Sierra Adventures Galleries

Mt. Whitney [(x5) 14,497] MR - July 12, 2009 : Last fall I started thinking about what I wanted to do for my 50th birthday. By early winter, I got the notion to try to climb 50 peaks during my 50th year, and #50 would be on my September birthday and hopefully Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineer's Route. I usually get 25-30 peaks under my belt per year, so "50 for 50" seemed like a good challenge. Despite an unexpected 2-week trip to Vietnam, pneumonia, and a few other obligations, I found myself much closer to my goal than expected by July. Rather than "manipulate the data" or stop climbing peaks for several weeks, I decided to go for #50 more than 8 weeks ahead of schedule! Sierragator graciously accepted an invitation to be my trail guide and go-to guy for this celebratory climb. We started at 0300 and were back at the Portal with plenty of time for the world's best hamburger. Weather was terrific. This was my 5th Whitney summit (3rd via MR) and Jim's 29th! THANX Jim! And now, Ive got time for "dim sum" summits ;-)

Mt. Whitney [(x5) 14,497] MR - July 12, 2009

Last fall I started thinking about what I wanted to do for my 50th bir ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2009 7:22pm PST

Sharknose Ridge (~10,600) - Sept 12, 2009 : For my 50th BD celebration hike I chose Sharknose Ridge, a seldom climbed (personal opinion) peak south of Horseshoe Meadows. It was also Cori's welcome-home-from-Australia hike. I continue to be drawn to this area... the vastness of the open spaces, the not-too-dense forest, and the grand peaks nearby. We made a figure 8 out of our track, passing by a cow camp and doing a lot of cross country navigation. Despite a short summit stay, due to pelting showers, we enjoyed this fine peak with good views of Monache-land. People: Sooz, Cori, Kathy, Joe, Tom, Lisa, Alice, Bob Stats: Mi 9.66; TH ~10,000; High Point ~10,600; ElevGain 2,868

Sharknose Ridge (~10,600) - Sept 12, 2009

For my 50th BD celebration hike I chose Sharknose Ridge, a seldom clim ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2009 6:36pm PST

Peak 3,321 (10,896) / Two Teats (11,387) / San Jaoquin Mountain (11,600) - 09/04/09 : My 50th birthday and end of my "50 for 50... and dim sum" journey - 50 peaks during my 50th year. I claimed peak #50 (MtW via the MR) eight weeks ahead of schedule. Rather than toss out certain peaks for one reason or another, I renamed my peak quest and kept counting. For the big day, I chose an easy stroll along San Jaoquin Ridge, overlooking the Ansel Adams Wilderness and one of the grandest skylines the sierra has to offer. Spent the night on the ridge, watched the sun set between Mt. Ritter and Banner Peak and the full moon rise and dance across the sky. I awoke early to catch the moon set alongside the Minarets and the sun rise over the Whites. A perfect locale to celebrate my successful year-long journey and my 50th BD.

Peak 3,321 (10,896) / Two Teats (11,387) / San Jaoquin Mountain (11,600) - 09/04/09

My 50th birthday and end of my "50 for 50... and dim sum" journey - 50 ...

Updated: Sep 14, 2009 5:56pm PST

Tuolumne Peak (10,845) - Sept 2, 2009 : I saw this peak on yesterday's hike to Cloud's Rest - it had a very unique shape from the SW. There are two primary routes, one from Tenaya Lake via Murphy Creek and one from May Lake. Because I had little time to study the xc route, I opted for the former route as it had less xc. Very woody hike until reaching the east ridge. Found a steep drainage to ascend to the NE scree face. Several "bumps" on the summit plateau and I did not find a register on the two highest bumps that I climbed. It was a very smokey day from the Big Meadow fire. The usual spectacular views were not to be had today.

Tuolumne Peak (10,845) - Sept 2, 2009

I saw this peak on yesterday's hike to Cloud's Rest - it had a very un ...

