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Walking outside, is where I find, what's inside.

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Mt. Conness (12,590) - Aug 16, 2008 : Day 2 of 2 of eastern Yosemite peak bagging. We started at the walk-in Sawmill Campground and headed for the White-Conness saddle. We then headed north for the long slog to Conness. The final 400 to the summit was a total blast - scary airy in a couple spots, but there were great rock steps and handholds. We descended down the SE ridge face to Alpine Lake, and then down to the main use-trail. Mt. Conness is a great sierra peak. The views were stellar. I purposely photo-documented the route and have added annotated lines/text to assist anyone wishing to follow this route. .tpo or .gdb track files available upon request.

Mt. Conness (12,590) - Aug 16, 2008

Day 2 of 2 of eastern Yosemite peak bagging. We started at the walk-i ...

Updated: Aug 19, 2008 7:05pm PST

Owen's Point (11,441) / Woollyback (12,801) - Aug 9, 2008 : I joined Sooz and TomG for a fabulous day in the Sierra. TomG met us at Cottonwood Pass TH about 0630 and then we drove down to the Old Langley TH to head off for Owen's Point. Not on the topo map, the trail up the drainage from the Boy Scout camp was well maintained. At the top of the plateau, we headed NW to another plateau at which point Owen's Point came into view. The views from Owen's were absolutely terrific - able to see 6 14ers (White, Split, Williamson, Russell, Whitney, Langley). Then we retraced our steps a bit then headed N across the ridge to Woollyback. We were all movin' a bit slow above 11K and it was nice to have some company at my slug pace. We descended to Muir Lake where I had a refreshing swim. It was a most wonderful and fun day. It was much longer than I anticipated, but I still made it home by midnight.

Owen's Point (11,441) / Woollyback (12,801) - Aug 9, 2008

I joined Sooz and TomG for a fabulous day in the Sierra. TomG met us ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2008 4:44pm PST

Middle Palisade (14,040) Attempt - Aug 2, 2008 : Dave, Norma, and I started out on what was supposed to be an overnight backpack trip with a Middle Pal Summit. First day's destination was a tarn above Finger Lake, but Norma was not feeling well and it was not possible to get to a point that we would be able to summit and exit on Sunday. So, by consensus, we turned around. It was a nice day in the sierra.

Middle Palisade (14,040) Attempt - Aug 2, 2008

Dave, Norma, and I started out on what was supposed to be an overnight ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2008 10:14pm PST

Chocolate Peak (11,682) - July 16, 2008 : Ive been wanting to do Chocolate Peak for a long time. The day was cloudy, so not good for landscapes - but good for flowers. Wildflowers were delightful and the columbine are especially abundant this year. Members of Inyo SAR were at the trailhead and had received information about a missing hiker the day before. SAR found his body today. He was swept down a steep slope in a large rock fall. It was another reminder of the power and unpredictability of the sierra.

Chocolate Peak (11,682) - July 16, 2008

Ive been wanting to do Chocolate Peak for a long time. The day was cl ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2008 10:12pm PST

Devil Postpile / Agnew Wildlfowers - July, 2008 : It's not a typo... when the papers for Devil Postpile were filed with the US Government to give it National Monument status, the "s" was left off of Devil. So, on paper, the true name is Devil Postpile, although all maps give it the incorrect, but correct, spelling, "Devil's". I did a food drop at the Red's Meadow store for some friends doing the JMT, so took some time to admire the postpile and wildflower walk in Agnew Meadows.

Devil Postpile / Agnew Wildlfowers - July, 2008

It's not a typo... when the papers for Devil Postpile were filed with ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2008 9:47pm PST

Rixford Peak (12,811) Attempt - July 19, 2008 : Sooz, Cori, TomG, TomB, Rachel, Kathy, and me started out at Onion Valley aroun 0830 and headed over Kearsage Pass. We weren't sure of our approach, but as we descended Kearsage Pass, it became clear that we'd have to choose something on the south or SW slope. We ascended the very talusy south slope; there was some good rock and some really unstable crap. We topped out at bump on the ridge, 0.25 mi from the summit around 3:00. TomB, Rachel, Sooz and I called it quits there, wanting to get out before dark. The others went on for a successful summit. They descended the west slope and got cliffed out several times. We descended the SW ridge and it was much better than the south slope.

