Head in the clouds, eye on the horizon, unparalleled views

From the heights of Utah's Mount Olympus, it becomes apparent how dire are the straits of the drought in the summer of '21. Antelope Island is lying exposed, and The Great Salt Lake appears to have receded into the distance. 

And, while the hills are green now, and the tips of the peaks still shine with the gleams of silver-white snow, one can't help but wonder how dry those same hills will appear when, if by the time August arrives, there has been no rain for the duration of the summer. 

This was a great hike, but the steep-slope climb did make us footsore; and, when considering the glare of the mid-morning sun on the way back, we were glad that we had set out as early in the morning as we did.  4/5 for Olympus; missing that final star for lack of water features so prevalent on the best of hikes (waterfalls, streams, lush abundant undergrowth and wildflowers). But, given the drought, one can't really hold that against the mountain, and there were some very pretty flowers notwithstanding the lack of water.

--JJ