Updated: Sep 13, 2009 4:25pm PST

Cloud's Rest (9,926) - Sept 1, 2009 : Rachel and I originally thought of doing Cloud's Rest and Half-Dome from Tenaya Lake. But, we each decided we'd rather end the day smiling and happy instead of exhausted and cranky from a 24 mile hike... so a single serving of Cloud's Rest was our day's hike. Views from CR were just spectacular!!!

Cloud's Rest (9,926) - Sept 1, 2009

Rachel and I originally thought of doing Cloud's Rest and Half-Dome fr ...

Updated: Sep 13, 2009 4:14pm PST

Indian Rock / North Dome (7,542) - Aug 30, 2009 : Arriving into a very smokey Yosemite on 08/29, Rachel and I weren't sure what the air quality would be, so opted for a short hike to Indian Rock and North Dome, the latter of which provides some wonderful views of Half-Dome, Quarter Domes, and the Valley.

Indian Rock / North Dome (7,542) - Aug 30, 2009

Arriving into a very smokey Yosemite on 08/29, Rachel and I weren't su ...

Updated: Sep 13, 2009 12:04pm PST

Lembert Dome (9,450) - Aug 30, 2009 : Rachel and I headed into Yosemite to climb Half-Dome only to find out after turning onto the 120 that the road into the Valley from the 120 was closed due to the Big Meadow fire. So, we regrouped, discussed some options, then did a short hike to Lembert Dome. It was the start of 4 great days of Yosemite hiking.

Lembert Dome (9,450) - Aug 30, 2009

Rachel and I headed into Yosemite to climb Half-Dome only to find out ...

Updated: Sep 13, 2009 11:46am PST

Rachel's BD Hike - Nameless Pyramid (11,920) - Aug 29, 2009 : We day hiked to Nameless Pyramid, the peaklet just south of Kearsage Pass. We knew we wouldn't be touching the high point (5.7), so got as high as we could. It was a much longer-than-expected day due to the tedious talus between the pass and peak. The ridge, says Secor, is class 3... hmmm... none of us wanted to follow the ridge. We dropped to near bottom of west side of the pass, traversed south, then ascended to the granite base, and followed a nice ramp southward to our high point. Fun day of celebrating Rachel's birthday as well as mine. Hikers: Rachel, Sooz, Kathy, Robin

Rachel's BD Hike - Nameless Pyramid (11,920) - Aug 29, 2009

We day hiked to Nameless Pyramid, the peaklet just south of Kearsage P ...

Updated: Sep 09, 2009 12:29am PST

Pine Creek Backpack / Mt. Julius Caesar (13,200) - Aug 6-8, 2009 : A 3-day backpack with Sooz starting at the Pine Creek TH. We were originally thinking of going over Pine Creek Pass and climbing Royce and Merriam Peaks, but we weren't sure of the snow condition on the chute between them. So, at the decision making junction, we opted to head for Granite Park and climb Mt. Julius Caesar instead. On Day 1, there was an artic chill that definately kept us comfortable while slogging up Pine Creek, but later had us donning all our layers. Day 2 - up to Italy Pass and Mt. Julius Caesar. Day 3 - exit and a detour up to Royce Pass and Lakes. My sister and I attempted Italy Pass in August, 1982 and were thwarted by snow on the pass (and little snow crossing skill at that time). There are a few "surprise" photos in this album!

Pine Creek Backpack / Mt. Julius Caesar (13,200) - Aug 6-8, 2009

A 3-day backpack with Sooz starting at the Pine Creek TH. We were ori ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2009 9:16pm PST

Peak 12,002 / Peak 11,887 / Gaylor Peak [(x2) 11,004]- July 18, 2009 : Ive had my eye on this peak ever since I first climbed Gaylor Peak. The wide open meadows around Gaylor and Granite Lakes are simply spectacular. I hopped up onto peak 11,887 enroute to 12,002. A roving sierra rain had me quite nervous in the morning, but watching it we could tell that it was gonna move just east of us. We did get a few drops here and there, but mostly it was a gorgeous day in one of my favorite areas.

Peak 12,002 / Peak 11,887 / Gaylor Peak [(x2) 11,004]- July 18, 2009

Ive had my eye on this peak ever since I first climbed Gaylor Peak. T ...

