Sierra Nevada Hiking Galleries

2009 (May 30) Sawtooth Peak, Southern Sierra : A few of us met to hike Sawtooth Peak in the southern Sierra. I guess I wasn't ready to get out so soon, and struggled with breathing and chest pain (bruised rib). Had to bail on Sunday's hike but had a nice time at breakfast with good friends! Thanks! (wk 176, day 2 & 3)

2009 (May 30) Sawtooth Peak, Southern Sierra

A few of us met to hike Sawtooth Peak in the southern Sierra. I guess ...

Updated: Jun 10, 2009 2:44am PST

2009 (May 24) Pk 12,525, Cirque Peak, Trailmaster Pk : Six of us dayclimbed Peak 12,525 (new for all of us), Cirque Peak and Trailmaster Peak. Storming all around us, but we got lucky with the weather. Great hike! (wk 175, wk 2)

2009 (May 24) Pk 12,525, Cirque Peak, Trailmaster Pk

Six of us dayclimbed Peak 12,525 (new for all of us), Cirque Peak and ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2009 3:42pm PST

2009 (May 23) Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows : Six of us dayclimbed Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows. Weather looked sketchy, but it was clear where we were. Great hike. (wk 175, day 1)

2009 (May 23) Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows

Six of us dayclimbed Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows. Weather looke ...

Updated: May 27, 2009 12:05am PST

2009 (May 17) Chimney Peak, Southern Sierra : Sierra Sparkles and Rockslide met us at the Chimney Creek Firestation. Fun hike including the hole-in-the wall and a rattler that kept pooping out. (wk 174, day 3)

2009 (May 17) Chimney Peak, Southern Sierra

Sierra Sparkles and Rockslide met us at the Chimney Creek Firestation. ...

Updated: May 20, 2009 7:46am PST

2009 (May 16) Crag Peak dayclimb from Kennedy Mdws, Southern Sierra : We hiked from Kennedy Meadows on the PCT and walked thru the burn area from last years fire. We left the trail and had lunch in the shade, then headed up to Crag Peak. The GPS said 2,200' / 1 mile to the summit. It was a long afternoon! We were 100' from the summit, and I asked TomG about the route up the slab walls. I also looked at the GPS and it said Crag Peak was 0.24 mi to the south. We descended and headed for Crag Peak. We went back a different way and cut off 2 miles. Totals for the day were 13.75 mi with 3,400' gain. (wk 174, day 2)

2009 (May 16) Crag Peak dayclimb from Kennedy Mdws, Southern Sierra

We hiked from Kennedy Meadows on the PCT and walked thru the burn area ...

Updated: May 19, 2009 6:47am PST

2009 (May 15) Bales Peak : I got in late after taking SnowDude to the airport Thursday night. I wanted something easy to hike Friday, so TomG suggested Bales Peak. The canyon going up had beautiful Junipers. My G9 isn't focusing after being repaired, so I'm using the Canon S80 for this trip. (wk 174, day 1)

2009 (May 15) Bales Peak

I got in late after taking SnowDude to the airport Thursday night. I ...

Updated: May 18, 2009 7:02pm PST

2009 (May 10) Backus Peak dayclimb : A beautiful day for a hike, so I dayclimbed Backus Peak from the north. It was 90 deg, almost no breeze til I got to the top, and I was surprised to see wildflowers. Great day, went home early to spend time with SnowDude. (wk 173, day 2)

2009 (May 10) Backus Peak dayclimb

A beautiful day for a hike, so I dayclimbed Backus Peak from the north ...

Updated: May 14, 2009 1:52am PST

2009 (May 9) Chukkar Pk, Deer Pk and Piper Plane Wreck : It was 3000' el gain to Chukkar Peak. We dropped 500' and climbed 900' to Deer Peak. On the way down we found the Piper Plane Wreck, then headed back to the vehicles. Total elevation was 4500' gain in 6.2 mi, my biggest since surgery! A hot but beautiful day for a hike! (wk 173, day 1)

2009 (May 9) Chukkar Pk, Deer Pk and Piper Plane Wreck

It was 3000' el gain to Chukkar Peak. We dropped 500' and climbed 900 ...

Updated: May 11, 2009 10:55pm PST

2009 (Apr 12) Chuckwalla Peak : I camped at Indian Wells Canyon, then drove south to Chuckwalla Peak in the morning. The Highlander couldn't get up the road so I had to back down a one lane dirt road on a ridge, turn around and park. From were I parked I had to descend, then hike up to where I would have parked. The road was steep with marbles, so I had to be careful. I stopped for lizards, flowers and even a tiny snake. Very cool! The flowers were almost gone, not like last year at this time. I took my time getting to Chuckwalla, then stayed up there for over an hour. It didn't take long to get back. It was 75 degrees with a light breeze. What a difference a day makes! (wk 169, day 2)

2009 (Apr 12) Chuckwalla Peak

I camped at Indian Wells Canyon, then drove south to Chuckwalla Peak i ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2009 1:49am PST

2009 (Apr 11) Peak 6661 and Russell Peak : I had planned to do Chuckwalla Peak, but when I woke up the wind was blowing hard. I drove to Indian Wells Canyon to do my planned Sunday hike instead. Weather was perfect, light breeze and warm out. My goal was to see wildflowers since I've been spending weekends in Mammoth for the past 3 months. I had a lot of energy and felt great, and ended up doing 4,293' el gain in 6.5 mi. The most gain I had done since surgery was about 1,500', so this was a big day for me. :-) It was beautiful day!!!! (wk 169, day 1)

2009 (Apr 11) Peak 6661 and Russell Peak

I had planned to do Chuckwalla Peak, but when I woke up the wind was b ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 2:20am PST

2009 (Apr 5) Twin Lakes, up Twin Falls, across Lake Mamie, to George Lk : My legs were pretty sore from the last 2.5 mi in 50 min yesterday, to catch the shuttle in time to get a table at Whiskey Creek. My legs have not moved that fast in months, and I was feeling it. MC Reinhart had just posted her quote "No matter how small the possibility, it is still a possibility." So I took off for a short hike around Twin Lakes to check out some options for the next trip. Part way around the lake I saw my first bald eagle ever! Then I followed footprints up Twin Falls, then walked across Mamie (my first time walking across the middle of a frozen lake), then thru the trees and up to Lake George. So that small hike turned into an awesome day in the mountains! (wk 168, day 3)

2009 (Apr 5) Twin Lakes, up Twin Falls, across Lake Mamie, to George Lk

My legs were pretty sore from the last 2.5 mi in 50 min yesterday, to ...

Updated: Apr 06, 2009 9:56pm PST

2009 (Apr 4) Tamarack to McLeod Lake and Mammoth Pass, Mammoth Lakes : A lot of snow has melted, so I went back to Tamarack. I carried my snowshoes while on the walking trail, and when I got to Horseshoe Lake, a woman on xctry ski's told me about McLeod Lake. It was untracked getting there, and the views were awesome. The sky was a deep blue, temps in the 60s, no wind, and really peaceful. I found a wickiup near the outlet of the lake, probably a newer one since the branches were pretty straight. Pretty cool! I walked around the lake, and headed for Mammoth Pass since it was nearby on my GPS. The woman I talked to was right, no views, and not like a regular pass. I even had to hike down to it. I got back to Horsehsoe Lake, took the snowshoes off and walked as fast as I could to catch the 4pm shuttle (2.5 mi in 50 min, haven't done that in awhile!). That got me back in time to grab a table at Whiskey Creek for Happy Hour. (wk 168, day 2)

2009 (Apr 4) Tamarack to McLeod Lake and Mammoth Pass, Mammoth Lakes

A lot of snow has melted, so I went back to Tamarack. I carried my s ...

Updated: Apr 05, 2009 6:48am PST

2009 (Apr 3) Sierra Meadows in Mammoth Lakes : I stayed home at the condo most of the day because of my little accident Thurs (walked into a glass door, didn't know it was there til I hit it, thought there was an explosion). I felt normal, so I left the condo at 2:30pm to go for a short walk. It started out nice, but got cold as the clouds made its way over and started snowing. (wk 168, day 1)

2009 (Apr 3) Sierra Meadows in Mammoth Lakes

I stayed home at the condo most of the day because of my little accide ...

Updated: Apr 04, 2009 10:22pm PST

2009 (Mar 29) Inyo Craters and Deer Mountain Snowshoe : SnowDude dropped me off at the Inyo Craters trailhead, then went snowboarding. I started off on the plowed trail, but didn't like snowshoeing on something I could walk on. After a couple in snowshoers passed me, I decided to snowshoe on untracked snow. I followed my GPS and soon caught up to them. I kept going uphill, and thought they were going to follow me. I looked back and they followed the road. I got up to Inyo Craters, photographed both craters and headed for Deer Mountain since it was right there. The other couple showed up about 10 minutes later. I took my snowshoes off, and hiked up the rim on the East Inyo Crater, then continued to a ridge leading to Deer Mountain. It was the rim of another crater, which got pretty gnarly in the wind. I ended up straddling the ridge and scooting up the last section. Great views from the top! I snowshoed back a different way, which was a lot easier. From the Inyo Craters I snowshoed back following my tracks, then made new tracks to the start. Awesome day! (wk 167, day 2)

2009 (Mar 29) Inyo Craters and Deer Mountain Snowshoe

SnowDude dropped me off at the Inyo Craters trailhead, then went snowb ...

Updated: Mar 31, 2009 12:06am PST

2009 (Mar 28) Mammoth Rock, Pano Dome to Twin Lakes Snowshoe : We got a late start on the day because of our late drive up, then we picked up the keys to our new condo! :-) After lunch, and checking out the new place, SnowDude dropped me off on Old Mammoth Road. I snowshoed to the base (south side) of Mammoth Rock. The class 3 scramble to the top requires 2 arms, and I can't use either for climbing. I hung out for an hour, then descended to the Mill Road. I hiked over Panorama Dome (really windy), and waited for SnowDude to pick me up. I was a little early, so had a B-52 while waiting. We had a late anniversary dinner at the Restaurant at Convict Lake. Since he's always traveling for work in March, we never celebrate on the right day. (wk 167)

2009 (Mar 28) Mammoth Rock, Pano Dome to Twin Lakes Snowshoe

We got a late start on the day because of our late drive up, then we p ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2009 8:34pm PST

2009 (Mar 15) Rehab wk 8, Day 2: Snowshoe to Panorama Dome, Old Mammoth Mine, Monte Cristo Mine : I snowshoed over Panorama Dome, then down to the Old Mill Road. I looked up at Mammoth Rock and decided I should not climb it yet. I snowshoed up to the Tamarack trail, then the Old Mammoth Mine, then Monte Cristo Mine and back to Panorama Dome. I killed time by hiking up PD again since I missed the shuttle, and didn't want to sit for almost an hour. The untracked snow was nice. Didn't like snowshoes on the groomed stuff. (wk 165)

2009 (Mar 15) Rehab wk 8, Day 2: Snowshoe to Panorama Dome, Old Mammoth Mine, Monte Cristo Mine

I snowshoed over Panorama Dome, then down to the Old Mill Road. I loo ...

Updated: Mar 17, 2009 12:05am PST

2009 (Mar 14) Rehab wk 8, Day 1: Earthquake Dome Snowshoe (2x), found the register this time : Friday, bummed a ride to Mammoth with Monette and Jeff. Saturday, I hiked to Mammoth Scenic Road, then snowshoed to Earthquake Dome. A lot of snow melted from last week, and when I did some PT exercises, I saw the register sitting under a rock that was covered with snow last week. There was also an old register from 1950, placed by Chester Versteeg. I saw a similar register (Colgate Shaving Stick container) on Timosea Pk last year, placed by Versteeg. Happy Hour at Whiskey Creek again, got to try a Duck Fart. (wk 165)

2009 (Mar 14) Rehab wk 8, Day 1: Earthquake Dome Snowshoe (2x), found the register this time

Friday, bummed a ride to Mammoth with Monette and Jeff. Saturday, I ...

