Spot the editor on way down, leave no stone unturned. Legend has it that a Texan lost his way on the
mountain and upon being found exclaimed, "I was stuck between a rock and a hard place."
As we gained height, the lakes came into view (Saddlebag); mountain visuals were spectacular.
We traveled from our lodge in Lee Vining to Yosemite National Park with the intention of climbing
Mount Dana. A maintained trail to the peak does not exist although the mountain forms part of the park.
When we arrived at the parking area, we searched for a commencement point. No luck. We walked a short
distance to the ranger at the entrance booth, indicated for him to open the window (it was cold) and felt
quite foolish in asking from where the hike commenced. We were worried that he might say, “If you have to ask,
should you be undertaking it?”
First of many knockout mountain views. (Punch 1)
(Punch 2) this one's a painting for Maude.
There's a lot more color outside the park. Evergreens are predominant inside.
“Left of the big tree,” he indicated. Of course, our editor should have known that but sometimes she
slacks off a bit. As you might guess, the mountain is close to the Tioga Pass entrance, the eastern side.
Like many situations with mountains, the peak is often only visible after a couple of hours. Off we went,
on track, meandering slowly through a meadow and the first gentle climb, initially. Actually, it was two
gentle inclines, the first and last. Thereafter, the going was rough and tough. The trail became one of
stones, rocks and slabs. It was a terrific experience but challenging. The bigger issue was the awfully
strong winds. On a couple of occasions, we were literally, blown over although not swept away. Only the
editor has the ability to sweep us away and maybe the tides, too. In many places, the boulders and rocks
formed part of the trail which meant we made our own way towards the summit in places. The ascent was
tiring but the descent, at times, on loose rocks was treacherous.
(Punch 3). We had to stop looking for a while, it was overwhelming.
Blowing in the wind but 'blown away' by the climb and sights. How's dem skyline?
Editor struggles with elements on the way up, the last and longest mile
Mount Dana is the second highest mountain in Yosemite, only 50 feet less than the ‘champ’. The peak sits
at an altitude of 13,061 feet. The climb is over 3,000 feet. The second mile is steep but the final mile, of
this three-mile distance (one-way), rises by 1,500 feet. That is very steep. There is no doubt that when we
stood under the peak, a mile to go with that elevation to negotiate on a stony surface in cold and very windy
conditions, we felt intimidated. It’s been a while since we have been tested as we were today. One tries not
to brag but the editor was outstanding. Less than a month ago, she struggled to walk up stairs because of
knee ailments. The hike, the fourth in a row this week, tested our mettle and Jen came out shining like gold.
Mount Washington in New Hampshire and a couple of toughies in Iceland might match this challenge.
A view of Mono Lake from the peak of Mount Dana, a drop of a mile and a quarter, 12 miles by road.
At lower elevation, it looked like the bird was not welcoming.
We met another couple, Iris and Michael as well as Zack on the way up. That was the sum total of people
we saw in the five hours of trekking, trudging and having an awfully ‘good’ time. Should you sum their ages,
the answer barely exceeded that of the editor’s. However, they were strong, fit and fast—a pleasure to watch.
It would have been nice of the youngsters to offer to carry our packs, though.
Cathedral Peak is in the middle of the range across the way. (Note the smokers' sections of the park.)
The snow fields. At all previous hikes, we looked up to these mountains, from Dana we were level or higher.
The views of Yosemite from height are spectacular. In the four hikes to-date in the park, we have seen
many of the icons from different positions. Cathedral Peak is one we stood below when we hiked to its lakes,
viewed it again from Lembert and North Domes and looked down upon it today. Rather than attempt to describe
the magnificent views, we’ll let the pictures do the work. One thing we will mention is that we saw the whole
of Mono Lake from the peak. It is arguably one of the most spectacular sights after the struggle up the mountain
because one is confronted with the view of a large blue body of water and its tufas, the salt pillars in the
highly salt-concentrated lake. From its altitude of 6,400 feet, only a small part of the lake can be seen.
However, as we stood on the peak at 13,100 feet, the perspective is quite different together with a skyline
of peaks. The reward was worth the effort—it always is; the struggle itself is a reward.
One other point is that the panorama views from Mount Dana gave us a thrill. Whereas we have always had
respect for the park, looking across at many mountains, some with snow fields covering them even before
winter, views of many lakes spread below surrounded by trees, it increased our fascination for this national
treasure further.
A more subtle view of a Saddlebag Lake but always bold mountains, from Dana Peak.
Another of Mono Lake, a highly salt-concentrated body of water.
Fortuitous that a couple of hikers were at the peak simultaneously.
We’re most pleased to announce that the editor is showing no animosity following this very challenging climb.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
We don't eat meat but could not resist the idea of worms washed down with
cold beer as we took in the delightful lake scenes outside Bishop.
No comments:
Post a Comment