Rixford Peak (12,811) Attempt - July 19, 2008

Sooz, Cori, TomG, TomB, Rachel, Kathy, and me started out at Onion Val ...

Updated: Aug 03, 2008 6:17pm PST

Mono Pass (Yosemite) - July 17, 2008 : I started the morning as a trail angel, delivering sandwhiches, fruit and cookies to some friends doing the JMT. Thanx to the Spot navigator, I knew they had spent the night at Cathedral Lakes, so I drove to the Cathedral Peak TH and walked south, meeting them along the way. The were pleasantly surprised and stoked about the real food. I had not been up the Mono Pass trail, so I decided to take a jaunt along it and do some recon on Gibbs and Mammoth.

Mono Pass (Yosemite) - July 17, 2008

I started the morning as a trail angel, delivering sandwhiches, fruit ...

Updated: Aug 03, 2008 11:27am PST

Red Peak (10,660) July 14, 2008 : I did a short hike to ths peak east of Lake Mary and to the next rocky bump south on the ridge. This was a nice warm-up for a week of sierra tramps.

Red Peak (10,660) July 14, 2008

I did a short hike to ths peak east of Lake Mary and to the next rocky ...

Updated: Aug 03, 2008 9:41am PST

Candlelight Peak Backpack - June 14-15, 2008 : I joined Joe, Sooz and Chip for an overnight backpack trip to Grass Lake with an extension to Candlelight Peak on day 1. Weather was warm and mosquitos were out. Candlelight Peak provided expansive views of the Whitney basin. Both my cameras had water spots on them, so many photos have a fur ball in the middle :-(

Candlelight Peak Backpack - June 14-15, 2008

I joined Joe, Sooz and Chip for an overnight backpack trip to Grass La ...

Updated: Jun 19, 2008 8:37pm PST

The Tree of Joshua : On my way home from a snowy Memorial Day weekend in western Nevada, I took a small detour in search of the U2 Joshua Tree. I had kindly been given information on its general location, but I did have to do a bit of searching. After about an hour or so, I "found what I was looking for". Although Im not a fan of U2, I do appreciate their influence on global music, and it was so cool to find this memorialized place in the desert.

The Tree of Joshua

On my way home from a snowy Memorial Day weekend in western Nevada, I ...

Updated: Jun 09, 2008 8:49pm PST

Red Mountain (8,957) May 23, 2008 : I met Sooz, Chip, and Joe at Red Mountain Pass Thursday night. I enjoyed the drive thru the old mining town of Silver Peak, and the dirt road to Red Mountain Pass was excellent. We awoke to clouds on Friday. It started snowing within 30 minutes of our start time. By the time we summitted (2.5 hr) the snow was blowing sideways and there was 3" on the ground. We used our GPSrs to get back to camp. Fun time in the summertime!

Red Mountain (8,957) May 23, 2008

I met Sooz, Chip, and Joe at Red Mountain Pass Thursday night. I enjo ...

Updated: Jun 07, 2008 2:32pm PST

Blue Dick Peak (9,286) - May 25, 2008 : Day 3 of the Memorial Day Weekend extravaganza in the Silver Peak Range of western Nevada... and day 3 of snow. Cori rolled into camp in the morning and after we all warmed up and waited for a break in the clouds we drove to the saddle between Blue Dick Peak and Palmetto Peak. The hike started off a bit cloudy, became blizzardy and cold on the summit, and then cleared up as we finished. Nice ridge walk.

Blue Dick Peak (9,286) - May 25, 2008

Day 3 of the Memorial Day Weekend extravaganza in the Silver Peak Rang ...