Updated: Mar 16, 2009 12:50am PST

2009 (Mar 8) Rehab wk 7, Day 3: Mammoth Knolls Snowshoe : I hiked up to Mammoth Knolls (8,776') again, but this time with snowshoes. Took 1/2 hr off my time from last week. I headed down the SW slope til it got really steep. I looked at the map on my GPS, and the lines looked closer than the way I came up. I hiked back up and went down the SE slope. I got back to the condo in time for my ride home. Thanks to Kelly and Karen for letting me tag along! (wk 164)

2009 (Mar 8) Rehab wk 7, Day 3: Mammoth Knolls Snowshoe

I hiked up to Mammoth Knolls (8,776') again, but this time with snowsh ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2009 11:16pm PST

2009 (Mar 7) Rehab wk 7, Day 2: Earthquake Dome Snowshoe, Mammoth Lakes : I did a search on my GPS and saw Earthquake Dome (9,350') close to the condo. I took the snowshoes and hiked up the steep east slope. The snow was pretty heavy, so by the time I climbed 1000' (.35 mi), my legs were like rubber. The next .4 mi was stop and go. Views were great and I spent almost an hour up there, not wanting to move. It was a lot faster getting down. I got to Whiskey Creek at 4pm and got a table. Later, Aaron picked me up and got to visit with friends that I haven't seen since last year. Fun day and night! (wk 164)

2009 (Mar 7) Rehab wk 7, Day 2: Earthquake Dome Snowshoe, Mammoth Lakes

I did a search on my GPS and saw Earthquake Dome (9,350') close to the ...

Updated: Mar 09, 2009 1:01am PST

2009 (Mar 6) Rehab wk 7, Day 1: Snowshoeing around Minaret Summit : My first weekend using snowshoes. It was hard to pull the straps, but I managed. This time I hiked off the plowed road in untracked snow. The views were awesome, blue skies and falling snow! (wk 164)

2009 (Mar 6) Rehab wk 7, Day 1: Snowshoeing around Minaret Summit

My first weekend using snowshoes. It was hard to pull the straps, but ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2009 3:09am PST

2009 (Mar 1) Rehab wk 6: The Knoll, 1st peak in 6 wks : Sunday, day 2: I was on my way to the shuttle, and saw a small peak behind a residential area that didn't have much snow. So I walked around til I found a way up. First a lot of snow on a steep slope, then it got thick with manzanita. I followed coyote tracks, and near the top started postholing thigh deep. At the top there were snowmobile tracks, so I followed it for 50' and and made it to a high point, and was surprised to find a benchmark "Knoll". I followed more snowmobile tracks to the next high point, which only had a small tower and different kind of benchmark on it. I descended on more snowmobile tracks to another high point, then followed snowshoe tracks back down. I probably should have sat down and slid, instead of postholing down. From low to high point, it was 1000' gain, then another 300' to the condo. In the past I wouldn't even think about doing something this small, but when you don't have much of a choice, you take what you can get. It felt good for the first peak in 6 weeks! (wk 163)

2009 (Mar 1) Rehab wk 6: The Knoll, 1st peak in 6 wks

Sunday, day 2: I was on my way to the shuttle, and saw a small peak be ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2009 3:39am PST

2009 (Feb 28) Rehab wk 6: Panorama Dome, Lk Mary Loop, Lk Mamie : Saturday, day 1: To make this walk different I followed the snowshoe trail to Panorama Dome, and reconnected to the Tamarack xctry ski trail, Lake Mary Loop to Lake Mamie and back. We had an appointment in town, then happy hour at Whiskey Creek. A great day to be out! (wk 163)

2009 (Feb 28) Rehab wk 6: Panorama Dome, Lk Mary Loop, Lk Mamie

Saturday, day 1: To make this walk different I followed the snowshoe ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2009 1:12am PST

2009 (Feb 22) Rehab wk 5: Shady Rest walk in the trees : Sunday, Day 3: The snow coming down was wet, and no visibility. I went to Shady Rest since I heard it was plowed. Nice walk thru trees, but no views. (wk 162)

2009 (Feb 22) Rehab wk 5: Shady Rest walk in the trees

Sunday, Day 3: The snow coming down was wet, and no visibility. I we ...

Updated: Feb 26, 2009 7:10am PST

2009 (Feb 21) Rehab wk 5: Tamarack again : Saturday, Day 2: Did the combined hikes at Tamarack again, this time with hiking boots, and took 40 min off my time. (wk 162)

2009 (Feb 21) Rehab wk 5: Tamarack again

Saturday, Day 2: Did the combined hikes at Tamarack again, this time ...

Updated: Feb 23, 2009 7:37pm PST

2009 (Feb 20) Rehab wk 5: Sierra Meadows : Friday, Day 1: Our morning started with a bubble growing on the ceiling. Pretty soon it was dripping. Bummer, Paul came over to take care of it. Then we had business in town, so we got a late start getting out. I checked out Sierra Meadows, and went as far as I could without snowshoes. I got 1.8 miles of walking, including the walk to the shuttles. Happy Hour at Whiskey Creek! (wk 162)

2009 (Feb 20) Rehab wk 5: Sierra Meadows

Friday, Day 1: Our morning started with a bubble growing on the ceili ...

Updated: Feb 23, 2009 3:49am PST

2009 (Feb 15) Rehab wk 4: Minaret Summit again in a storm : Sunday, Day 2: Another short walk from Main Lodge to Minaret Summit. I don't have much of a choice for hiking since I can't drive. What a difference a day makes! (wk 161)

2009 (Feb 15) Rehab wk 4: Minaret Summit again in a storm

Sunday, Day 2: Another short walk from Main Lodge to Minaret Summit. ...

Updated: Feb 18, 2009 4:51pm PST

2009 (Feb 14) Rehab wk 4: Tamarack Lodge to Horseshoe Lake and Lk Mary Loop : Saturday, Day 1: First 10 photos are from the drive to Mammoth. Saturday I hiked without the sling but carried it around my waist. I combined Sun/Mon hikes from last weekend and made it a longer hike. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and temps around 25 deg. (wk 161)

2009 (Feb 14) Rehab wk 4: Tamarack Lodge to Horseshoe Lake and Lk Mary Loop

Saturday, Day 1: First 10 photos are from the drive to Mammoth. Satu ...

Updated: Feb 16, 2009 8:24pm PST

2009 (Feb 10) Driving home, Sierra Nevada from Hwy 395 & 14 : Tuesday, day 4: Views from Hwy 395 and Hwy 14 on our drive home Feb 10, 2009

2009 (Feb 10) Driving home, Sierra Nevada from Hwy 395 & 14

Tuesday, day 4: Views from Hwy 395 and Hwy 14 on our drive home Feb 1 ...

Updated: Feb 13, 2009 10:53am PST

2009 (Feb 9) Rehab Wk 3: Tamarack Lodge, Lake Mary Loop, Lake Mamie in Mammoth Lakes : Monday, Day 3: Went back to Tamarack Lodge to walk the Lake Mary Loop, then to Lake Mamie to add a little distance. (wk 161)

2009 (Feb 9) Rehab Wk 3: Tamarack Lodge, Lake Mary Loop, Lake Mamie in Mammoth Lakes

Monday, Day 3: Went back to Tamarack Lodge to walk the Lake Mary Loop ...

Updated: Feb 12, 2009 2:04am PST

2009 (Feb 8) Rehab Wk 3: Tamarack Lodge to Horseshoe Lake, Mammoth : Sunday, day 2: Got a tour of Mammoth after taking the wrong shuttle. I had almost an hour to kill til the orange line left, so I didn't mind the ride. Tamarack has a groomed walking path for walkers/snowshoers next to the xctry ski track, so this was perfect. (wk 161)

2009 (Feb 8) Rehab Wk 3: Tamarack Lodge to Horseshoe Lake, Mammoth

Sunday, day 2: Got a tour of Mammoth after taking the wrong shuttle. ...

Updated: Feb 12, 2009 1:07am PST

2009 (Feb 7) Rehab Wk 3: Minaret Summit again : Saturday, day 1: Mammoth Mountain got 2 feet of snow so I stayed in Fri. I had to get out Saturday, so I walked to Minaret Summit from the Main Lodge. Same hike as last weekend, different conditions. No views due to weather, but new snow was pretty! (wk 160)

2009 (Feb 7) Rehab Wk 3: Minaret Summit again

Saturday, day 1: Mammoth Mountain got 2 feet of snow so I stayed in Fr ...

Updated: Feb 08, 2009 9:36pm PST

2009 (Feb 2) Rehab Wk 2: Minaret Summit : Monday Day 3: I walked about 1/4 mile to the bus shuttle, which took me to Mammoth Mtn Main Lodge. I wasn't sure where I was going, but I ended up on Minaret Summit. Walking on groomed snow was nice for the shoulder. Beautiful day and great views! (wk 159)

2009 (Feb 2) Rehab Wk 2: Minaret Summit

Monday Day 3: I walked about 1/4 mile to the bus shuttle, which took ...

Updated: Feb 04, 2009 12:11pm PST

2009 (Jan 31) Rehab Wk 2: Convict Lake : Saturday Day 1: I asked SnowDude to drop me off at Convict Lake while he snowboarded. I carried a small pack and walked slowly around the lake. The south side was a little icy on slopey trail, so I turned back. I walked to the Restaurant at Convict Lake, and even tho they didn't open for another 1.5 hrs, they let me sit in the bar while waiting for SnowDude. I had 2 glasses of wine before he got there. We had dinner there for his birthday. Awesome food as always! (wk 159)

2009 (Jan 31) Rehab Wk 2: Convict Lake

Saturday Day 1: I asked SnowDude to drop me off at Convict Lake while ...

Updated: Feb 03, 2009 9:16pm PST

2009 (Jan 24) Rehab Wk 1: Mono Lake : Saturday, Day 2: Sat afternoon SnowDude took me to Mono Lake for a short walk and to get some fresh air. It was good to get out. (wk 158)

2009 (Jan 24) Rehab Wk 1: Mono Lake

Saturday, Day 2: Sat afternoon SnowDude took me to Mono Lake for a sho ...

Updated: Jan 27, 2009 11:26pm PST

2009 (Jan 11) Boulder Peak from Aquaduct Rd, Southern Sierra : Sierra Sparkles drove to InyoKern for breakfast with me and Rach. We got a really late start after visiting, but didn't worry cuz it was a short hike (at least that's what we thought). I knew my legs would be tired, but 2750' in 2 miles was a bit much after doing Mt Inyo the day before! We stayed in the wash, but probably would have been better off on the ridge. But it was steep and slippery (marbles on slick hard slope), so we stayed low. It took longer than expected to summit, but we were so sure the next (false) summit was it. We figured we were hiking back in the dark anyway so we continued. We had a beautiful sunset, and a full moon for the last part of the hike. So glad Sparks made it out to hike with me, cuz my legs were ready to turn back early in the trip. Thanks for another peak! These pix were taken with Sierra Sparkles camera with my flashcard (hers was full). I dropped my camera from the front seat of the FJ after Inyo, and it broke. I bought the extra insurance from Circuit City that said "if you drop it we'll replace it" We'll see if they do it. (wk 156, day 3)

2009 (Jan 11) Boulder Peak from Aquaduct Rd, Southern Sierra

Sierra Sparkles drove to InyoKern for breakfast with me and Rach. We g ...

Updated: Jan 15, 2009 10:04pm PST

2008 (Dec 28) Lookout Mountain Snowshoeing from Hwy 395 : I parked on Hwy 395 and snowshoed to Lookout Mountain. The first 0.6 mi was on a groomed snowmobile track, then I took the turnoff for Lookout Mountain. Two snowmobiles went partway up (I appreciated them packing the snow down for me), but when they turned around, I was on my own to the summit. Great views! (wk 154, day 2)

2008 (Dec 28) Lookout Mountain Snowshoeing from Hwy 395

I parked on Hwy 395 and snowshoed to Lookout Mountain. The first 0.6 m ...

Updated: Dec 29, 2008 10:50pm PST

2008 (Dec 27) Mono Lake - South Tufa Reserve and Navy Beach : Lots of snow around Mammoth, not sure where to go since I can't snowboard (injury). For the first day, I drove to Mono Lake and walked around. (wk 154, day 1)

2008 (Dec 27) Mono Lake - South Tufa Reserve and Navy Beach

Lots of snow around Mammoth, not sure where to go since I can't snowbo ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2009 9:09am PST

2008 (December 21) Onyx Peak in the Southern Sierra : Hiked Onyx Peak with Rachel and Jim. Beautiful day with perfect weather and untracked snow. (wk 153, day 2 of 2)

2008 (December 21) Onyx Peak in the Southern Sierra

Hiked Onyx Peak with Rachel and Jim. Beautiful day with perfect weath ...

