Peaking on Mount Tallac, doesn't get much better...except holding one's woman.
From Tallac top, a view of Tahoe Keys and the bay. State of Nevada begins at the high-rises.
The hike to the peak of Mount Tallac is truly a challenging one over rough territory, particularly when
factoring in the snow. With two-thirds of the trail under snow, it provided an additional facet to the
experience while enhancing the beauty. The return distance is ten miles with an elevation gain of
over 3,500 feet. That's the really enjoyable part. Add in the 360 degrees view from the top as well as
gorgeous sights on the way up (and down) and it would be hard to find a more beautiful environment. Mountains,
now dusted in snow, surround one; the massive Lake Tahoe below was serene and glass-like, the many smaller
lakes including the attractive Fallen Leaf Lake to the fore of Tahoe were even prettier. There are vistas to
Tahoe Keys below, the town and lodges tucked away along forest edges and a trail with side attractions that
are outstanding. For the first time in ages, there was not a breath of wind, even on the summit, standing 9,735 feet
above sea-level. You might gather that the day was nothing short of the ultimate in hiking experiences.
Jenni peaks after a tough but interesting and enjoyable climb.
Snow-blue. As we reached a little under the peak, the contrast of snow at the top and blue water
below (Lake Tahoe) made quite an impression.
An early sun set (daylight saving change) gave us this unusual sight, fire and ice.
We mentioned before that hiking in the Desolation Wilderness has been quiet, very few venturing onto
the slopes. Mount Tallac is the exception as it is a much sought after hiking destination. Nevertheless,
there were ten of us on the day. Lynnette joined us at the summit and entertained with some interesting stories
and anecdotes of her life. We then hiked down together which was a change, as well as being the last to return to
the trailhead. We locked down the hike, closed the forest and went back home into below freezing temperatures.
The early mornings and from late afternoons on are, to put it mildly, freezing. Yet during the day, after eleven,
the weather has been magnificent. On each morning in South Tahoe, when we stood outside, the beverage in hand spilled
as it was impossible to keep the body still. Eleven degrees below freezing at ground level, gave us pause as we
considered temperatures a few thousand feet higher.
Snow-dusted target after about 700 feet climb. Quite an 'arrogant' mountain of rock.
Reflections on most of the lakes have been outstanding this fall trip.
At peak, if he looks full of himself, it's not that. He's so pleased to be there. The lake
below is the beauty, Fallen Leaf.
One of many views that send the mind into orbit.
We write of technology and relationships from time to time. We were doing a little business with a New Zealand
institution. While on the mountain, a representative of a bank called us. First point: we received a call while hiking up
a mountain. It was from a Chinese fellow working in Auckland. We are South Africans by birth, now naturalized Americans,
(although it would seem that's artificial). He asked us to scan a document and email it to him as the fax we had sent was problematic. That's when we turned to the editor to find that not only had she forgotten to bring a scanner with her but
didn't carry a computer on the trail either. What's the use of having marvelous technology if the editor adopts such
a careless attitude. Sometimes we have to shake the head and wonder.
The bowl below with many lakes and towering mountains surrounding us created an incredible atmosphere.
Quiet, serene, peaceful and dangerous.
We did not get lost on the trail, which is nice, but towards the end of the ascent missed the path because
of snow covering—some might venture to say ignorance, instead. This meant that our climb for the last few hundred
feet was on tallus, the rocks that are wedged together. Most of the time, the pieces are large and held firmly
in place. The trick is to know which aren't because a slip or fall on those jagged pieces is not something one
wishes to contemplate.
For a moment, one thinks one's on top of the world. Then one remembers the journey ahead back to the trailhead
and the daydreaming ends.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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