Updated: Jun 06, 2008 7:32pm PST

Mt. Whitney (14,497) MR - 05/31/08 : My first snow ascent of the Mountaineer's Route! Last week's windless snow storm left a lot of powdery goodness in the sierras, including the summit of Whitney and the backside. DaveG, Norma, and I hit first snow at the west end of LBSL, but got it early enough that it was perfect to walk on. We got a little hung up on the waterfall below Iceberg, but eventually we all made it up. By the time we hit the chute, the snow was soft, making the going a lot of work. The Final 400 looked very snow filled with not many visible tracks from what we could see. There were, however, lots of tracks on the usually treacherous Traverse. After summiting, we had a nothing but snow over to the Trail Crest. By the time we started down the chute off TC, the snow was too hard to glissade, so we had to crampon on down. Lots of snow all the way down to Outpost Camp, and them some. We starte at Whitney Portal on Saturday at 0430 and returned to same at 0300 Sunday. An epic "day"!

Mt. Whitney (14,497) MR - 05/31/08

My first snow ascent of the Mountaineer's Route! Last week's windless ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2008 9:05pm PST

Rhyolite Ridge (8,550) May 24, 2008 : TomG rolled into camp at 0300. We drove from Red Mountain Pass to North Spring where we started our hike to Rhyollite Ridge. A storm front hit us as we ascended the face of the ridge, and brought wind and a few snow flurries. It blew out as fast as it blew in. Great views all around.

Rhyolite Ridge (8,550) May 24, 2008

TomG rolled into camp at 0300. We drove from Red Mountain Pass to Nor ...

Updated: Jun 05, 2008 8:30pm PST

Thor Peak (12,300) May 16, 2008 : Kevin and I had planned a 2-3 day BP trip deep into the Inyos. But, with predicted temps of the high 90s in Owen's Valley, and a 7K foot elevation ascent along a treeless, waterless route, we decided to pooch the BP trip. Instead, we did a day hike to Thor Peak. My first sierra trip and first time over 10K this year. Definately felt the lack of acclimization, slowing down quite a bit at the 10K level. It was a glorious spring day in the sierra.

Thor Peak (12,300) May 16, 2008

Kevin and I had planned a 2-3 day BP trip deep into the Inyos. But, w ...

Updated: May 18, 2008 9:42pm PST

Poppies, Poppies, Poppies! - Apr 13, 2008 : While driving home from the Panamints, I stopped for some posey shots south of Jawbone Canyon. As I drove further down the 14, I looked west and could not belive my eyes... hills of solid orange. I exited the freeway and made a bee-line to the orange. I found a fine dirt road that skirted the southern boundary of the Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve.

Poppies, Poppies, Poppies! - Apr 13, 2008

While driving home from the Panamints, I stopped for some posey shots ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 5:46pm PST

Porter (9,101) / Mormon (8,270) Peaks - Apr 12, 2008 : Porter Peak has amazing 360 degree views. Hiked with Sooz and Chip from the Porter Mine Rd saddle. The route to Porter is mostly straight forward, although we should have stayed in the large bowl instead of the rocky ridge to get to the first saddle. The route from Porter to Mormon was tedious, requiring a maze of weaving in, around, and on pinyons and rocks. Trip stats: ~5.5 mi; 1,965 ft ascent.

Porter (9,101) / Mormon (8,270) Peaks - Apr 12, 2008

Porter Peak has amazing 360 degree views. Hiked with Sooz and Chip fr ...

Updated: Apr 14, 2008 5:37pm PST

Darwin - April 6, 2008 :

Darwin - April 6, 2008

Updated: Apr 11, 2008 1:25pm PST

Goler Wash / Mengel Pass - April 4, 2008 :

Goler Wash / Mengel Pass - April 4, 2008

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 10:06pm PST

Pleasant Canyon / South Park Loop - April 7, 2008 : I rode shotgun with Ben to scout out Chicken Rock. Pleasant Canyon had been recently trimmed, minimizing the PC pinstriping. Views of Butte Valley and Middle/South Park from the Ridge are fabulous.