Updated: Dec 25, 2008 2:22am PST

2008 (Dec 14) Harley Mountain in Kernville : TomG and I drove to Kernville to meet Tomcat and Lisa for a hike. It was a beautiful day, even with the cold temps. (wk 152, day 3 of 3)

2008 (Dec 14) Harley Mountain in Kernville

TomG and I drove to Kernville to meet Tomcat and Lisa for a hike. It ...

Updated: Dec 19, 2008 5:50pm PST

2008 (Oct 19) Owens Peak 6X : Breakfast with Rachel, then a half day hike up Owens Peak. A hiker we met took a wrong turn, and we ended up waiting to see if he showed up. Tomcat made some calls hoping to give info to those who would look for him in the morning. He was found around 10am Monday morning one canyon to the north. (wk 144, day 3 of 3)

2008 (Oct 19) Owens Peak 6X

Breakfast with Rachel, then a half day hike up Owens Peak. A hiker we ...

Updated: Oct 28, 2008 12:35pm PST

2008 (Oct 18) Spanish Needle 2X : DaveG and I had planned to hike up north, but with snow last weekend we decided to do Spanish Needle. Tomcat and Rachel joined us for a great day of hiking! (wk 144, day 2 of 3)

2008 (Oct 18) Spanish Needle 2X

DaveG and I had planned to hike up north, but with snow last weekend w ...

Updated: Oct 22, 2008 7:36pm PST

2008 (11 Oct) Thor Peak attempt : Ranboze called to let everyone know it was snowing in Bishop. So we made Plan B over the phone, meet at Union Wash and do Mt Inyo. Meeting time was 6:30am, but when Tomcat didn't show, Sparkles called and he just woke up. It was cold so we went to Lone Pine for breakfast and to decide on Plan C. We didn't have maps or waypoints for Inyo since it was decided after everyone was on the road. Thor should be easy, we thought. The North Fork Lone Pine trail was really pretty with snow. I think maybe we had too much fun on the way and time flew. Ranboze asked about a turnaround time, and about 20 min later I slipped on a slanted rock covered with snow and ice. My bad shoulder took most of the impact, so that's when I agreed we should turn back. Tomcat met us at Whitney Cafe, where we made plans for a Sunday hike. (wk 143, day 1 of 2)

2008 (11 Oct) Thor Peak attempt

Ranboze called to let everyone know it was snowing in Bishop. So we m ...

Updated: Oct 13, 2008 10:42pm PST

2008 (Sept 28) Trailmaster Peak (12,336') : The day after Dragon Peak . . . Sierra Sparkles almost had to work, but at the last minute got the ok to hike! Glad we waited! Tom Gossett and I had tired legs from the day before. Sparkles was tired from the early morning drive and work stress. We had a leisurely hike to Trailmaster Peak, lots of stops and goofing around. (wk 141, day 2 of 2)

2008 (Sept 28) Trailmaster Peak (12,336')

The day after Dragon Peak . . . Sierra Sparkles almost had to work, ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2008 8:19pm PST

2008 (Sept 27) WPSMB Group Hike: Dragon Peak : Dragon Peak (12,995'): Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2nd Annual Group Hike. 16 hiked, 11 summitted. BBQ after at Whitney Hostel. Dragon Peak is one of my favorite hikes! Fun hike and beautiful day!!! (wk 141, day 1 of 2)

2008 (Sept 27) WPSMB Group Hike: Dragon Peak

Dragon Peak (12,995'): Whitney Portal Store Message Board 2nd Annual G ...

Updated: Sep 30, 2008 11:06pm PST

2008 (Sept 21) Round Mountain from Sage Flat : I didn't have plans for Sunday. Tomcat said they were doing Olancha, so I was just going to Olancha Pass since I already had 25 miles and 7,500' of gain/loss for the weekend. I know its not much for some people, but it was a lot for me. When we met at the trailhead, the plan changed to Round Mountain which was fine with me. I was able to summit, making it a 3 summit weekend! (this added 12.5 mi and 4700' gain) Great weather and beautiful day for hiking this area! (wk 140, day 3 of 3)

2008 (Sept 21) Round Mountain from Sage Flat

I didn't have plans for Sunday. Tomcat said they were doing Olancha, ...

Updated: Sep 24, 2008 12:00am PST

2008 (Sept 20) Muah Mountain and Ranboze Belated Birthday Celebration : Ranboze birthday was Sept 4th, but she didn't want to take away from TomG's 40th Anniversary Hike Celebration (9/6/08). So trying to get her out for a "Surprise Birthday Celebration" took a lot of planning and e-mails. (big thanks to Sooz for getting it out) It was a fun hike, dinner, carcamp and birthday celebration. Happy Belated Birthday, Robin! (wk 140, day 2 of 3)

2008 (Sept 20) Muah Mountain and Ranboze Belated Birthday Celebration

Ranboze birthday was Sept 4th, but she didn't want to take away from T ...

Updated: Sep 22, 2008 11:51pm PST

2008 (Sept 19) The Fin from Old Langley Trail : First day at altitude is always hard for me. We started at the Old Langley Trail, past Muir Lake and up the sandy slope to the bouldery summit of the Fin. It was cold most of the day, and windy at the summit. The register was missing, so we left a small bottle with our map for signing in. A beautiful day for a hike with great friends! (wk 140, day 1 of 3)

2008 (Sept 19) The Fin from Old Langley Trail

First day at altitude is always hard for me. We started at the Old La ...

Updated: Sep 23, 2008 9:45pm PST

2008 (Sept 14) Lee Vining Peak : Stayed up late Sat night talking to SnowDude, and on the computer looking for a hike for Sun. Couldn't find beta on Lee Vining Peak, but my book had a few sentences on it. So back to Tioga Pass Road, and another late start. Another beautiful day to be out! (wk 139, day 2 of 2)

2008 (Sept 14) Lee Vining Peak

Stayed up late Sat night talking to SnowDude, and on the computer look ...

Updated: Sep 15, 2008 11:57pm PST

2008 (Sept 13) Mount Warren from Hwy 120 : Got in late Friday, then got up early Saturday and felt it. Started the hike late, but that sickly feeling went away after awhile. Slow pace and breaks got me up to Mount Warren (12,327'). I spent an hour at the summit, then got chilled and headed down. Great views, especially of Mono Lake, and a beautiful day to be out. SPS #63 (wk 139, day 1 of 2)

2008 (Sept 13) Mount Warren from Hwy 120

Got in late Friday, then got up early Saturday and felt it. Started t ...

Updated: Sep 15, 2008 8:47pm PST

2008 (Sept 5) Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows : Solo hike up to Trail Peak, trying to get acclimatized after almost a month in low elevation (Australia/New Zealand). Slept in, late start, easy hike at high elevation, 3 hrs at summit including a 55 min nap. Relaxing day! (wk 138, day 1 of 3)

2008 (Sept 5) Trail Peak from Horseshoe Meadows

Solo hike up to Trail Peak, trying to get acclimatized after almost a ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2008 10:52pm PST

2008 (Sept 1) Great Sierra Mine and Gaylor Peak, Yosemite : Decided to do something easy, and I had a waypoint for Gaylor Peak. I checked the internet for beta, and saw there was also the Great Sierra Mine. Easy day, nice weather, and great views! (wk 137, day 3)

2008 (Sept 1) Great Sierra Mine and Gaylor Peak, Yosemite

Decided to do something easy, and I had a waypoint for Gaylor Peak. I ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2008 7:38am PST

2008 (Aug 31) Warren Canyon hike : Short hike . . . still jet lagging (fell asleep looking at the map), so really late start, too windy (blowing me all over), just didn't have it in me to hike. (wk 137, day 2 of 3)

2008 (Aug 31) Warren Canyon hike

Short hike . . . still jet lagging (fell asleep looking at the map), ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2008 12:47am PST

2008 (Aug 30) Timosea Peak : Tom Gossett mentioned this hike in an e-mail. With jetlag and change in sleep pattern, this was about as far as I could drive. This is my first hike in altitude since July, so 2 miles each way sounded good. This was a workout, and took a lot longer than we expected. But being with friends made it a fun day!(wk 137, day 1)

2008 (Aug 30) Timosea Peak

Tom Gossett mentioned this hike in an e-mail. With jetlag and change i ...

Updated: Sep 02, 2008 11:41pm PST

2008 (July 26) Mt Whitney Dayclimb, up MR, down MT : A repeat of 2 weeks ago. 3 hrs of sleep for me, and coming from sea level for Crazy Bob, added 2 hrs to the hike. Also got a late start, missed Doug's burgers, took showers at Whitney Portal Hostel and had burgers at Whitney Cafe. (wk 132, day 2 of 3) Drove part way home after to pack for trip to Australia on July 30th.

2008 (July 26) Mt Whitney Dayclimb, up MR, down MT

A repeat of 2 weeks ago. 3 hrs of sleep for me, and coming from sea l ...

Updated: Jul 29, 2008 11:19pm PST

2008 (July 25) Wonoga Peak to acclimatize : Plan was to do Whitney again with Crazy Bob on Saturday, so I wanted to acclimatize the same way I did 2 weeks ago. Sparkles joined me for a relaxing day in altitude. We took a lot of flower pix and at the summit looked thru flower books to identify some of the flowers we've been seeing (thanks for the idea, Audrey!) We also spent time trying to tan our feet, but it looks like the tan lines are permanently there. Fun day, showers at Boulder Creek, dinner at Pizza Factory, but got to bed late. :-( (wk 132, day 1 of 3)

2008 (July 25) Wonoga Peak to acclimatize

Plan was to do Whitney again with Crazy Bob on Saturday, so I wanted t ...

Updated: Jul 27, 2008 10:29pm PST

2008 (July 19) Mt Rixford dayclimb : Our group started off with 7, and at 3pm, our group split up. 4 turned back due to time constraints, and 3 of us summitted Mt Rixford. We ascended the SE ridge, enjoyed the views for almost an hour, then descended the W slope (bad way to go), which was full of 'crap' (lots of cliffs below and loose rock). We were back on the trail in 3 hrs, and hiked out in the dark. A very successful trip considering what our friends were going thru in the area. DaveG and Norris dayclimbed University, but got stuck overnight on a ledge that they couldn't go up or down. They were rescued Sun at 9am. TomS cut his head open somewhere on a dayclimb to Independence Peak, and his group got him down to safety. His injury required 125 stitches on his face. Ouch! I heard SAR found the missing fisherman, drowned in shallow water. A busy weekend at Onion Valley. (wk 131)

2008 (July 19) Mt Rixford dayclimb

Our group started off with 7, and at 3pm, our group split up. 4 turne ...

Updated: Jul 24, 2008 7:40pm PST

2008 (July 13) Whitney Portal, flood and rock slide photos : Woke up in a campground at 6am and started returning calls from last night. A few hours later we stopped by the Whitney Portal Hostel, people who were stranded by road closure (mud slide/Independence) slept on the lobby floor. Breakfast at Alabama Hills Cafe, then drove to WP to see the damage. Ran into Bullet and his group (actually Kristen's group) and heard their story being in the storm at Trail Camp and watching the lightning on the Whitney Ridge. I took a few more photos, then headed for home. I got only a few drops of rain, while Sooz drove thru gnarly rain/flooding going on the 395 to the 15. Like Trekker says, the Weather God's were with me again! (wk 130, day 3)

2008 (July 13) Whitney Portal, flood and rock slide photos

Woke up in a campground at 6am and started returning calls from last n ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2008 12:02am PST

2008 (July 12) Mt Whitney, up the Mountaineer's Route, down the Main Trail : I dayclimbed Mt Whitney with Devon, up the Mountaineer's Route and down the Main Trail. We started at 4:41am, and got off the trail at 5:40pm. Devon slowed down to my pace so I didn't bonk early, and we ended up 2 hours faster than last year. Plan was to also do Muir and the Needles, but weather was a little sketchy so we headed back. It started sprinkling big drops as we ran down the last part of the old trail, and 15 minutes Whitney Portal was hit with enough of a downpour to cause a rockslide and river on the road. (wk 130, day 2 of 3)

2008 (July 12) Mt Whitney, up the Mountaineer's Route, down the Main Trail

I dayclimbed Mt Whitney with Devon, up the Mountaineer's Route and dow ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2008 8:38pm PST

2008 (July 11) Acclimatizing: Wonoga Peak and old mining road on Horseshoe Mdw road : This was my day to acclimatize. I slept at Horseshoe Meadow Campground (9,400') Thursday night. Lottery for walk in permits for Whitney was at 11am Friday, so I had some time to kill. I read about some mining cabins in a book (can't find it now, will get the name of this place later), so I walked about 1/2 mile down an old dirt road, hidden from the road. It was 250' el loss and gain, but at 9,300', I was feeling it. I drove down to Lone Pine, got permits to hike Whitney on Saturday, then drove back up the Horseshoe Meadow road. I hiked to Wanoga Peak and hung out at the summit (~10,373', register missing) for 2 hrs. I drove down to Boulder Creek, showered, met Devon, and had dinner in Lone Pine. Later I drove back up (5th time in 24 hrs) Horseshoe Meadow Road to sleep for the night, and got up at 2:45am to meet Devon at Whitney Portal at 4am. (wk 130, day 1 of 3)

2008 (July 11) Acclimatizing: Wonoga Peak and old mining road on Horseshoe Mdw road

This was my day to acclimatize. I slept at Horseshoe Meadow Campground ...

