Gorgeous, a captivating scene from Ralston peak.
Pyramid Peak, we climbed it a little over two years ago. It must be one of the most deceptive peaks and
surfaces we have been upon.
The editor was quick to inform us that the Mount Ralston is known as a butt-kicker. We are not fond of
the term but it certainly makes the point. She also informed us that according to her source, the
Desolation Wilderness is one of the most popular, if not the premier, hiking areas in the country.
Should we wish to encourage people to visit a region, we could think of a better name than 'desolation'.
Shows you how wrong our thinking is. Anyway, we set off from home which is currently Pollock Pines,
somewhere along Highway 50. The area is so attractive, exacerbated by the beauty of the fall colors.
We expected to have to fight our way through the crowds to get to the peak of Mount Ralston. The climb
is 2,800 feet over eight miles return. There are few switchbacks, making it very steep, hence
an anatomy-marking experience.
There's nothing wrong with my hat. What do you mean I have a funny face?
Looking down at the snow covered mountain next to us.
Twin Lakes a long way down as sun shines through clouds briefly.
We returned to the trailhead after five hours on the mountain but not before enjoying a tasty brunch.
Our editor sure can prepare a mean cereal and yoghurt. At that stage, unless our eyes and ears are failing,
we neither saw nor heard another human. So much for a popular destination. The next day we hiked somewhere else
and lo and behold, we were the lone hikers, too. We'd hate to see what happens on the trails in the quiet season.
Another part of the peak, while smoke from east Tahoe rises
Feels like the top of the world. From Mount Ralston wondering if that's fresh snow. Who cares?
Our editor makes us smile when she gets a little intimidated after reading about a forthcoming hike.
She epitomizes the saying, "If you think you can't do it, you're correct. If you think you can do the same
thing, you're also correct." Thus far, she has always succeeded. But there's another point to this story.
A couple of years ago, we did hike to the peak of Ralston. Now here's the kicker, not butt but brain.
We term it wisdom versus experience. A person with experience knows that it can be done because she did it
before. A person with wisdom learned that after climbing it before it's a good idea not to do it again.
We are experienced, not always wise, though.
The last part of the ascent after a steep but 'whine-less' climb throughout.
Lake Aloha with Pyramid Peak towering above in the beautiful Desolation Wilderness. Like a very rough
fairyland.
A view of Lake Tahoe, the southern side with Fallen Leaf Lake at fore.
We used a similar picture from Mount Tallac as weather was dull on Ralston 'day'
So busy doing what? At the peak, Lake Tahoe below, on a cloudy, dull day.
The weather was mostly fine, although cold at the outset. As always, the peaks are exposed and the winds
are always strong. It makes it a bit uncomfortable spending too much time in those spectacular positions.
The views were outstanding, especially of the lakes below, mountains in the near-distance and always,
the pockets of fall colors. A new addition for the season was the snow covered mountains all around.
It makes everything look serene and beautiful but a hazard under the feet.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
And you thought we were joking when we mentioned 'traveling with the kitchen sink'. I draw
the line with a fridge and stove, though. A man has to have principles.
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