Little did I know that an overnight stopover in the Sawtooth range and Stanley Lake would be a life changer for me. In 2002 my husband and I made a trip to Salmon to visit friends. On the way home to Salt Lake he suggested we visit Stanley Lake below the Sawtooth mountains. We were able to spend the night in our truck since it had shell over the bed and a mattress in back. Of course I was impressed by the beauty of the area, but nothing prepared me for the soothing atmosphere we encountered the following morning.
The bright clear day smelled of pine trees and the water was smooth as glass since it was too early for boats to be out. The reflection of those majestic mountains stood out perfectly on the still waters.
Mt. McGown at 9860 feet emerged as the crown jewel. This magnificent peak in the Sawtooth Wilderness often serves as my most photographed object on a short trip. It is my number one place to take visiting friends and relatives. I even had a picnic with my cousin in the snow this fall at my favorite spot.
I took many pictures that day with my old 35 millimeter camera. I had always liked to take photos, but I had no special training. Always loving that photo of the reflection, I decided to enter it into the Twin Falls County Fair years later. I had never participated before, but wanted to share my favorite photo. Taking first place in that amateur division led me to a whole new hobby. I’d be lost without my camera now. I’ve joined the Magic Valley Camera Club and made many special inspirational friends on the outings.
The pleasure in sharing my photos on Facebook and with others through photo books cannot be measured. The whole world looks different to me now and I see everything in a new light, all thanks to the Sawtooth range reflected in Stanley Lake.
(Photos by Cathy Wilson)