Updated: Jul 14, 2008 6:28am PST

2008 (July 5) Matterhorn Peak dayclimb, Sawtooth Range : Dee and I met Ridgeline at Mono Village in the morning. We dayclimbed Matterhorn Peak from Horse Creek via the SE ridge. It was steep at the end, and the class 3 section we took going up was fun! We summitted before our turnaround time, and it was a rewarding peak. We (especially me) were all happy to summit. (wk 129, day 2 of 3) I drove home on day 3 because of a sore foot, all I could think of was Tomcat's plantar faciatis and thought maybe that's what I had. My chiro made adjustments on Mon, and the pain is gone now!

2008 (July 5) Matterhorn Peak dayclimb, Sawtooth Range

Dee and I met Ridgeline at Mono Village in the morning. We dayclimbed ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2008 12:26am PST

2008 (July 4) San Joaquin Mountain dayclimb : Dayclimbed San Joaquin Peak with Dee Booth to acclimatize for Matterhorn Peak. It was smoky to the north, east and south, clear to the west. Views were great, and we spent 1.5 hrs at the top (no register). Weather was great, but got really windy on the way back. Clear blue skies above us. Beautiful day! (wk 129, day 1 of 3)

2008 (July 4) San Joaquin Mountain dayclimb

Dayclimbed San Joaquin Peak with Dee Booth to acclimatize for Matterho ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2008 10:41pm PST

2008 (June 28) Bloody Mountain : We wanted something easy, so since Tom Gossett had not hiked much of this area, and Bloody Mountain stood out yesterday, we went for it. It was a beautiful day with blue skies and puffy clouds and a little breeze to keep us cool. Perfect day for a hike, and the smoke from the fires didn't ruin the scenery. (wk 128, day 3 of 3)

2008 (June 28) Bloody Mountain

We wanted something easy, so since Tom Gossett had not hiked much of t ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2008 5:56pm PST

2008 (June 27) Sherwin Traverse - Red Pk and Pyramid Pk, Mammoth Lakes : I tried this peak last year and didn't make it. Tom Gossett and Kathy Miller joined me this time. We bagged Red Peak before heading up the ridge to Pyramid Peak. We were a little disappointed when we got to "West End" and saw the sheer drop below, and Pyramid Peak on the other side. Tom Gossett pushed to get us to the summit. We almost lost him over a cliff on the way down, but he 'swam' his way out of the rock slide. The hike took longer than expected, but we still came out in daylight. It was a worthy peak! (wk 128, day 2 of 3)

2008 (June 27) Sherwin Traverse - Red Pk and Pyramid Pk, Mammoth Lakes

I tried this peak last year and didn't make it. Tom Gossett and Kathy ...

Updated: Jul 06, 2008 6:28pm PST

2008 (June 26) Mount Dana (13,057') : Today was my day to acclimatize, so I went to Tioga Pass and dayclimbed Mount Dana starting at 9,943'. I started off slow, and went at my own pace, sucking air as usual on the first day out. I was feeling the altitude at 12K, but kept at a slow pace, and ended up with my fastest time out of the 4 times summitting Dana (and I felt great!). So I think starting off fast, trying to keep up with long legged beasties, and running while they're walking is why I struggle and drop behind at altitude. (wk 128, day 1 of 3)

2008 (June 26) Mount Dana (13,057')

Today was my day to acclimatize, so I went to Tioga Pass and dayclimbe ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2008 7:11pm PST

2008 (June 22) Thor Peak dayclimb (9X) : Ended up solo on the North Fork trail, and met Fred Beckey on the way up. With an easy steady pace and short breaks, I was able to do the round trip in 6.5 hrs. It was a lot easier than moving fast and taking long breaks, and I felt good after. (wk 127, day 2)

2008 (June 22) Thor Peak dayclimb (9X)

Ended up solo on the North Fork trail, and met Fred Beckey on the way ...

Updated: Jun 24, 2008 8:42pm PST

2008 (June 21) Laura's birthday on Gamblers Special Peak (12,990+) : A few of us got together to dayclimb Gamblers Special Peak for Moose Tracks birthday (wk 127, day 1)

2008 (June 21) Laura's birthday on Gamblers Special Peak (12,990+)

A few of us got together to dayclimb Gamblers Special Peak for Moose T ...

Updated: May 22, 2009 7:18pm PST

2008 (June 15) Independence Peak from Onion Valley : I talked KathyM into staying one more day, plus she was too tired to drive home Sat night. We wanted an easy hike before the drive home. We took our time and made Independence Peak, and even got a short boot glissade in. Great way to end the weekend! (wk 126, day 3)

2008 (June 15) Independence Peak from Onion Valley

I talked KathyM into staying one more day, plus she was too tired to d ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2008 12:20am PST

2008 (June 14) Dragon Peak from Onion Valley : 5 of us dayclimbed Dragon Peak from Onion Valley. Met another group, and we were all connected in a way (fun!) Justine did a search and found stuff on my website. Russell knows Rachel and Brooks, and has seen my truck all over. Shane runs track for Bakersfield (4 of our group are from there), and I had hiked with Dee last year (with a big group)! Small world! Still a lot of snow up there, but a lot less than 2 weeks ago. Fun hike, fun summit, fun glissade, great company and perfect conditions! (wk 126, day 2 of 3)

2008 (June 14) Dragon Peak from Onion Valley

5 of us dayclimbed Dragon Peak from Onion Valley. Met another group, ...

Updated: Jun 16, 2008 9:55pm PST

2008 (June 13) Owens Point from Horseshoe Meadow Road : This was my Friday off, and both Tom Gossett and KathyM were able to get the day off! It was a perfect day for hiking. (wk 126, day 1 of 3)

2008 (June 13) Owens Point from Horseshoe Meadow Road

This was my Friday off, and both Tom Gossett and KathyM were able to g ...

Updated: Jun 19, 2008 9:28pm PST

2008 (May 31) Kearsarge Peak (12,597') Loop : TomG met me at Onion Valley, and after setting up a car shuttle, we headed up the Kearsarge Mine Trail. A lot of it was overgrown, but we managed to keep climbing til we hit snow and lost the trail (it was steep, and we didn’t have snow gear). So we hiked straight up, using rocks as steps to avoid cold feet. I was warm, but feet were frozen. After reaching the wrong ridge, we descended and ascended to the right one. The rocky summit ridge was covered with snow, so we had to be careful not to posthole or slip. It was a long (time-wise) but beautiful hike to the summit. TomG had to dig to find the register box. We descended towards Lily Pass, traversing across some beautiful untouched snow. TomG postholed crotch deep once (and he’s 6’4”), so I probably would have gone in to my neck! He bashed his knee twice and I bashed my shin postholing. We scree skiid down Lily pass. TomG learned to boot glissade and had a blast. We made our way down the snow covered Golden Trout trail, no tracks to follow so we went by memory. It was a pretty awesome day to be out in the Sierra! Perfect weather, NO altitude issues (yay!), beautiful scenery in every direction and great company! (wk 124, day 2 of 3)

2008 (May 31) Kearsarge Peak (12,597') Loop

TomG met me at Onion Valley, and after setting up a car shuttle, we he ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2008 10:11pm PST

2008 (May 30) Trailmaster Peak (12,336') : Last minute change in plans got me on the road late Thurs night. I had to pull over before Horseshoe Mdw to sleep, then drove the rest of the way in the morning. I knew from the first 5 minutes it would be a long day. Maybe its from driving from sea level to almost 10K with only a few hours of sleep? As long as I move slow I'll be ok. I left the Cottonwood Lakes trail and headed up into the trees, heading for the saddle NE of Trailmaster Peak. I made my way around the snow, and coyote tracks would appear in the snow on and off. I eventually got to the summit and found the register (buried in snow). No one had been up since our group last October. After 40 min I headed back, following my GPS tracks. It was a beautiful day to be out! (wk 124, day 1 of 3)

2008 (May 30) Trailmaster Peak (12,336')

Last minute change in plans got me on the road late Thurs night. I had ...

Updated: Jun 04, 2008 7:54am PST

2008 (May 24) Chocolate Peak from South Lake : I dayclimbed Chocolate Peak from South Lake, 2nd high altitude hike of the year, and altitude was bothering me again. I got a really late start (drove all night, got to bed after 3am) and started my hike with the sun shining an blue skies above. By 2pm, it was snowing and getting cold and I wasn't feeling good. I didn't bring a map or waypoints (wasn't sure what I was doing that day when I left home), but my GPS said 11,300' and I knew I was close to the summit. I had climbed this peak twice before, but the trail was snow free then. I returned the same way, following my tracks (most of them covered with new snow), and spent a few hours at the Moose Lodge before heading for NV for more hiking. (wk 123, day 1 of 3)

2008 (May 24) Chocolate Peak from South Lake

I dayclimbed Chocolate Peak from South Lake, 2nd high altitude hike of ...

Updated: May 27, 2008 6:39pm PST

2008 (May 18) Meysan Lake Trail : Tired from Fri/Sat hikes, so hiked up the Meysan Lake Trail. This was my first day this year above 10,000' (wk 122, day 3)

2008 (May 18) Meysan Lake Trail

Tired from Fri/Sat hikes, so hiked up the Meysan Lake Trail. This was ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2008 8:45pm PST

2008 (May 17) Spanish Needle - 2nd try and made it : Tom Gossett and I dayclimbed Spanish Needle from the PCT on Canebrake Road. We tried with a big group a month ago and bailed when we saw the chutes filled with snow. What a great climb! I was expecting it to get really bad from reports from a group that didn't make it last year. It was a challenge and I'm looking forward to doing it again. (wk 122, day 2)

2008 (May 17) Spanish Needle - 2nd try and made it

Tom Gossett and I dayclimbed Spanish Needle from the PCT on Canebrake ...

Updated: May 23, 2008 3:00am PST

2008 (May 16) Backus Peak from Hwy 178 : Moose Tracks and I wanted an easy warmup peak for Friday, since we both had big peaks to dayclimb on Sat. It was 90 deg on the summit (6,651'), and 100 deg coming down. Saw a lot of new flowers and reptiles and bugs on this trip (wk 122, day 1 of 3)

2008 (May 16) Backus Peak from Hwy 178

Moose Tracks and I wanted an easy warmup peak for Friday, since we bot ...

Updated: May 21, 2008 12:28am PST

2008 (Apr 20) Canebrake Road to Sawtooth Peak (Southern Sierra) : We got a late start, but 6 of us dayclimbed Sawtooth Peak from Canebrake Road. Dinner after at Indian Wells Steakhouse. (wk 118, day 3 of 3)

2008 (Apr 20) Canebrake Road to Sawtooth Peak (Southern Sierra)

We got a late start, but 6 of us dayclimbed Sawtooth Peak from Canebra ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2008 11:13pm PST

2008 (Apr 19) Canebrake Road to East Lamont (no Spanish Needle) : A group of 12 met by Chimney Creek CG to hike the PCT and up to Spanish Needle. We got to the saddle and saw all the snow in the chute. Without snow gear, we changed to Plan B and bagged East Lamont Peak, then descended to Lamont Meadow and back to camp. Half our group left, and we had a BBQ and campfire. (wk 118, day 2 of 3)

2008 (Apr 19) Canebrake Road to East Lamont (no Spanish Needle)

A group of 12 met by Chimney Creek CG to hike the PCT and up to Spanis ...

