Hike 10.01 - A tribute to the late Geoff Patz; Mount Whitney Trail to Lone Pine Lake

Many elements of nature in one place

After our longest stay in San Diego in nearly three years, we hit the road yesterday running. Well,
maybe that’s a little exaggerated. In a car, fully loaded with essential items and others, we headed north
towards the wonderful Sierras. Be assured, the car is without a hint of a certain refreshing, sugar-free
drink—all in the interests of peace in the home.

We returned at the end of July during which we were blessed with the birth of a grandson, visited family
in Dallas, celebrated the Sneag’s wedding, completed the High Holy days, enjoyed a visit from Mum and a
personal favorite, received numerous instructions and direction from our dear granddaughter, Ellie.
Although only 3½, she is close to being an expert in all matters female. Her little brother , Ben, a
few days over two months, reminds one of ‘Old Man River’, a song that dates us. Anyway, young Ben ‘he don’t
say nothing, he just keeps rolling around—even that’s an exaggeration. Truth be told,
he eats, sleeps and the other big function in his routine, we’ll leave to the imagination.

Mountain woman in early stages of hike

Lone rock at Lone Pine Lake, over 10,000 feet

Peeking through the rounded 'V'

Ragged mountains, looking up, looking down

When we shoveled soil into the grave of Geoff Patz during August, it did not seem out of place to ask:
‘Why this young man?’ We only got to know Geoff within a year of his passing. We found him to be a person
with a special and elevated soul.


The idea behind Hike-about 10 is a between season trip, one that should allow us to experience the
magnificent fall colors or, autumn for those who don’t speak the local language. We have noticed that
it is not always about place but often time. Should the snow hold off for a while, we hope
to enjoy vigorous hikes in cooler weather after some real warm ones earlier during summer. We love to
see snow, particularly the contrasts against the dark mountains, but prefer that it should not fall
below 13,000 feet. This may be a tall order; should that read high instead. Thereafter, we head for
perhaps our favorite state, Utah. However, we are known to have more than one favorite, if that makes
any sense.

Let's go higher

Multiple Peaks, each a giant

In the shadow of a giant

We hiked in the shadow of Mount Whitney, the highest in the contiguous United States. We’d love
to hike to the top, which is on the cards, but there are so many restrictions these days. One needs a
permit which is very difficult to obtain. Some believe that is more strenuous than the 6100 feet climb.
The bureaucrats appear to be concerned that the mountain may erode and collapse should too many hikers
stomp on this poor 14,500 feet high ‘monster’. The impositions of restrictions is the new game in town.
Anyway, we hiked 2,000 feet, including much rock climbing as extras, to reach Lone Pine Lake, a 6 mile
roundtrip. During the entire outing, we viewed simultaneously, many peaks, sequoias, the valley below,
streams, snow and neighboring mountain ranges. For an opening hike, it was fantastic. As a regular hike,
it too is fantastic.

Wall Flower

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

A little artwork around the pool

Let's talk walls

Farewell after scaling some rocks