Considering the extreme heat of the last few weeks, a hard-core (crazy?) subsection of the larger group trepidatiously headed off to face more miles and elevation gain than usual. Becky, Akiko, Tammy and her friend (a new hiker? - Susan), John, and Elly headed off to face the additional miles and elevation gain - more than usual, anyway. 
After the 2 hour drive, we found the trailhead and were pleasantly surprised the by trail's condition (after some of the others we have been on this summer). After a few minutes we could hear a sweet little creek called Cold Stream, coming down the mountain and which made for many wet meadows along the way. In fact all we could think of was The Sound of Music as we hiked through these gardens with their carpets of gray-green, yellow-flowered Mule's Ears; punctuated with large stands of corn lily, columbine, paintbrush, both pink and yellow monkey flowers, purple penstemon, lupine, larkspur, mountain bluebells (a borage), asters, and daisies. That doesn't include them all, but... It was definitely delightful!!
We left the meadowy areas and started climbing quickly. Soon we saw patches of snow as we achieved an incredible viewy ridge. Already we could see far slopes to the south as we headed up steeply through areas of snow and/or mud where it has just melted. 
Just below the summit we actually had to carve steps in the snow lest we slide backwards to the bottom of the bank (hey - coming down was going to be FUN!) We summited 4 hours from the trail head, moaning a bit but very proud and excited. And what a view!! Lassen to the north, Grouse Ridge, with many lakes and peaks visible, Sierra Buttes, Castle Peak and even Frog Lake overlook. To the south we got a peak of Tahoe and a big storm beyond. A cooling wind was blowing as we attempted to identify some of the peaks and lakes. 
After a leisurely lunch, we took a small detour to a postpile type outcropping - a steep cliffy-affair that stuck out on one side of the trail, calling for examination and conquering. Then we headed back to our snow bank for a speedy slide down on our butts...we didn't reckon with the mud on the bottom so spent then next while with dirty, drippy seats. Two hours and 40 minutes after leaving the summit we got to the cars: a welcome sight, indeed.
After the 2 hour drive, we found the trailhead and were pleasantly surprised the by trail's condition (after some of the others we have been on this summer). After a few minutes we could hear a sweet little creek called Cold Stream, coming down the mountain and which made for many wet meadows along the way. In fact all we could think of was The Sound of Music as we hiked through these gardens with their carpets of gray-green, yellow-flowered Mule's Ears; punctuated with large stands of corn lily, columbine, paintbrush, both pink and yellow monkey flowers, purple penstemon, lupine, larkspur, mountain bluebells (a borage), asters, and daisies. That doesn't include them all, but... It was definitely delightful!!
We left the meadowy areas and started climbing quickly. Soon we saw patches of snow as we achieved an incredible viewy ridge. Already we could see far slopes to the south as we headed up steeply through areas of snow and/or mud where it has just melted. 
Just below the summit we actually had to carve steps in the snow lest we slide backwards to the bottom of the bank (hey - coming down was going to be FUN!) We summited 4 hours from the trail head, moaning a bit but very proud and excited. And what a view!! Lassen to the north, Grouse Ridge, with many lakes and peaks visible, Sierra Buttes, Castle Peak and even Frog Lake overlook. To the south we got a peak of Tahoe and a big storm beyond. A cooling wind was blowing as we attempted to identify some of the peaks and lakes. 
After a leisurely lunch, we took a small detour to a postpile type outcropping - a steep cliffy-affair that stuck out on one side of the trail, calling for examination and conquering. Then we headed back to our snow bank for a speedy slide down on our butts...we didn't reckon with the mud on the bottom so spent then next while with dirty, drippy seats. Two hours and 40 minutes after leaving the summit we got to the cars: a welcome sight, indeed.
According to John's GPS, we had hiked 11 1/2 miles up the 91
43 foot mountain, having started at 6600 feet. Our exhausted, dirty, hungry selves arrived home at 8.
43 foot mountain, having started at 6600 feet. Our exhausted, dirty, hungry selves arrived home at 8.I haven't heard from the other group - how was Summit Lake? I will see you Aug. 3 as I have a workshop next week. I have several paintings in the Figurative Art Show Starts July 31 - opening that evening 5-8...and running 3 weeks at ASIF on Idaho Maryland...
Wow! That looks like a beautiful and exhausting hike. You guys are amazing!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty, but not a good one to take a misstep on !
ReplyDelete