Updated: Apr 24, 2008 7:44pm PST

2008 (Apr 18) Part 2: Lamont Peak in the Southern Sierra : After visiting the U2 Fallen Joshua Tree, I drove to the Southern Sierra to bag Lamont Peak. On the way I saw 2 beautiful rattlesnakes. Weather was great, light breeze and I had the place to myself. After cleaning up, I drove to where I was camping for the night. Tom Gossett stopped by there and we hung out til it got too cold to sit out. (wk 118, day 1 pt 2)

2008 (Apr 18) Part 2: Lamont Peak in the Southern Sierra

After visiting the U2 Fallen Joshua Tree, I drove to the Southern Sier ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2008 8:23pm PST

2008 (Apr 13) Chuckwalla and Cross Mountains : These peaks are in the Southern Sierra but was hotter than the desert peaks we've done lately. The attraction for driving so far to hike was the flowers I saw from tomcat's trip last week. I knew they wouldn't be around too much longer, and since he had to abort, he said he'd do it again. It was the hottest day of the year so far, and we all ran out of water. I think we were so beat from Saturdays hike we didn't have time to pack and make sure we were prepared. I know I brought too many clothes (cold the day before), and didn't re-pack much food or water. But it was an awesome trip with great people, and 2 new peaks for me. Nice to see Ridgeline again, and finally meet Nathan, and watch KathyM with her pink cast (comes off this week) hike the 10 miles with a smile! (wk 117, day 2)

2008 (Apr 13) Chuckwalla and Cross Mountains

These peaks are in the Southern Sierra but was hotter than the desert ...

Updated: Apr 16, 2008 7:54am PST

2008 (Jan 27) Looking for turns, but its not gonna happen today : Plan was to skin up out of Mammoth Scenic Loop, but the road wasn't plowed. We pulled over to talk about our backup plan, and noticed Tarkman running around the vehicles parked behind us. We joined Tarkman and Jen (splitboarder!) and ended up somewhere down the road. After about an hour of skinning in whiteout conditions, we noticed the snow was cracking and after assessing the situation, we turned back. It was a good workout, and I got to use my splitboard in ski mode. (wk 106, day 3)

2008 (Jan 27) Looking for turns, but its not gonna happen today

Plan was to skin up out of Mammoth Scenic Loop, but the road wasn't pl ...

Updated: Jan 29, 2008 11:12pm PST

2008 (Jan 26) Chicken Wing - earning turns! : Three of us headed for Chicken Wing on Saturday. We skinned to 8,532', rode ~400' thru the trees, then skinned to the summit of Chicken Wing (9,779'), and back to the vehicles at 7,913'. Thanks to Bullet for breaking trail! (wk 106, day 2)

2008 (Jan 26) Chicken Wing - earning turns!

Three of us headed for Chicken Wing on Saturday. We skinned to 8,532' ...

Updated: Jan 28, 2008 11:21pm PST

2008 (Jan 19) Kid Mountain Splitboarding, South Fork Big Pine Trail : Met Bullet at SFBP trailhead Saturday morning to ski Kid Mtn. Its been 2 years since I got on the splitboard, so those first turns were awkward (falling and tumbling). The rest of the ride down was FUN! Thanks for the invite, Bullet! (wk 105, day 1)

2008 (Jan 19) Kid Mountain Splitboarding, South Fork Big Pine Trail

Met Bullet at SFBP trailhead Saturday morning to ski Kid Mtn. Its bee ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2008 7:30am PST

2007 (Dec 31) Rush Creek Snowshoe and New Years Eve at Nevado's : SnowDude wanted to do a snowshoe trip, so we went to Rush Creek. We got just past the tram, which was too steep with only snowshoes, and the trail just past it was covered with snow and had more exposure thanwe were comfortable. So we took a lunch break, then headed back. We forgot about making reservations for dinner, and ended up waiting two hrs at Nevados, but made friends with Scott and Rebecca and ended up having dinner with them. (wk 101-102, day 11 of 12)

2007 (Dec 31) Rush Creek Snowshoe and New Years Eve at Nevado's

SnowDude wanted to do a snowshoe trip, so we went to Rush Creek. We g ...

Updated: Jan 03, 2008 4:45am PST

2007 (Dec 27) Convict Canyon Snowshoe Trip : Originally wanted to hike in the southern Glass Mountains, but the roads to get there had deep snow, and being solo, I didn't want to get stuck. So after trying a few roads, I went to Convict Canyon to snowshoe (wk 101-102, day 7 of 12)

2007 (Dec 27) Convict Canyon Snowshoe Trip

Originally wanted to hike in the southern Glass Mountains, but the roa ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 9:58pm PST

2007 (Dec 26) Big Pine South Fork Snowshoe trip : Had breakfast with Tomcat and Moose Tracks in Bishop. Moose went to work, Tomcat and I drove to Big Pine South Fork to snowshoe. We went from 7800'' to 9400' before our turnaround time. Clouds came in and we got snowed on. Great day! (wk 101-102, day 6 of 12)

2007 (Dec 26) Big Pine South Fork Snowshoe trip

Had breakfast with Tomcat and Moose Tracks in Bishop. Moose went to w ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 8:32pm PST

2007 (Dec 22) Onion Valley Snowshoe : Rachel, Moose Tracks and Snow Nymph got together to snowshoe at Onion Valley. Awesome snow and perfect weather for a great day in the mountains! After, I drove to Mammoth to spend the rest of the holidays with SnowDude, starting with a party later that night. (wk 101-102, day 2 of 12)

2007 (Dec 22) Onion Valley Snowshoe

Rachel, Moose Tracks and Snow Nymph got together to snowshoe at Onion ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 12:56am PST

2007 (Dec 9) Morris Peak (7215') from Walker Pass (5,246') : It snowed down to 3,000' overnight, so we decided to do Morris Peak instead of our planned peak. It was a pretty drive on Hwy 178. Eleven of us made the summit, and this was Holly's first summit. She was visiting from PA. (wk 99, day 2)

2007 (Dec 9) Morris Peak (7215') from Walker Pass (5,246')

It snowed down to 3,000' overnight, so we decided to do Morris Peak in ...

Updated: Dec 13, 2007 9:17pm PST

2007 (Dec 8) Jenkins Saddle, Aquila Peak : Plan was to have breakfast with Rachel and friends, then dayclimb Jenkins. With a late start, cold temps and no visibility we turned back at Jenkins saddle. We didn't want to go back without a peak, so we did Aquila Peak, of the Five Fingers. Hung out at Rachels later, then slept in the Cooler outside. (wk 99, day 1)

2007 (Dec 8) Jenkins Saddle, Aquila Peak

Plan was to have breakfast with Rachel and friends, then dayclimb Jenk ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2007 7:16am PST

2007 (Dec 2) Scodie Peak, Southern Sierra : Tomcat invited us to do a trip with the KRVHC, leading his first trip with the group. (wk 98, day 3)

2007 (Dec 2) Scodie Peak, Southern Sierra

Tomcat invited us to do a trip with the KRVHC, leading his first trip ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2007 11:31pm PST

2007 (Dec 1) Sage Flat (5,800') to Round Mountain (9,884') : On the way to Sage Flat, I followed a bear running up the road to where we camped. Couldn't get the camera out of my pocket! The bear scared a big wingspan bird (?) and then a kit fox when it dove in the bushes. Moose Tracks camped out with me, and in the morning Rachel and Tomcat showed up for a dayclimb in some VERY cold weather! We started hiking (25 deg) up the cowtrail to Olancha Pass, then took the PCT to a gully and headed for Round Mtn. Temp at the summit was 14 deg, and -20 with windchill (MINUS 20!) So cold and windy we didn't get a summit photo (couldn't get the cameras set up). We came down the main trail. It was a great hike! (wk 98, day 2)

2007 (Dec 1) Sage Flat (5,800') to Round Mountain (9,884')

On the way to Sage Flat, I followed a bear running up the road to wher ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2007 10:26pm PST

2007 (22 Nov) Wheeler Crest offroading : We took the Rubi and the Cooler out for some offroading. The Cooler followed the Rubi all over, and went up stuff I didn’t think it could do! Fun day! (wk 97, day 1)

2007 (22 Nov) Wheeler Crest offroading

We took the Rubi and the Cooler out for some offroading. The Cooler f ...

Updated: Feb 19, 2008 10:34pm PST

2007 (Nov 25) Split Mountain (6,835'), Southern Sierra : Dayclimbed Split Mountain (6,835') in the Southern Sierra with the KRVHC. Met new people, hiked in a new area for me, beautiful day for a hike, and best of all I felt great! (wk 97, day 4)

2007 (Nov 25) Split Mountain (6,835'), Southern Sierra

Dayclimbed Split Mountain (6,835') in the Southern Sierra with the KRV ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 11:54pm PST

2007 (16 Nov) Onyx Peak #2 (5,244'), Panamint Valley A-4 crash site : Met up with Rach for a dayclimb up Onyx Peak in Kern County. Steep, quick hike and my legs are finally feeling good after two months of leg problems! After a shower, quick visit with Tomcat, and a little shopping, I drove to Panamint Valley and parked, expecting Lewis to show up. Tom Gossett was on his way to Beatty for a solo hike, but spotted the Cooler and turned back. I invited him to join us, then Hard Charger arrived shortly after. We hung out awhile, looked at the Panamint Valley A-4 plane wreck site in the dark, no sign of Lewis so we left to find a place to camp for the night.(wk 96, day 1 of 3)

2007 (16 Nov) Onyx Peak #2 (5,244'), Panamint Valley A-4 crash site

Met up with Rach for a dayclimb up Onyx Peak in Kern County. Steep, q ...

Updated: Nov 19, 2007 7:39pm PST

2007 (2 Nov) Pinyon Peak, Southern Sierra : I met Rachel early Friday and headed for Pinyon Peak. We were told that we were on private property, so we drove a half mile down the road and started our hike. A lot of bushwhacking, hot but but glad we had long pants on. It was a beautiful day for a hike. (wk 94, day 1)

2007 (2 Nov) Pinyon Peak, Southern Sierra

I met Rachel early Friday and headed for Pinyon Peak. We were told th ...

Updated: Nov 05, 2007 1:21am PST

2007 (Oct 22) Pyramid Peak in Mammoth (almost) : Today is my 51st birthday, and my plan was to climb Pyramid Peak just south of Mammoth. I didn't find any beta on this peak, and chose a route by looking at a map. It was tougher than expected with manzanita and big boulders and no sign of a use trail. I got into some deep snow between boulders, lost elevation to get around, thought about how long it would take me from where I was to summit, the drive home and getting to work on time, and gave up on summitting. I'll try a different way next time. (wk 92, day 4)

2007 (Oct 22) Pyramid Peak in Mammoth (almost)

Today is my 51st birthday, and my plan was to climb Pyramid Peak just ...

Updated: Nov 11, 2007 8:04pm PST

2007 (14 Oct) Thor Peak solo (8X) : Trailtrekker went home Sunday morning. My backup plan for Sunday was to do Thor Pk at a slow and steady pace. The rest of the group were doing Mt Whitney via the MR, and I knew I wouldn't be able to keep up. I also didn't want to start at 4am, so I slept in and took my time in the morning. I was happy to see footprints in the snow by the Smiley Face. This is where I would have turned back if the tracks weren't there. Turns out Tomcat's group changed plans when a few didn't feel well, and did Thor instead! I kept a slow steady pace, with 3 short stops and finished in 8 hrs, which included a wrong turn that cost me 45 minutes. A great day on the mountain, and my leg felt great! (wk 91, day 2)

2007 (14 Oct) Thor Peak solo (8X)

Trailtrekker went home Sunday morning. My backup plan for Sunday was ...