Updated: Jul 22, 2009 9:09pm PST

Mammoth Peak (12,106) - July 17, 2009 : Day hike with Sooz to Mammoth Peak in eastern Yosemite. We opted to climb the SE face by following the Parker Pass / Mono Pass trail to the junction with Spillway Lake trail. We left the trail at that point and headed towards the peak. We passed through several small meadows along the way and had some fun boulder scrambling at the top. We visited Kuna Lake on our return. Summer T-storms finally started rolling in today, and we did have a bit of rain, lightening and thunder on our way out. Great day with gorgeous scenery.

Mammoth Peak (12,106) - July 17, 2009

Day hike with Sooz to Mammoth Peak in eastern Yosemite. We opted to c ...

Updated: Jul 21, 2009 11:20pm PST

Wanoga Peak (10,371) - July 11, 2009 : Thought I'd knock of #49 of my "50 for 50" journey before trying my luck at a Whitney lottery permit. Although I had reviewed TRs and pix, I still had a bit of difficulty with the correct route finding, but finally got it. This is a lovely, easy peak with really nice views.

Wanoga Peak (10,371) - July 11, 2009

Thought I'd knock of #49 of my "50 for 50" journey before trying my lu ...

Updated: Jul 21, 2009 8:40pm PST

Mt. Hoffman (10,850) - July 16, 2009 : Mount Hoffman is about the geographic center of Yosemite. As such, it boasts nice views of Mt. Conness to the north, Mt. Lyell and Mt. McClure to the SE, and Half Dome and Cloud's Rest to the S. I was pleasantly thrilled that there was a nice trail from the parking area to the summit. From my car, I headed to May Lake, at which there is not much solitude because it is a High Sierra Camp. However, fewer folks venture up the well defined use trail and even fewer go all the way to the summit. The summit plateau is dotted with 5 bumps; I climbed 4 of them. High point is the NW bump with an antenna on top. Added this hike to my "top 10" list; a lot of value for the effort!

Mt. Hoffman (10,850) - July 16, 2009

Mount Hoffman is about the geographic center of Yosemite. As such, it ...

Updated: Jul 21, 2009 7:35pm PST

The Fin (12,740) - July 3, 2009 : Day hike with Sooz and Chip to The Fin, near Mt. Langley. Im not sure of exact elevation; NG Topo says 12,613, but my GPSr had us at 12,740). We used the old trail and headed for Muir Lake, then on up to The Fin. Saw 3 members of the Cottonwood-Langley Bighorn herd. Great hike with a little bit of everything... trail, xc, sandy tedious slog (which also means a blast bomber descent!), a little climbing. Weather was unbelievable; not a threat of TS. A tad windy up on the exposed ridge. Stats: mi 12.83, total ascent 2,935, total time a leisure 10:55.

The Fin (12,740) - July 3, 2009

Day hike with Sooz and Chip to The Fin, near Mt. Langley. Im not sure ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2009 4:45pm PST

Trailmaster [(x3) 12,525] / Peak 12,525 / Cirque [(x3) 12,900] : A fun day doing the Cottonwood Trio with Rachel and Sooz. Weather was, again, near perfect... a tad windy in places. Can't believe the weather after such an annoying June. I was thrilled to get up the summit blox of Peak 12,525 - thanx to Rachel for the great spotting.

Trailmaster [(x3) 12,525] / Peak 12,525 / Cirque [(x3) 12,900]

A fun day doing the Cottonwood Trio with Rachel and Sooz. Weather was ...

