From Tallac Peak, it tells the story more than adequately (click on picture to enlarge)
Each day that we wake, especially if in good health, is a great blessing. Today, as we climbed up Mount Tallac we felt especially blessed. We don’t know why the feeling was so prevalent but we did not want to let it go. We suppose that one of the major challenges in life is to feel that way whether things are going along smoothly or not. Heck, we didn’t even blink an eye when we saw the carnage in our investment portfolio.
We met some interesting fellows on the trail today who in their own way, added to the experience—thank you, Dave, Bill and Colonel (Doug). We can’t even give you the latter’s full name as he is in the US Air Force, intelligence division—he is very intelligent, too. On the way down, Dave showed us his heels as he set a blistering pace, Bill concentrated on the tricky path chosen by Doug who took the photograph of us with his ‘secretive’ camera.
The statistics of the hike and a comment or two are from Moon’s guide on California. It’s rated at the highest level of difficulty/strenuousness as well as beauty. The elevation gain is above 3,250 feet on mostly rocks and stones bringing a hiker to an altitude of 9,735 feet. The round-trip distance is 10 miles. There is no doubt that it makes a person feel physically taxed. Funnily enough, the hike at Mount Ralston on Tuesday, rated below this one in exertion, we found slightly tougher. Then again, we added to the latter by getting lost and having to climb again to find the trail. It seems not only are we ‘wandering Jews’ but often lost, too.
When one combines the views of the numerous mountains and peaks surrounding Lake Tahoe, including Rose, Dick, Ralston, Pyramid and many others as well as a fortune of varying sized lakes, one is set to observe stunning sights. In fact, the guidebook suggests we witnessed one of the best in America. Who knows? The sheer size of Lake Tahoe is humbling; add the azure, emerald and turquoise mixes into the brain and one has an explosion of ‘blues’ to cheer one’s mood and experience.
Briefly, the hike begins in the forest, passes two small lakes while climbing at all times. Thereafter, the rate of ascension gets serious—very serious. By the time we reached the ridge, we thought we were about there. We were in fact about there but for another two miles. As more than adequate consolation, the views are constant and incredible. Look to the one side and see Fallen Leaf Lake to the fore of Lake Tahoe with mountainous backdrops or, the peaks including Pyramid on the other. What a hike, what an experience.
We made mention of this the other day. However, to observe our editor handle the climbs and slopes, often passing hikers a third and half her age, brings a tremendous amount of pride and joy. What surprises us: Is she that old?
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
A few more from this wonderful hike
No comments:
Post a Comment