Updated: Oct 17, 2007 9:20pm PST

2007 (13 Oct) Trailmaster Peak (12,366') : This weekend was Tomcat's 26th consecutive weekend "hiking above 10K", so we celebrated by climbing Trailmaster Peak. We had planned on Cirque Peak, but with a late start (some of us got in late, some drove up that morning), not much sleep, and a lot of breaks, we decided Trailmaster was good enough. (wk 91, day 1)

2007 (13 Oct) Trailmaster Peak (12,366')

This weekend was Tomcat's 26th consecutive weekend "hiking above 10K", ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2007 10:08pm PST

2007 (5 Oct) Sierra storm, return to Adobe Valley, and Sagehen Pk (9,191') : I'm still having knee issues, so this is a weekend for lots of driving and easy hiking. I picked up a package at Whitney Portal and had a great breakfast, looked for my lost trekking poles from 2 weeks ago by Antelope Mtn, got a short hike in and placed a terracache by Sagehen Peak , lobster taquitos from Whoa Nellie Deli for dinner, got to see lots of fall colors, got to hike and drive in a snowstorm, got to use my rear lockers, spent time at the condo in Mammoth, and made it to camp south of Ridgecrest, over 400 miles of driving on Friday. (wk 90, day 1)

2007 (5 Oct) Sierra storm, return to Adobe Valley, and Sagehen Pk (9,191')

I'm still having knee issues, so this is a weekend for lots of driving ...

Updated: Oct 08, 2007 8:53pm PST

2007 (Sept 29-30) Topix Carcamp and Snow Crown Summit (12,423') : Rosabella was coming to CA for a few weeks, so we posted a HighSierraTopix group camp. Rosabella, Tomcat, Trailtrekker, Trekker, Quentinc, will_jrobb, Moose Tracks, Lewis, Ranboze, Ridgeline, TrailBud and Snow Nymph . We hiked from Onion Valley (9,200') to Snow Crown (12,423'), then went to Pizza Factory for dinner and beer (SierraSnail and Tretina joined us), a surprise cake for Tomcat's birthday, then to camp for more fun. Mama bear and little Booboo added some excitement to our evening. We decided to do Pancake Mountain at the Portal on Sunday. (wk 89)

2007 (Sept 29-30) Topix Carcamp and Snow Crown Summit (12,423')

Rosabella was coming to CA for a few weeks, so we posted a HighSierraT ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2007 2:06am PST

2007 (21 Sept) Whitney Portal - bailed on the MR : I was supposed to do the MR with Quandary and Kim, but last weekend I messed up my knee (overuse) and could hardly walk during the week. I spent a few hours with them at the Portal, then headed for Glass Mountain area to meet up with Astrohound and Beldar for some terracaching and easy peaks. (wk 88, day 1)

2007 (21 Sept) Whitney Portal - bailed on the MR

I was supposed to do the MR with Quandary and Kim, but last weekend I ...

Updated: Sep 25, 2007 1:21am PST

2007 (Sept 15) Mt Russell and Mt Carillon : The Whitney forum was dayclimbing Thor Peak led by BobR. A few of us did Mt Russell and Mt Carillon, and went to Pizza Factory after to meet up with them. We were about an hour late, but a few were still there. (wk 87 - breaks my previous record of 86 consecutive weekends in the Sierra or Desert)

2007 (Sept 15) Mt Russell and Mt Carillon

The Whitney forum was dayclimbing Thor Peak led by BobR. A few of us ...

Updated: Sep 19, 2007 9:24pm PST

2007 (9 Sept) Thor Peak (7x) via Class 3 route : MooseTracks and Snow Nymph went up the Class 3 route, then bombed down the SE Couloir. 6.1 mi/4,000' el gain for the day. My total for the weekend: 25.5 mi with 10,800' el gain. Next weekend breaks my record of 86 consecutive weekends! (86 wks, day 3)

2007 (9 Sept) Thor Peak (7x) via Class 3 route

MooseTracks and Snow Nymph went up the Class 3 route, then bombed down ...

Updated: Sep 13, 2007 7:41am PST

2007 (8 Sept) Baldwin (12,615') dayclimb from Convict Lake : This was my 3rd summit of Mt Baldwin (2nd this year). I got stuck on a slab in 2005 and thought I was gonna die, so I had to come back and make it a good trip. Both trips back this year have been awesome! (wk 86, day 2)

2007 (8 Sept) Baldwin (12,615') dayclimb from Convict Lake

This was my 3rd summit of Mt Baldwin (2nd this year). I got stuck on ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2007 12:57pm PST

2007 (7 Sept) Tioga Peak (11,526') : Easy hike in Yosemite to warm up for Saturday. This is #86 consecutive weekends in the Sierra or Desert, which matches my record, so next weekend I break that record. :-) (wk 86, day 1)

2007 (7 Sept) Tioga Peak (11,526')

Easy hike in Yosemite to warm up for Saturday. This is #86 consecutiv ...

Updated: Sep 10, 2007 3:34am PST

2007 (12 August) Muah Mountain solo dayclimb : Last day of the Sierra Challenge, and the peak they did WAS a challenge. So Tomcat suggested Muah Mountain. I had the waypoint and a description in the truck. It was a nice day for a hike. (wk 82, day 3)

2007 (12 August) Muah Mountain solo dayclimb

Last day of the Sierra Challenge, and the peak they did WAS a challeng ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2007 7:52am PST

2007 (Sep 1-3) Day 2 & 3: Middle Palisade (14,012') Backpack, Labor Day Weekend : I didn't get much sleep with the wind last night (and maybe a touch of altitude got me). I was slow but steady, and later had fun on the class 3 rock. With our recent move, we couldn't find SnowDude's axe, so we passed it back and forth to cut steps for a short section of glacier (the others took big steps so we had to make our own in between). After the glacier, Devon headed up the wrong chute with Moosie and GigaMike following. We couldn't see them ahead, so we were surprised when we saw them below us. We wondered why we couldn't see them ahead. Middle Palisade is our 10th fourteener. (wk 85, day 2 & 3)

2007 (Sep 1-3) Day 2 & 3: Middle Palisade (14,012') Backpack, Labor Day Weekend

I didn't get much sleep with the wind last night (and maybe a touch of ...

Updated: Sep 05, 2007 9:46pm PST

2007 (Sep 1-3) Day 1: Middle Palisade (14,012') Backpack, Labor Day Weekend : Snow Nymph, SnowDude, Devon, MooseTracks and GigaMike got together for a trip in the Palisades. We backpacked to the tarn above Finger Lake on Saturday. Sunday was summit day, and Monday was the hike out. (wk 85, day 1)

2007 (Sep 1-3) Day 1: Middle Palisade (14,012') Backpack, Labor Day Weekend

Snow Nymph, SnowDude, Devon, MooseTracks and GigaMike got together for ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2007 12:56am PST

2007 (Aug 24-26) Day 2&3: Koip Pk, plane crash, Kuna Pk, Koip Pk, Parker Pk, Woods Pk, Parker Peak dayclimb : The guys were only going to the B-24 plane wreck from 1943. From our camp in Parker Canyon, us gals dayclimbed Koip Pk, checked out the plane wreck, Kuna Peak, back to Koip Peak, Parker Peak, Mt Woods, back to Parker Peak and back to camp. A lot of ups and downs, but got 6 summits. (wk 84, day 2)

2007 (Aug 24-26) Day 2&3: Koip Pk, plane crash, Kuna Pk, Koip Pk, Parker Pk, Woods Pk, Parker Peak dayclimb

The guys were only going to the B-24 plane wreck from 1943. From our ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2007 8:18pm PST

2007 (Aug 24-26) Day 1: Dana Meadows to Parker Canyon Backpack, Yosemite : Mtflyer and Trailtrekker backpacked in a day before me. I went from Dana Meadows to Parker Canyon solo, with a quick trip to Mono Pass and the Prescott Mining District cabins. Craig and Brent from AZ were behind me. Plan was to hike a few peaks in the area on Saturday. (wk 84, day 1)

2007 (Aug 24-26) Day 1: Dana Meadows to Parker Canyon Backpack, Yosemite

Mtflyer and Trailtrekker backpacked in a day before me. I went from D ...

Updated: Aug 27, 2007 10:53pm PST

2007 (19 Aug) Mt Whitney - up and down the Mountaineer's Route : Devon, CrazyBob, Rachel, Tomcat, Holly, Jill, Sam and Snow Nymph dayclimbed Mt Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route. This was my first time going down the final 400. :-) (wk 83, day 2)

2007 (19 Aug) Mt Whitney - up and down the Mountaineer's Route

Devon, CrazyBob, Rachel, Tomcat, Holly, Jill, Sam and Snow Nymph daycl ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2007 9:35pm PST

2007 (18 Aug) Independence Peak (11,744') : We did Independence Peak as a warm-up hike for Mt Whitney's Mountaineers Route. Fun hike and nice afternoon on the summit, except all the smoke from the Zaca fire. (wk 83, day 1)

2007 (18 Aug) Independence Peak (11,744')

We did Independence Peak as a warm-up hike for Mt Whitney's Mountainee ...

Updated: Aug 21, 2007 10:25pm PST

2007 (11 August) Sierra Challenge - Day 9) Thor Pk (alt to Mt Hale) : Sierra Challeng day 9 - slept in and did alternate peak (Thor) instead of Mt Hale. We decided two long days back to back would be tough, plus DaveG was still feeling fluish (wk 82, day 2)

2007 (11 August) Sierra Challenge - Day 9) Thor Pk (alt to Mt Hale)

Sierra Challeng day 9 - slept in and did alternate peak (Thor) instead ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2007 12:16am PST

2007 (Aug 10) Sierra Challenge - day 8 - University Peak (alt to Bradley) : Day 8 of the Sierra Challenge was Mt Bradley. Up to University Pass, drop over 1000' to Center Basin and up to Mt Bradley and back the same way. By the time we got to University Pass, DaveG was suffering from altitude or some kind of flu virus. He's normally pretty fast and waits on me. We decided to go for University Peak (13, 632') since it was a new peak for both of us. We descended the North Face with a total time of 13 hr 50 min. (wk 82, day 1)

2007 (Aug 10) Sierra Challenge - day 8 - University Peak (alt to Bradley)

Day 8 of the Sierra Challenge was Mt Bradley. Up to University Pass, ...

Updated: Aug 14, 2007 11:24pm PST

2007 (Aug 7) Sierra Challenge 2007 - Day 5 - Gendarme Pk (13,241') : My watch was 2 hrs ahead (???), my alarm went off at 1:30am instead of 3:30am (???), so I started at 3am instead of 5am! I finally figured it out around 6:30am when it was pitch black out. I checked the time on my watch (6:30am) then checked the time on my GPS (4:30am). DOH! Now I was feeling the 3 hrs of sleep. I was hoping the others would pass me up before the xctry part so I could follow. No such luck. It was still dark out and I never found the Jigsaw Pass trail, but spent 2 hours in a boulder field. I was able to find the right pass, so I was happy about that. About half way up Jigsaw Pass, I heard voices, and EricG, MichaelG and MikeS flew by me. I followed and was at the pass 15 min later. It took almost 6 hrs for me to get to the pass, 7.5 to the summit. Those 3 were on the summit in 3.5 hrs. Total time was 12:55 for me. I'm slow, but I made it! :-) WhooHooo!!! Photos are low res, my setting was off on the new camera. DOH! (wk 81, day 4)

2007 (Aug 7) Sierra Challenge 2007 - Day 5 - Gendarme Pk (13,241')

My watch was 2 hrs ahead (???), my alarm went off at 1:30am instead of ...

Updated: Aug 09, 2007 3:37pm PST

2007 (Aug 5) Hurd Peak (12,219') dayclimb : Three of us dayclimbed Hurd Peak (12,219'). I dayclimbed this a month ago (scree slog), so this time we went up a different route, which had some class 3-4, and made it fun. It was a beautiful day out, and everyone had a great time! (wk 81, day 3)

2007 (Aug 5) Hurd Peak (12,219') dayclimb

Three of us dayclimbed Hurd Peak (12,219'). I dayclimbed this a month ...