Updated: Jul 05, 2009 4:15pm PST

Summer Solstice on Mount Muir (14,015) - June 21, 2009 : Dave and son Adam joined me for a summer solstice/Father's Day magnifico day in the high sierra. Norma and Kevin joined us after solidifying a permit on Saturday. I started a half hour earlier than the others (except Kevin, who started at 0300) at 0330 and had only a 10 minute wait at Trail Camp before Dave and Adam showed up, followed shortly by Norma and Kevin. After weeks of weird annoying weather, the skies were finally clearing, but the recent precip and cold temps left the switchbacks snowy and icy in spots, making the ascent from Trail Camp more difficult, but more interesting, than usual. I really wanted Muir, and the plan was to get it first, then go on to Whitney as will and energy allowed. By the time we got to the Muir Junction, Adam was starting to feel the effects of altitude; this being his first Whitney ascent, he went on towards Whitney. I too was pooped and knew I could do only one of the peaks and wasnt sure Id be able to climb the Muir summit headwall. With Norma's "let's do it"... up we went. The talus climb to the headwall was snowy, adding a different flavor to the slog than a dry ascent. The cracks and crevases of the summit headwall did have snow in places, but nothing that really hindered our ascent. Like everyone says, these rocks have bomber hand and footholds. I had brought along a new pair of 5.10 Guide shoes which I lugged up in my pack (1 lb/pr) and boy was I glad I did. For the first time ever, I could "feel" the rock and the footholds. Those things are super sticky as well. There was only one pucker spot and that was on a left traverse around a boulder that stuck out. But I trusted the sticky shoes and good hand hold and nailed it. Dave gave me a body belay for the first part of the descent, and between that and the shoes, I was able to concentrate on technique and finding the hand and footholds with confidence rather than focusing on being scared. This climb was great experience for me! I love this one!!!

Summer Solstice on Mount Muir (14,015) - June 21, 2009

Dave and son Adam joined me for a summer solstice/Father's Day magnifi ...

Updated: Jul 01, 2009 7:22pm PST

Trail Peak (11,605) - June 20, 2009 :

Trail Peak (11,605) - June 20, 2009

Updated: Jun 22, 2009 12:20pm PST

Muir Lake June 12, 2009 :

Muir Lake June 12, 2009

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 2:00pm PST

Whitney Main Trail - June 13, 2009 : I had a permit for the "zone" and had been planning on doing Carillon. But, I ended up solo and weather was continuing to be annoying so I went up the Main Trail instead. Although the day started off with just some cloud patches, the clouds quickly rolled in and covered the higher elevations by 0900. It started snowing at Trail Camp around 1100. As I descended, there were snow flurries all the way to Outpost Camp, although nothing sticking on bare ground. I practiced self arresting with the ice ax at Trailside Meadow.

Whitney Main Trail - June 13, 2009

I had a permit for the "zone" and had been planning on doing Carillon. ...

Updated: Jun 14, 2009 1:16pm PST

Lamont (7,429) / East Lamont (7,475) - June 5, 2009 : Rachel and I were planning on climbing Olancha Peak, but interesting week-long early summer storms assuredly left snow on the final talus ascent, and today's forecast wasn't great, so we chose to stay south and lower. Our day started in clouds, which made for some interesting photography. Good thing we had a trail to Lamont Peak, cuz we had little clue where it was, other than east of the TH. We became quite friendly with lots of manzanita and other shrubbery as we navigated our way in the direction from Lamont to East Lamont, which was still obscured by clouds . We found an interesting, old, very well constructed trail which we followed to the NE side of East Lamont, then humped up the ridge to the summit boulder. Usual route would not follow this constructed trail, but just head up the west ridge from the saddle between Lamont and East Lamont. Clouds became higher as we were on East Lamont and started clearing as we made our way back, making the view all new! The bonus of the day was a crash course in botany and the UTM grid system - thanx Rachel! It was a gorgeous day, from mist to cottonball skies, to in-field training. Coolio.

Lamont (7,429) / East Lamont (7,475) - June 5, 2009

Rachel and I were planning on climbing Olancha Peak, but interesting w ...

Updated: Jun 06, 2009 1:25pm PST

Sawtooth Peak (7,970) - May 30, 2009 : Cori, Kathy, Eric and I started our hike along the Canebrake Rd where the PCT crosses. We followed the PCT SE and left it a shy earlier than the normal route. We followed a drainage northward and then NE. Picking our way through the drainage was time consuming. We reached the summit around 2 pm and enjoyed the great views. The cloud cover kept the temperature down; there were just enough sprinkles to have us don our raingear for a few minutes, but it quickly came off as we descended the drainage under cloud splotched blue skies.

