Bear Lake in transition

Bear Lake is the centerpiece of our valley.  Half in Idaho and half in Utah, it is often called the Caribbean of the Rockies because of the gorgeous, variable blue color.  But, Bear Lake has been very low for many years.  This year's huge snowpack and abundant spring rain have already raised the water level to a point we haven't seen in a long time.

We drove around the lake with friends, Al and Sarah Starr, who were visiting from Scottsdale, Arizona.  It was the first really warm day of spring, and the Lake put on a beautiful face.

Reeds and other plants that have been high and dry for years now are in the water.  Clouds were reflected among the submerged plants at Bear Lake State Park on the east side of the lake in Idaho.

Further south, we crossed the state line into Utah where the rockier bottom at Cisco Beach was visible around small trees soon to be submerged in the rising water. We don't know how much Bear Lake will rise this year, but the transition is already providing photo opportunities.