Updated: Jun 29, 2009 7:17am PST

2007 (Aug 4) Bloody Mountain (12,552') dayclimb : Tomcat drove up to hike Bloody Mtn with us. New peak for all 3 of them, I snowboarded here 2 years ago. Great views, great weather, and fun time! Dinner and drinks at Whoa Nellie Deli after, then showers and rest at the condo. (wk 81, day 2)

2007 (Aug 4) Bloody Mountain (12,552') dayclimb

Tomcat drove up to hike Bloody Mtn with us. New peak for all 3 of them ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2007 9:09pm PST

2007 (Aug 3) Laurel Mountain dayclimb : Before leaving for 10 days, I packed a few boxes for SnowDude to take to our new home. The finish date was moved to Aug 1st, and the keys handed over Aug 3rd. So I got a really late start. As I drove thru Mojave, I saw something in the dirt by the highway. I turned around to double check since I kept thinking I saw a face. I reported to the Sheriff, and by 1am I was on my way to Mammoth. I was also pulled over/questioned just before that for weaving (no ticket, just checking), so I drove the speed limit, getting me to Mammoth by 5am. I was up at 7:15 for a dayhike, but couldn't get it together and was really late meeting Trailtrekker and Rachel. It was a short hike, so it was ok. We stayed at the Mammoth Condo for the weekend. (wk 81, day 1)

2007 (Aug 3) Laurel Mountain dayclimb

Before leaving for 10 days, I packed a few boxes for SnowDude to take ...

Updated: Aug 08, 2007 6:30pm PST

2007 (29 July) Glass Creek to White Wing Mtn :

2007 (29 July) Glass Creek to White Wing Mtn

Updated: Sep 14, 2007 12:42am PST

2007 (27 July) Deadman Pass to Two Teats : We did Two Teats as a warm-up hike for the weekend. (wk 80, day 1)

2007 (27 July) Deadman Pass to Two Teats

We did Two Teats as a warm-up hike for the weekend. (wk 80, day 1)

Updated: Aug 02, 2007 1:26am PST

2007 (28 July) Convict Creek TH (7,600') to Mt Baldwin (12,615') : Forgot my poles, went back to the condo and got a late 8:20am start. The log crossing at the creek was gone . . . I fell in front first and my carbon fiber trekking pole went down the cascades. My camera got a little wet but worked, then died the next day. We met Trailtrekker and SDsierrahiker at the meadow by Mildred Lake. They backpacked in on Friday. By now SnowDude was feeling altitude and decided the meadow was a good turnaround point. I continued with the Trailtrekker and SDsierrahiker. We stopped at the first calcite mine, then SDsierrahiker found some fossils, then the big calcite mine, and the summit. A little over an hour at the summit, then we headed back. I left Mildred Lake at 7:50pm, and arrived at the parking lot at 10:20pm. SnowDude was waiting with a beer for me! We all agreed, this was an AWESOME hike!!! (wk 80, day 2)

2007 (28 July) Convict Creek TH (7,600') to Mt Baldwin (12,615')

Forgot my poles, went back to the condo and got a late 8:20am start. ...

Updated: Jul 31, 2007 8:30pm PST

2007 (22 July) Trail Peak and Wonoga Peak : A quick hike up Trail Peak, then drove down the road for another quick hike up Wonoga Peak to add 2 new peaks to my summit list. (wk 79, day 2)

2007 (22 July) Trail Peak and Wonoga Peak

A quick hike up Trail Peak, then drove down the road for another quick ...

Updated: Jul 26, 2007 7:17am PST

2007 (July 21) Thor Peak via Smiley Face Route, down SE Couloir : A few of us got together to dayclimb Thor Peak. This was my 5th summit, and BobR's 62nd!!! A great day for a hike! Bummer that the register is missing AGAIN! (wk 79, day 1)

2007 (July 21) Thor Peak via Smiley Face Route, down SE Couloir

A few of us got together to dayclimb Thor Peak. This was my 5th summi ...

Updated: Jul 24, 2007 7:53pm PST

2007 (13 July) Inyo Complex Fires and McGee Creek dayhike (looking for my lost Teva) : I lost my lightweight Teva while hiking out July 4th. Since I didn't bring any other shoes for the rest of the week, I bought a pair of Chaco's, which are pretty heavy (but they had my size). Since I had a free day to hike, I looked for it. I was distracted earlier in the day by the Inyo Complex fire damage, and got a late start. I ignored my turnaround time because ''maybe it fell off when . . . .'' and kept going. I think its probably near camp at the west end of Big McGee Lake. (wk 78, day 1)

2007 (13 July) Inyo Complex Fires and McGee Creek dayhike (looking for my lost Teva)

I lost my lightweight Teva while hiking out July 4th. Since I didn't ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2007 11:45pm PST

2007 (14 July) Mt Emerson (13,225') : Dayclimbed Mt Emerson with Tomcat and Sierragator. We met Dan Richter and Asher Waxman in the parking lot, and ended up hiking / taking breaks with them. Great views from the summit, great company and fun climbing! (wk 78, day 2)

2007 (14 July) Mt Emerson (13,225')

Dayclimbed Mt Emerson with Tomcat and Sierragator. We met Dan Richter ...

Updated: Jul 16, 2007 10:00pm PST

2007 (15 July) Mt Gould dayclimb (13,005') : Solo dayclimb (wk 78, day 3)

2007 (15 July) Mt Gould dayclimb (13,005')

Solo dayclimb (wk 78, day 3)

Updated: Jul 16, 2007 7:29am PST

2007 (8 July) Bishop Lakes to South Lake, and Inyo Complex fire photos on the way home : Said goodbye to the Sierrapaloozers, then hiked out. On the way back we checked out the Inyo Complex fires before heading back. All was good til one hour from home. :-( (wk 77, day 2)

2007 (8 July) Bishop Lakes to South Lake, and Inyo Complex fire photos on the way home

Said goodbye to the Sierrapaloozers, then hiked out. On the way back ...

Updated: Jul 19, 2007 6:51pm PST

2007 (7 July) South Lake - Mt Agassiz (13,891') : TT and I hiked to Bishop Lakes, set up camp and ate, then bagged Mt Agassiz (13,891'). That morning, we met up with the Sierrapaloozers, and got a late start. (wk 77, day 1)

2007 (7 July) South Lake - Mt Agassiz (13,891')

TT and I hiked to Bishop Lakes, set up camp and ate, then bagged Mt Ag ...

Updated: Jul 18, 2007 7:58am PST

2007 (5 July) Hurd Peak and CHocolate Mtn dayclimbs : I didn’t have a plan, but decided last minute to dayclimb Hurd Peak (1st time). Since it took so long for me to decide, I got a late start. From the summit of Hurd Peak (12,237'), I could see precipitation all around me, but nothing where I was. I got back to Long Lake, and decided to bag Chocolate Peak (11,658') via Ruwau Lake trail. On the way down I found a use fun use trail traversing above Chocolate Lakes. (wk 76, day 6)

2007 (5 July) Hurd Peak and CHocolate Mtn dayclimbs

I didn’t have a plan, but decided last minute to dayclimb Hurd Peak ( ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2007 10:20pm PST

2007 (4 July) Thor Peak via 3rd Class Route : TT had a long drive home but stopped at Lone Pine Visitor Center to meet up with Tomcat before heading to San Diego. Tomcat and I dayclimbed Thor Peak (12,306') via the 3rd class route from Girl Scout Lake, and down the SE couloir. Always fun doing a peak via a different route! (wk 76, day 5)

2007 (4 July) Thor Peak via 3rd Class Route

TT had a long drive home but stopped at Lone Pine Visitor Center to me ...

Updated: Jul 12, 2007 1:11am PST

2007 (3 July) McGee Creek wildflowers hike out, Whoa Nellie Deli and Yosemite : We had planned on another peak, but didn’t allow time to move camp. So we decided to save it for another day, and backpacked out, a day earlier than planned. She was coming back Fri night so this would give her a little time to get ready for the weekend. We went to the condo in Mammoth, showered, went shopping (to buy sandals, I lost one Teva on the trail), had lunch and Mango Marguerita’s at Whoa Nellie Deli (TTs first time), then drove to Tuolumne Meadows (TTs first time). Went back to the condo and looked at trip pix on the big screen TV. (wk 76, day 4)

2007 (3 July) McGee Creek wildflowers hike out, Whoa Nellie Deli and Yosemite

We had planned on another peak, but didn’t allow time to move camp. S ...

Updated: Jul 11, 2007 1:40am PST

2007 (2 July) Mount Crocker (12,458') : Trailtrekker and I went over Hopkins Pass, up and over a 200’ rise, and bagged Mt Crocker (12,458'). The 3rd class summit block was fun and the views were awesome! Didn’t find a register. We descended, went back up and over the 200’ rise again, and found a different route back to camp. (wk 76, day 3)

2007 (2 July) Mount Crocker (12,458')

Trailtrekker and I went over Hopkins Pass, up and over a 200’ rise, a ...

Updated: Jul 10, 2007 10:49pm PST

2007 (1 July) Red Slate Mountain (13,136') : Navi left after breakfast. Trailtrekker and I headed for McGee Pass, then bagged Red Slate Mountain (13,136’). Colorful views of some of the oldest rock in the Sierra. (wk 76, day 2)

2007 (1 July) Red Slate Mountain (13,136')

Navi left after breakfast. Trailtrekker and I headed for McGee Pass, ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2007 9:16pm PST

2007 (June 30-July 3) McGee Creek Backpack (day 1 of 4) : SnowDude walked in a few miles with us, then left to do some 4WDing. We picked up Naviguesser along the way and met him later at camp. (wk 76, Day 1).

2007 (June 30-July 3) McGee Creek Backpack (day 1 of 4)

SnowDude walked in a few miles with us, then left to do some 4WDing. ...

Updated: Jul 09, 2007 12:09am PST

2007 (24 Jun) Attempt at Mt Robinson, made it to Sam Mack Lake : We got a late start, and made it as far as Sam Mack Lake. We turned around at the base of Mt Robinson with about 1100 vertical feet to summit so we'll do it another time. (wk 75, day 2)

2007 (24 Jun) Attempt at Mt Robinson, made it to Sam Mack Lake

We got a late start, and made it as far as Sam Mack Lake. We turned ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2007 9:17pm PST

2007 (23 Jun) Dragon Peak (12,995') : Tomcat and Snow Nymph dayclimbed Dragon Peak (12,995' from Onion Valley (9,200') This was my 2nd time and his 7th. (wk 75, day 1)

2007 (23 Jun) Dragon Peak (12,995')

Tomcat and Snow Nymph dayclimbed Dragon Peak (12,995' from Onion Valle ...

Updated: Jun 27, 2007 8:09am PST

2007 (9 June) Pyramid Peak (12,866') in Little Lakes Valley : 6 of us and Beaudry hiked to Gem Lakes in Little Lakes Valley. Four continued on to Pyramid Peak. A nice day trip that took us thru alpine lakes, boulder fields, snow, and some incredible views of the Sierra. After, we went to Mammoth and spent the night at the condo. For as tired as we were, we stayed up til 3am. What a great day! (wk 73, day 1)

2007 (9 June) Pyramid Peak (12,866') in Little Lakes Valley

6 of us and Beaudry hiked to Gem Lakes in Little Lakes Valley. Four c ...

Updated: Jun 13, 2007 10:29pm PST

2007 (Jun 1-2) Meysan Canyon backpack, Candlelight Pk and Mt Irvine : The plan was to go over LeConte - Mallory Pass and climb some peaks in the back country, and end up on Mt. Whitney. A fairly strenuous undertaking for three days. But an injury precluded that, and we settled for a couple of nice peaks above Meysan Canyon. (description from BobR) (wk 72)

2007 (Jun 1-2) Meysan Canyon backpack, Candlelight Pk and Mt Irvine

The plan was to go over LeConte - Mallory Pass and climb some peaks in ...

Updated: Jun 04, 2007 10:45pm PST

2007 (May 26-29) Memorial Weekend Part 2 - Strawberry Crk, Templeton Mtn, xctry to PCT, Olancha Pass to Sage Flat : Monday, SnowDude chilled while Snow Nymph, CinnamonGirl and Trailtrekker hiked to Templeton Mountain Monday morning. It was farther than expected. We got back early afternoon, packed up and headed xctry for the PCT below Olancha Peak. It was a 14 mile day and we finally found a camp near water in the dark. Tuesday we packed up and headed back to Olancha Pass, made a decision to skip the third peak, then took the cow trail down. I was the only one that liked it. We got to Sage flat before noon and headed home. (wk 71, days 3&4)

2007 (May 26-29) Memorial Weekend Part 2 - Strawberry Crk, Templeton Mtn, xctry to PCT, Olancha Pass to Sage Flat

Monday, SnowDude chilled while Snow Nymph, CinnamonGirl and Trailtrekk ...

