaid, understood. I nearly turned back on that open hill side where there was no pine to harbor us from the sun. Then cried as I climbed the brim and spotted the first lake, emerald as a june bug’s wing. It carried me. #bigpine #bigpinelakes #sevenlakes #backpacking #hikingtrail