Dangerous curves. We encountered some danger on the trail as Jen struggles to cross a slippery slope; a massive fall-off to her right.
After twenty minutes, the peak comes into view
View across from Tahquitz Peak (100 feet below)
Today’s hike is rated the best in the area by Moon, a publisher of hiking trails—it is outstanding although the visuals in the area don’t vary too much. However, it turned out to be dangerous as we approached the final section of the ascent. Snow and ice still abound from about seven hundred feet below the peak, covering the precipitous path. Using all our skills and a few prayers as well, we crossed about eight sections in which the fall-off was to put it bluntly, frightening. Looking mere inches to our flanks, the slope to the bottom was near vertical without anything to grab onto should one slip or fall.
When we reached a point just below the peak, about 100 feet from the top, Jen mentioned the following profound words: “I have often felt in danger but never before feared for my life.” At that point, it was time to halt the advance. For a change, it was a good decision but it still did not diminish the challenge of those eight sections to be faced again, this time on the trickier downhill return. We’ve mentioned this before: Nothing beats the closeness and bonding of stretching/reaching out for the hand to help each other negotiate the hazards.
Adrenaline flowing moments as we head to peak, off trail
On the way down, looked back towards the snow-covered peak
Two things arose from today’s experience: We were in awe of the courage of our editor as she handled the fear in a cool and calm manner—so much so that we forgot about our own trembling knees. In a moment of both admiration and ‘weakness’, we nearly offered to do the cooking for the Shabbos meal. Fortunately, we recovered quickly and kept our mouth shut. The second thing is that we ordered crampons which are scheduled to arrive at our next stop. In order to relax after the ordeal, we found some boulders way above yesterday’s hike to Suicide Rock on which to climb. The boulders in the area are quite spectacular.
Jenni goes climbing, relaxing after ice and snow ordeal
A good perspective from a little way below the peak area as we climb the boulders
The hike is 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of 2,600 feet, reaching an altitude of 8,828 feet. Besides the snow, the trail is well maintained. If the snowplows would come through before our hikes, we’d be a lot happier. Perhaps that might be termed…reaching. We continue to note that in each wilderness area we visit, the devil is attached to at least one hike, mountain or valley. Notwithstanding the ugly name, we find very little violence but an abundance of beauty. Yonder in civilization where there are apparently no 'devils', we don't see much tranquility.
We met a handful of people on the trail, mostly from San Diego. One young man was heading north from that city, undertaking the famous PCT, (Pacific Crest Trail). He hopes to complete it within 140 days. That’s hiking dedication, dear editor.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Looking down at yesterday's hike-end-point, Suicide Rock
And 6 minutes later, the Sabbath commenced—a view from our room
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