Pleasant Canyon / South Park Loop - April 7, 2008

I rode shotgun with Ben to scout out Chicken Rock. Pleasant Canyon ha ...

Updated: Apr 10, 2008 1:11pm PST

Rhyolite : I took the long way home from Las Vegas; heading north to Beatty and Rhyolite, and then thru Titus Canyon (separate album). It was a most gorgeous day.

Rhyolite

I took the long way home from Las Vegas; heading north to Beatty and R ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2008 12:39pm PST

Manly Pass / Panamint Valley - March 15, 2008 : Alan, Tom and I drove from Trona to Panamint Valley via Manly Pass and Fish Canyon. We started from the Trona Wildrose Rd and headed east to the low point in the Slate Range. Upon descending Fish Canyon and the alluvial fan, we turned north on the dirt road on the west side of PV Lake, instead of crossing the dry lake bed to Wingate Rd. It was a most enjoyable day and the road was comfortable for me. There's a few steep sections, and about a mile long rocky section on the alluvial fan of the east side, which is more annoying than technical. Mileage: Trona Wildrose Rd - jeep track on west side of PV Lake: 10.48 mi It took us 2 hours 15 minutes; we stopped frequently for photos. It's another 13.63 mi to Ballarat.

Manly Pass / Panamint Valley - March 15, 2008

Alan, Tom and I drove from Trona to Panamint Valley via Manly Pass and ...

Updated: Mar 30, 2008 8:22am PST

Smith Mtn (5,913 ft) / Gold Valley - March 22, 2008 : I joined some friends to celebrate Tom G's birthday. I met everyone at the Gold Valley/Furnace Creek Rd junction, where we camped Friday night. We drove into the lovely Gold Valley on Saturday, stopping at the site of a mid-1940s crash of a FG-1. Wildflowers were in bloom and the valley had a magical feel to it. We spent Saturday night at Willow Springs. Smith Mountain / Smith Mountain Azimuth Marker stats: 6.86 mi; 3,223 total ascent; 5:50.

Smith Mtn (5,913 ft) / Gold Valley - March 22, 2008

I joined some friends to celebrate Tom G's birthday. I met everyone a ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2008 10:59am PST

Ashford Peak (3,547 ft) - March 23, 2008 : We got a late start (10:54) which provided a very warm walk in the wash. The drivable road ends 2.5 mi from pavement, making the summit hike about 2 mi longer than most published routes. We took a challenging (ie, steep, loose) route up the north face, and followed the traditional route down, along the east ridge to the Desert Hound - Ashford saddle. Good views of the Confidence Hills. Took a side trip to the Ashford mining camp on the way back. Trip stats: 3,067 ft total ascent; 6:40.

Ashford Peak (3,547 ft) - March 23, 2008

We got a late start (10:54) which provided a very warm walk in the was ...

Updated: Mar 29, 2008 9:14am PST

Titus Canyon - March 9, 2008 : Titus Canyon Rd is a 27 mile one way road that winds its way through land mired with fascinating geological formations. The road today was in tip top shape, most likely having been recently graded. There was a Rav4 and other baby-SUVs on the road. The colors and formations were specatacular. I used Bryan and Tucker-Bryan's "The Explorer's Guide to Death Valley National Park" to tour me. The mileage listed in the captions in parenthesis refer to mileages as stated in the book and sights thereabout. Trip time: 2 hours 50 minutes.

Titus Canyon - March 9, 2008

Titus Canyon Rd is a 27 mile one way road that winds its way through l ...

Updated: Mar 10, 2008 9:52pm PST

Dale Mining District March 1, 2008 : I joined some fellow geocachers for a fun day in the Dale Mining District, followed by lessons, laughs, and fun with the Wheeler Dealers. It was a warm morning, but an afternoon breeze and high clouds brought a more comfortable climate. It was great to see the desert in bloom. Cache count for the day: 64.