Updated: Jun 03, 2007 1:54pm PST

2007 (18 May) Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass : My 2nd Friday off on the 9/80 schedule! :-) I went to Onion Valley to acclimatize for our hike Saturday. I felt the altitude around 10,700', slowed down and spent 2 hours at Kearsarge Pass (11,760'). Total hiking time was 4-1/2 hrs, plus 2 hrs at Kearsarge Pass. Two years ago I got sick doing Mt Inyo (same area). I wanted to be ready for Keynot. (wk 70, day 1 of 3)

2007 (18 May) Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass

My 2nd Friday off on the 9/80 schedule! :-) I went to Onion Valley t ...

Updated: May 21, 2007 6:33am PST

2007 (May 26-27) Memorial Weekend Pt 1- Sage Flat, Olancha Pass, Monache Mdw, Brown Mtn : Snow Nymph, SnowDude, CinnamonGirl and Trailtrekker spent four days in the Southern Sierra to celebrate Trailtrekker's birthday. Mtflyer and Tom Gossett hiked in with us Saturday. Tomcat and Ridgeline hiked in Sunday to bag Brown Mtn with us. What a great way to celebrate!!! (wk 71, days 1 and 2)

2007 (May 26-27) Memorial Weekend Pt 1- Sage Flat, Olancha Pass, Monache Mdw, Brown Mtn

Snow Nymph, SnowDude, CinnamonGirl and Trailtrekker spent four days in ...

Updated: May 30, 2007 7:51am PST

2007 (12 May) Gamblers Special Peak : Gamblers Special Peak is named in the memory of the 35 people who lost their lives in the ill fated DC-3 Feb '69 plane not found til 6 mo later. The wreck is 1500' below the summit. (wk 69, day 1)

2007 (12 May) Gamblers Special Peak

Gamblers Special Peak is named in the memory of the 35 people who lost ...

Updated: May 15, 2007 7:14am PST

2007 (5 Feb) Sierra from Mammoth to Independence (for Doug M) : Doug M, I took these as I was driving, hope this gives you a better idea of conditions

2007 (5 Feb) Sierra from Mammoth to Independence (for Doug M)

Doug M, I took these as I was driving, hope this gives you a better i ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2007 9:42pm PST

2007 (Feb 5) Owens Peak with SnowDude : We took an extra day off work for SnowDude's birthday. On the way home we bagged Owens Peak, took the shortcut down to the pictograph site, then had dinner at Indian Wells Restaurant and Brewery. Great way to end a long weekend! (wk 55, day 3)

2007 (Feb 5) Owens Peak with SnowDude

We took an extra day off work for SnowDude's birthday. On the way hom ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2007 7:11am PST

2006 (Dec 24) Ball Mountain (9,256') from Kennedy Meadows (pt 2 of xmas vacation) : I met Tomcat at Brady's at 7am, and we drove to Kennedy Meadows (6,000'), about an hour away. We headed up a ridge, down and up another ridge, then followed it thru trees, brush, snow, and boulders. It took longer than expected, and I got stuck in some class 3 (with exposure) when I lost Tomcat's footprints one bump before the summit. After 10 min I made my way up and over the boulders, and found his footprints again. I looked at my GPS and was happy to see that the next pile of rocks 400' ahead was the Ball Mountain summit (9,256'). We left after 45 minutes, and used the GPS tracks to get back. Amazing how the trees make everything look the same. We got back just before dark, which was a good thing since Tomcat left his headlamp behind (it was a short hike, wasn't it?) Drove to Mammoth after.

2006 (Dec 24) Ball Mountain (9,256') from Kennedy Meadows (pt 2 of xmas vacation)

I met Tomcat at Brady's at 7am, and we drove to Kennedy Meadows (6,000 ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2006 4:39pm PST

2006 (Dec 22-23) Five Fingers (Aquila Peak, 5,174') solo dayclimb and Owens Peak with OPGs (pt 1 of xmas vacation) : I hiked Five Fingers and summitted Aquila Peak (5,174') on Friday. This was my first class 3 solo and was fun. I never found the 'steps', which was probably on the other side. It was really windy and I didn't spend much time up there. Saturday morning I hiked Owens Peak with the OPGs. BobR, TomS, his daughter Jill and her husband Matt, and Rick Lovett and Jen. Rick is owner of the Indian Wells Brewery and left Bob a present on the summit that we passed around, then had beers for us at the brewery. Fun way to end the day!

2006 (Dec 22-23) Five Fingers (Aquila Peak, 5,174') solo dayclimb and Owens Peak with OPGs (pt 1 of xmas vacation)

I hiked Five Fingers and summitted Aquila Peak (5,174') on Friday. Th ...

Updated: Dec 27, 2006 6:49pm PST

2006 (Dec 9) Snow Crown - my 3rd attempt : After turning back last week at Heart Lake, we decided to try again with an earlier start. There was a lot of snow and ice in the boulder field so we turned back after 30 minutes. (wk 47, day 1)

2006 (Dec 9) Snow Crown - my 3rd attempt

After turning back last week at Heart Lake, we decided to try again wi ...

Updated: Dec 11, 2006 1:07am PST

2006 (Dec 3) Snow Crown - second attempt : After yesterday's trifecta, I wasn't sure how far up the trail I could go. My right knee and top of foot were pretty sore. We took a break at Heart Lake, and I heard Rachel say something about saving her knees after yesterday. I quickly said I would go back with her. Tomcat chose to be with the better looking pair and went back with us. We'll just have to do Snow Crown another time . . . this was my 2nd attempt (wk 46, day 2)

2006 (Dec 3) Snow Crown - second attempt

After yesterday's trifecta, I wasn't sure how far up the trail I could ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2006 7:40am PST

2006 (Dec 2) Morris, Jenkins and Owens Trifecta : Rachel came up with the idea of doing a Trifecta! We started at Walker Pass and dayclimbed Morris (7,215'), Jenkins (7,921') and Owens (8,453') and ended up at Indian Wells Canyon. (wk 46, day 1)

2006 (Dec 2) Morris, Jenkins and Owens Trifecta

Rachel came up with the idea of doing a Trifecta! We started at Walke ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2006 1:03am PST

2006 (Aug 10) Day 1 of 5 - South Lake - Bishop Pass - Thunderbolt Pass : Day 1 - South Lake to Bishop Pass to Thunderbolt Pass, camped on ledges below Thunderbolt Pass (wk 30, day 1)

2006 (Aug 10) Day 1 of 5 - South Lake - Bishop Pass - Thunderbolt Pass

Day 1 - South Lake to Bishop Pass to Thunderbolt Pass, camped on ledge ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2006 9:17am PST

2006 (Aug 11) Day 2 of 5 - Thunderbolt Pass - Barrett Lake - Potluck Pass - Palisade Basin : This was a short day, so we took our time getting back on the trail. Quad felt a lot better. Found a nice campsite with water nearby. Cleaned up, washed hair and did laundry (wk 30, day 2)

2006 (Aug 11) Day 2 of 5 - Thunderbolt Pass - Barrett Lake - Potluck Pass - Palisade Basin

This was a short day, so we took our time getting back on the trail. Q ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2006 12:01am PST

2006 (Aug 12) Day 3 of 5 - Mt Sill (14,153') : Dayclimbed Mt Sill (14,153') from Palisade Basin. We went up a ridge between the first and second chute to avoid the steep scree. Our 8th 14er! (wk 30, day 3)

2006 (Aug 12) Day 3 of 5 - Mt Sill (14,153')

Dayclimbed Mt Sill (14,153') from Palisade Basin. We went up a ridge b ...

Updated: Jan 18, 2007 12:19am PST

2006 (Aug 19) Day 3 of 3 - UBSL to LBSL via slabs, to Whitney Portal : We enjoyed a relaxing morning. A few years ago Doug Sr told us about some slabs on the north side of Lower Boy Scout Lake. We had time to explore, so we looked for it. A FUN way to come down!! (wk 31, day 3)

2006 (Aug 19) Day 3 of 3 - UBSL to LBSL via slabs, to Whitney Portal

We enjoyed a relaxing morning. A few years ago Doug Sr told us about s ...

Updated: Dec 05, 2006 9:08pm PST

2006 (Sep 2-4) Pt 3: The hike out and sex on the trail : Ok, so we saw grasshoppers that 'looked' like they were mating and spent some time watching them (wk 33, day 3)

2006 (Sep 2-4) Pt 3: The hike out and sex on the trail

Ok, so we saw grasshoppers that 'looked' like they were mating and spe ...

Updated: Jan 26, 2007 1:06am PST

2006 (Sep 10) Trailmaster Peak - Cottonwood Pass : BobR did some peaks along the ridge from Cottonwood Pass. I only got Trailmaster Pk (12,336'). Wasn't sure I was on the right peak, no register & not named on the map, so I went for the next peak. Spent too much time looking for registers (wk 34, day 2)

2006 (Sep 10) Trailmaster Peak - Cottonwood Pass

BobR did some peaks along the ridge from Cottonwood Pass. I only got T ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2006 7:16pm PST

2006 (Sep 16) Dragon Peak (12,995') : Weekend plans fell apart again, so I sent out an e-mail to see if anyone was hiking. BobR met me at Onion Valley and suggested Dragon Peak! Awesome choice!!! (wk 35, day 1)

2006 (Sep 16) Dragon Peak (12,995')

Weekend plans fell apart again, so I sent out an e-mail to see if anyo ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2006 1:27am PST

2006 (Sep 17) Wooleyback (12,840') : No one replied for a Sunday hike, so I almost didn't go (tired from Dragon Pk). I went anyway(with no beta/just pics I saw Fri), and made the summit! (wk 35, day 2)

2006 (Sep 17) Wooleyback (12,840')

No one replied for a Sunday hike, so I almost didn't go (tired from Dr ...

Updated: Dec 01, 2006 8:33am PST

2006 (Oct 29) Pt 2: HighSierraTopix Backpack - Mt Gould 13,005' : Tomcat joined Snow Nymph, Trailtrekker and Ranboze for a dayclimb to Mt Gould (13,005'). Trekker started a little later and got close. TrailBud, Ryan, DodgerBill and Rebecca headed out early. A fun but too short weekender! (wk 41, pt 2)

2006 (Oct 29) Pt 2: HighSierraTopix Backpack - Mt Gould 13,005'

Tomcat joined Snow Nymph, Trailtrekker and Ranboze for a dayclimb to M ...

Updated: Nov 30, 2006 9:18pm PST

2006 (Nov 25) Mt Dana dayclimb (13,057') : SnowDude had been wanting to do Mt Dana for awhile now. What a great hike! (wk 45, day 3)

2006 (Nov 25) Mt Dana dayclimb (13,057')

SnowDude had been wanting to do Mt Dana for awhile now. What a great ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2006 1:12am PST

2006 (Nov 23) Mammoth Rock : We arrived at 5am, so we slept in and got out for a short hike to Mammoth Rock (wk 45, day 1)

2006 (Nov 23) Mammoth Rock

We arrived at 5am, so we slept in and got out for a short hike to Mamm ...

Updated: Nov 28, 2006 12:14am PST

2006 (Oct 8) Independence Peak (11,744') dayclimb : Four HighSierraTopix members got together to dayclimb Independence Peak. A fun trip and fun group! (wk 38, day 2)

2006 (Oct 8) Independence Peak (11,744') dayclimb

Four HighSierraTopix members got together to dayclimb Independence Pea ...

Updated: Nov 29, 2006 8:20pm PST

2006 (Oct 24) Pt 4: Snow Nymph turns 50 - Mt Lewis Dayclimb in Yosemite : MADEinTAHOE, Kerstin and Snow Nymph hiked Mt Lewis from Mono Pass Trail. We went towards Parker Pass, which made our hike about 13 miles r/t. wk 40, pt 4

2006 (Oct 24) Pt 4: Snow Nymph turns 50 - Mt Lewis Dayclimb in Yosemite

MADEinTAHOE, Kerstin and Snow Nymph hiked Mt Lewis from Mono Pass Trai ...

Updated: Nov 29, 2006 8:27pm PST

2006 (Sep 24) Mt Whitney Mountainer's Route, return on hiker's trail : Finally met Devon after e-mailing ~3 years! Tomcat_rc showed us a new route (for me) and both guys were great helping me up some of the bigger steps and reaches. (wk 36)

2006 (Sep 24) Mt Whitney Mountainer's Route, return on hiker's trail

Finally met Devon after e-mailing ~3 years! Tomcat_rc showed us a new ...

Updated: Dec 06, 2006 11:17pm PST

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