We got up at O Dark Hundred to make our way to the tram by 7am. The tram sits at about 3000 feet and rides up the cable to about 8000 feet. I don't like heights so it was not a fun ride. Here's a picture off the internet of what it looks like from the bottom. I was too scared to take pictures en route.
We made it to the top, milled around, and ate snacks for about an hour while we acclimated to the altitude.
Left to right: Carolen (PCT thru-hiker starting April 5), Ingrid (future Camino thru-hiker), Nancy (bad ass High Sierra hiker), Tina (me, very sore hiker).
Finally we got underway and started hiking. The sky was ethereal and cerulean, the pine trees waved their arms in slow motion, and their scent cleared my mind into the relaxation of the wilderness. My Garmin was not working so I have no idea of actual distances. I believe it was 2.5 miles and 9100 feet to Round Valley where we camped. The initial climb was steep and icy. I didn't have crampons but was able to borrow an extra pair from Doug. They were pretty much worthless. They were too big and the spikes kept sliding to the side of my feet. There was a small amount of snow, maybe a couple of inches. It blanketed the hillsides with the quiet serenity that only snow can provide. It was just beautiful.
The alitude gave me a bit of a headache and my breathing was heavier than normal but I felt good otherwise. We made it to camp in the early afternoon and set up our tents. Nancy, Ingrid and I scouted out a snow-free patch of ground quite a bit away from the main group. Carolen and Donn were just above us.
We thought we were going for another hike but our fearless leader took a nap in the sun and we didn't get moving till about 4pm. Apparently, he was feeling pretty sluggish and woozy from the alitude and needed a litte rest. We just hung out in the sun and relaxed for awhile.
We planned to go up Wellman's Divide and I believe we made it about halfway but the sun was going down and I think we were all pretty headachey so we turned back. I know my head was pounding on that ascent. Advil city, baby.
We got water to filter from the spring and it was actually clear, not like the urine water of the last trip.
Dinner time arrived and the cooking commenced. I had a chicken, spinach and tomato stew that I had dehydrated at home. Although it was quite tasty when I initially made it, it tasted alot like vomit when reconstituted. Barf! I took one bite and was like No Way can I eat that crap. I think maybe the chicken made it a litte dicey. Good thing I had a Mountain House beef stew as a back-up. That's my first epic dehydrating Fail. Oh well, that's what these little one nighter outings are for- to test stuff!
Of course, the usual honey bourbon was consumed but Nancy took it one step further and brought cinnamon whiskey. Holy smokes, that was so good in hot chocolate! Speaking of Nancy, her feet got cold so she changed her socks and then put turkey bags on her feet to keep them warm. Her new trail name is Turkey Bags. LOL!
The moon came up, full and bright, over the treetops. I gazed up, mesmerized, by her translucent beauty. March is the month of the Full Worm Moon, named so by the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. At the time of this spring moon, the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts reappear, inviting the return of robins. In some regions, this is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the time when maple sap begins to flow and the annual tapping of maple trees begins.
Finally my feet were getting too cold so it was off to the tents at about 8pm. I busted out the toe and hand warmers and was soon nice and toasty. Our tents happened to be on a mild slope and we spent the night sliding down the hill and clawing our way back up inside our tents. I got up about 3am to go pee and realized my water hose had gotten stuck underneath something and leaked water all over the inside of my tent. ARGH! My sleeping pad and bag were wet. Luckily I had my clothes on the opposite side of the tent so they didn't get wet. I really need to get a locking valve for that mouthpiece.
The next morning dawned sunny and chilly.
There's some water filtering going on somewhere in this picture- haha!
Our leader, Dr. Joe, told us to be ready to start hiking at 9:30 so we lazed around and took our time. Ate breakfast, drank coffee, and enjoyed our little haven in the woods. We had all our stuff packed up and ready to go at 9:35 however, several people were not ready, including Dr. Joe.
We didn't start hiking until about 10:30. The hike took us off trail and cross country to the base of Cornell Peak. Walking in snow off the beaten path is hard work. So then we had the option of waiting at the bottom or climbing Cornell Peak (google says the elevation is 9750 feet). Those who had already climbed it, chose to stay behind, and those of us who had not done it, went on up. There was no trail up this mountain. We essentially traversed the side of the mountain, taking several breathing breaks, because it was no joke! We made it to the saddle and the rest of the way was rock climbing.
Ingrid and I were not terribly excited about this part but we did it. Rock scrambling and climbing to the top, don't look down! Try to find good toe and hand holds.
We made it to the top and the views were just spectacular. Doug and DJ decided to be fearless and laid down backwards over the edge. Ingrid and I couldn't even look. What a bunch of crazies!
Coming back down was the worst part. Dr. Joe had to tell us where to put hands and feet. Nothing like a little vertigo for breakfast! We made it down at last. I'm glad to have accomplished that but I won't do it again.
We met back up with the rest of the group and then began our descent into Tamarack Valley and back to the tram. My legs were fried from Mt. Cornell and I took a little spill on the steep path. My right foot just flew out from under me, I couldn't correct, and the rest went down. Thankfully, I didn't break a hip or anything. The last hill to get back to the tram was gnarly. Nancy and I took several breaks but Ingrid powered on up the hill. I called out to her to tell her we had stopped and she yelled back "I can't stop!" LOL! We made it back up through the throngs of tourists and that was the end. BTW, that's an interesting feeling being a backpacker in the midst of regular society. I felt sort of like an oddity as we climbed that last hill. We got a lot of comments and stares. Then when we were on the tram going down, trying to jostle for position with the backpacks, and stinking up the joint, it was definitely an interesting perspective.
Back home to peel off the long underwear and cold shower because it's hotter than the hinges of hades down here!
1 comment:
Wonderful narrative with even better pictures. Thanks for letting come along on your journey while reading about it from the comfort of my house.
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