Dale Mining District March 1, 2008

I joined some fellow geocachers for a fun day in the Dale Mining Distr ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2008 10:03pm PST

The Dunes at Stovepipe - Feb 2-3, 2008 : Lewis and I camped at Stovepipe Wells and grabbed some photos at sunset and then sunrise. After leaving the dunes, I went up the nice 2.3 mile dirt road from hwy 190 to Mosaic Canyon and hiked up the canyon a short distance.

The Dunes at Stovepipe - Feb 2-3, 2008

Lewis and I camped at Stovepipe Wells and grabbed some photos at sunse ...

Updated: Feb 06, 2008 6:32pm PST

Panamint Valley - Jan 25, 2008 :

Panamint Valley - Jan 25, 2008

Updated: Jan 26, 2008 3:47pm PST

Snowshoe San Joaquin Ridge & Rock Creek - Jan 14 & 17, 2008 : San Joaquin Ridge rests north of Mammoth Mountain, and is a wide, lazy ridge gently sloping northwards - it made for a great first snowshoe trek. Three days later, I drove to the Snopark at Rock Creek and snowshoed up to Rock Creek Lake.

Snowshoe San Joaquin Ridge & Rock Creek - Jan 14 & 17, 2008

San Joaquin Ridge rests north of Mammoth Mountain, and is a wide, lazy ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2008 8:22pm PST

Mammoth Snow Trip - Jan 13-19, 2008 : Miscellaneous photos from short snowshoe treks, Mono Lake and the drive home. The 395 landscape was completely snow covered from before Swall Meadows. It has been a very long time since Ive seen such consistent snow coverage along the 395.

Mammoth Snow Trip - Jan 13-19, 2008

Miscellaneous photos from short snowshoe treks, Mono Lake and the driv ...

Updated: Jan 20, 2008 8:04pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part III - Plane Wrecks : During my week in DV, I visited the site of 3 plane wrecks. #1 - An F9F-6D drone which crashed in the Panamint Valley. I don't know much about this crash. I have an undocumented account that the plane went amuck and was blown up. #2 - A Cessna 150 that crashed near Towne's Pass. #3 - On 8/1/44 two B-24s crashed in mid-air near Furnace Creek. The 2 bombers were among 6 planes flying in two 3-ship elements in V formation. The number-one engine and propeller of the B-24J (plane I visited) collided with a B-24D fuselage from underneath near the waist windows severing the tail of the B-24D and sending it plummeting to earth where it exploded into flames upon impact. Although remnants of the B-24J and B-24D are near each other, I had time to visit only the larger site, the B-24J.

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part III - Plane Wrecks

During my week in DV, I visited the site of 3 plane wrecks. #1 - An F9 ...

Updated: Jan 02, 2008 6:27pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part II - Dante's View, Coffin and Ryan Peaks : After exploring the Greenwater petroglyphs on Sunday 12/30, Lewis, Joe, Sooz and I drove up to Dante's view and hiked up to Dante's View Peak (

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part II - Dante's View, Coffin and Ryan Peaks

After exploring the Greenwater petroglyphs on Sunday 12/30, Lewis, Joe ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 6:25pm PST

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part I - General Exploration : I spent the last 6 days of 2007 with Lewis, Tom G, Sooz and Joe in and around Death Valley. This album depicts some of the general exploration we did. Highlights are mining camps, artifacts from the 1800s, petroglyphs, and an inscription from a Jayhawker.

Death Valley - Dec 2007: Part I - General Exploration

I spent the last 6 days of 2007 with Lewis, Tom G, Sooz and Joe in and ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2008 2:10pm PST

Stone Sentinel - Dec 2, 2007 : In the middle of La Quinta cove stands an unnamed, unmarked rocky monolith. Known by some as Stone Sentinel, this easily accessible desert blemish would seem hardly worth the 2 hour drive. Ah, but it's final 100 feet give this peaklet the honor of being the Bad Boy of the Cove. It's steep, crumbly desert rock, and scary airy. I made a previous attempt about 2 years ago, only to turn around less than 80 feet from the top. Thanx to a good man, my friend Kevin, who gave me company and courage I finally tamed this Bad Boy.