Sawtooth Peak (7,970) - May 30, 2009

Cori, Kathy, Eric and I started our hike along the Canebrake Rd where ...

Updated: Jun 01, 2009 12:00pm PST

Morris Peak (7,215) / Mt. Jenkins (7,921) Apr 25, 2009 : Sooz, Chip, Joe and I started at Walker Pass and followed the PCT to a saddle on the SW slope of Morris Peak where we followed a good use trail to the summit of Morris. We descended the NW slope of Morris, following a faint use trail, and intersected with the PCT. We proceeded to the Mount Jenkins plaque at N35 41.848 W117 59.071. We found a misleading duck, marking the east ridge at N35 42.003 W117 58.896. We, in error, headed for the summit up this ridge, only to eventually see that to get to the summit from this point would require a lot more energy, route finding, and boulder scrambling than heading back down to the PCT and continuing on. We found the CORRECT junction for the Mt. Jenkins use trail at N35 42.605 W117 59.061, which is 1.3 miles beyond the Jenkins plaque. The use trail to the summit is well defined and very well ducked. There's a great bomber descent route that starts at the saddle below the summit at N35 42.570 W117 59.400 and intersects the PCT at N35 42.457 W117 59.306. There's another obvious phenomenal bomber route much further down the trail, near the switchbacks. We met Sierragator along the way and he gave us some invaluable information, and his footsteps were very helpful. Trip stats: 13.71 mi (per Topo track), total ascent 4,286; time 10:50; fun - priceless!

Morris Peak (7,215) / Mt. Jenkins (7,921) Apr 25, 2009

Sooz, Chip, Joe and I started at Walker Pass and followed the PCT to a ...

Updated: Apr 26, 2009 5:48pm PST

Chukkar Pk (6, 628) / Deer Pk (7,004) Feb 21, 2009 : TomG's had his eye on these two peaks for weeks, but weather has not been cooperating. But today was the day...I joined him and some folks from the KRVHC for these two peaks and a side trip to the wreck of a Piper Cub. An all day cloud cover kept the temperatures cool. Registers indicate slightly different elevations than the topo (Chukkar 6610, Deer 6989). Got into some knee deep snow in a couple places and the descent off the north slope had everyone slipping and sliding in the snow. Had fun intermittently glissading on the snow through the sage! Six hour RT drive, just about eight hours on the mountain, 4000 ft elevation gain, old and new hiking buddies... great day!

Chukkar Pk (6, 628) / Deer Pk (7,004) Feb 21, 2009

TomG's had his eye on these two peaks for weeks, but weather has not b ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2009 8:25am PST

Mammoth - Jan 17-23, 2009 :

Mammoth - Jan 17-23, 2009

Updated: Jan 29, 2009 9:18pm PST

North Fork Lone Pine Creek - Oct 11, 2008 : Plan A was to meet KathyM, Cori, and Dave at North Lake to climb Mt. Emerson on Saturday. I had Friday off so stopped to play in the Alabama Hills. As I drove north in the late afternoon toward Bishop, I could see the weekend storm embracing the sierra peaks. I called the others to let them know it was already snowing in Bishop, with the road covered at 8300 feet. Plan B was to meet out on Owenyo Rd and climb Keynot or Inyo instead. Well, 0615 came around and it was chilly and TomB was still in bed in Ridgecrest. So, off we went for a yummy and warm breakfast at the Alabama Hills Cafe where we selected Thor Peak as our Plan C, given it would be a late start. The portal pond was nearly frozen and there was snow on the most of the trail. The surrounding peaks were cloud covered and by 3:00 we were barely at the slabs. So, we opted to turn around and head down the hill to avoid a miserable, cold, and dark exit had we continued on. The fall colors powdered with snow was beautiful. It was a cold (18d at on point) hike, but great scenery and friends.

North Fork Lone Pine Creek - Oct 11, 2008

Plan A was to meet KathyM, Cori, and Dave at North Lake to climb Mt. E ...

