Through the lower forest
Water takes the shortest path from Emerald Lake. Our trail is much less direct. In order to surmount the steep first series of cliffs that face the lower west end of Aspen Grove valley, the trail takes a long dogleg to the north. Normally this is the least scenic part of the hike, but today the lower forest is spectacular. I stop frequently to enjoy the leaves and to rest my legs. It's very early in the hike, but already my calf muscles are complaining of the constant extra flex from the trail's steep grade. My left ankle is holding up well, though. So far I'm pleased and cautiously optimistic.
Just beyond the farthest switchback on the long northeast dogleg I'm overtaken by the first fellow hiker I've seen today. He's a robust-looking man in his mid-thirties, and we exchange salutes. He seems inclined to talk, so I draw him out for a few minutes. He's originally from Germany, but he came to Utah to ski about 5 years ago and was so enamored of the light, deep powder that he stayed. He's now a Park City resident; this is his first ascent of Timpanogos. He's dressed in a muscle t-shirt and a pair of cutoffs, with stout hiking boots and a belt with two water bottles. He seems comfortable and competent, so I wish him well. He asks if I'm climbing clear to the summit, and when I respond that I am, he says, "then I'll see you later." He strides out ahead of me and is soon lost to sight.