Stone Sentinel - Dec 2, 2007

In the middle of La Quinta cove stands an unnamed, unmarked rocky mono ...

Updated: Dec 03, 2007 5:47pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 3) Desert Hiking - Nov 24, 2007 : Eight of us wandered some canyons along the southeast border of Death Valley in search of 300 year old pictographs. After 3 1/2 hours, we found them!

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 3) Desert Hiking - Nov 24, 2007

Eight of us wandered some canyons along the southeast border of Death ...

Updated: Nov 26, 2007 10:03pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 2) Funeral Peak (6,384) - Nov 23, 2007 : Tom B, Tom G, Lewis, Sooz, Rebecca, Dave, Gary and I did a hike to Funeral Peak. We started to the peak's east, on the Greenwater Rd. By happpenstance we found a nice set of petroglyphs not mentioned in any DV publication. It was cold, windy and clear skies.

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 2) Funeral Peak (6,384) - Nov 23, 2007

Tom B, Tom G, Lewis, Sooz, Rebecca, Dave, Gary and I did a hike to Fun ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 9:41pm PST

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 1) - Nov 22, 2007 : Day 1 of a Thanksgiving holiday in Death Valley. Joe, Sooz and I coincidentally arrived at the Trailer Park simulataneously. After a quick meet n greet we set off for Artists Palette 2nd Dip Canyon and then Golden Canyon. Colors in the late afternoon were nice.

Death Valley Thanksgiving (Day 1) - Nov 22, 2007

Day 1 of a Thanksgiving holiday in Death Valley. Joe, Sooz and I coin ...

Updated: Nov 25, 2007 6:58pm PST

Snow Crown & Topix Carcamp - Sept 29-30, 2007 : Members of High Sierra Topix got together for some sierra fun. We camped at Lone Pine Campground and climbed Snow Crown on Saturday.

Snow Crown & Topix Carcamp - Sept 29-30, 2007

Members of High Sierra Topix got together for some sierra fun. We cam ...

Updated: Oct 01, 2007 9:34pm PST

Red Cones - Sept 3, 2007 :

Red Cones - Sept 3, 2007

Updated: Oct 01, 2007 12:22pm PST

Lone Pine Lake - Sept 4, 2007 : I took a little detour while driving home from Mammoth. Enjoyed this short hike and had a great birtday dinner at the Portal cafe.

Lone Pine Lake - Sept 4, 2007

I took a little detour while driving home from Mammoth. Enjoyed this ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2007 12:20pm PST

Go Climb a Rock - Aug 15, 2007 : I took the "Go Climb a Rock" class in Tuolomne Meadows. We hiked up to the top of Hurricane Ridge, spent most of the morning learning about the history of rock climbing, knots, safety stuff, rapelled down, then spent the afternoon climbing the rock. Lots of fun.

Go Climb a Rock - Aug 15, 2007

I took the "Go Climb a Rock" class in Tuolomne Meadows. We hiked up to ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2007 3:39pm PST

Mt. Dana (13,053) - Aug 21, 2007 : Two years ago I retreated less than 200 ft from the summit due to high winds. This year, I found a class I use trail to the right of the NW face and didn't have to scramble over metamorphic rock as much.

Mt. Dana (13,053) - Aug 21, 2007

Two years ago I retreated less than 200 ft from the summit due to high ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2007 1:16pm PST

Mt. Starr (12,870) - Aug 12, 2007 : My approach was from Mono Pass. I ascended the west face via a use trail at the south end of Mono Pass. I made the mistake of traversing to the SW ridge, which did nothing more than boulder out. I traversed the face north, again, to what was the south summit. The high point, north summit, can be reached by descending slightly onto the east side of summit ridge. I couldn't get there from the west side.

Mt. Starr (12,870) - Aug 12, 2007

My approach was from Mono Pass. I ascended the west face via a use tr ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2007 8:29am PST

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