Updated: Oct 30, 2008 9:58pm PST

Middle Palisade (14,040) Attempt #2 (Sept 13-14, 2008) : This was my second attempt this summer. Ben and I left the TH around 0945 on Saturday. We followed the trail all the way to Brainerd Lake, then skirted the NW shore to an obvious use trail heading west to Finger Lake where we made camp for the night. On sunday, we took the west approach around Finger Lake. Once on top of the ridge the route to the ridge separating the north and south glaciers was obvious. Mark, a gentleman we met at the TH hiked with us on Sunday and led us to the glacier step off point (this was his 2nd attempt also). Being late in the late season, the glacier had separated from the mountain base, leaving a pretty wide gap and making the step off very challenging. We all made it up and followed the ledges to the class 3 chute to the left of the big gendarme. The route was very obvious from that point onward. The climb from the glacier to the summit is 1160 ft of exposed class 3 rock. Foot and hand holds were plentiful though. Exhaustion and uncomfortableness had us turn around after 820 vertical feet... 340 feet from the summit. This is a huge mountain, in all sense of the word. Although the mileage is nominal, it is just hard work. From Brainerd Lake onward, it is all cross country and most of it over talus and glacial morraine - tiring on the body. This one sure earned my respect. Maybe we'll meet again another time.

Middle Palisade (14,040) Attempt #2 (Sept 13-14, 2008)

This was my second attempt this summer. Ben and I left the TH around ...

Updated: Sep 29, 2008 9:06am PST

Muah Mountain (11,016) Birthday Hike (Sept 20, 2008) : After last week's grueling attempt of Middle Palisade I wasn't in the mood for a very long drive or strenuous hike. I joined Joe, Sooz, Chip, Cori, Kathy, and TomB for a long but not-too-strenuous stroll to Muah Mountain. Later that evening I was "birthdayed" by the gang in the Alabama Hills. Wow!!!

Muah Mountain (11,016) Birthday Hike (Sept 20, 2008)

After last week's grueling attempt of Middle Palisade I wasn't in the ...

Updated: Sep 28, 2008 9:29am PST

Mt. Lewis (12,296) - August 30, 2008 : This was a delightful day hike to Parker Pass, then up to Mt. Lewis. Things have changed dramatically since I was here just a few weeks ago. It was very windy.

Mt. Lewis (12,296) - August 30, 2008

This was a delightful day hike to Parker Pass, then up to Mt. Lewis. ...

Updated: Sep 27, 2008 8:05am PST

Lake Ediza Day Hike - Aug 29, 2008 : Drove down to Agnew Meadows before the mandatory shuttle and was on the trail at 0640. The Lake Ediza basin is absolutely gorgeous. Enjoyed a quick dip in Ediza (brrrr), and a longer one in warmer Shadow Lake on the way out.

Lake Ediza Day Hike - Aug 29, 2008

Drove down to Agnew Meadows before the mandatory shuttle and was on th ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2008 5:43pm PST

Wotan's Throne (12,720) - Aug 23, 2008 : Celebrated Rachel's birthday with her, Sooz, Laura, Kathy, TomG, TomB, Gordon, and Mike. I left a little over an hour before the others so I could go at my usual slow pace and enjoy the morning. We met below Trail Camp, then scrambled over to the NW arete of Wotan. We took a different route down and discovered some slabs o' fun and precious alpine meadows.

Wotan's Throne (12,720) - Aug 23, 2008

Celebrated Rachel's birthday with her, Sooz, Laura, Kathy, TomG, TomB, ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 7:52am PST

Mt. Gibbs (12,773) - Aug 15, 2008 : I drove from Mammoth to the Mono Craters to meet Sooz and Chip who I heard were stuck in pumice. I tried strapping him out to no avail. Thanx to Shelley Towing Service in Lee Vining, we were able to accomplish our intended target, Mt. Gibbs, after winching the truck out of the pumice. Gibbs was a tedious slog over ankle biting rock. We intended to descend to the Dana-Gibbs saddle, but the descent looked scary steep and loose, so we opted to descend to the Mono Pass trail and exit that way instead.

Mt. Gibbs (12,773) - Aug 15, 2008

I drove from Mammoth to the Mono Craters to meet Sooz and Chip who I h ...

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 3:57am PST

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

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

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

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

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