Sums up the feeling upon reaching the peak: "Can you believe these sights and views?"
Arguably, one of the most beautiful peak views we've experienced. Often stated, always meant but frequently incorrect. Pyramid Peak, left, Lake of the Woods fore and Aloha Lakes below the mountains. By the way, that's Jenni upfront.
Closer and more detailed view after 3,000 feet elevation gain.
The climb was relentless but finally, we noticed a peak. At first glance, it was disappointing—a mere bump on the ridge, some 3,000 feet above our commencement point. The surroundings were of huge open spaces on the mountains as well as dense areas of trees, no particular feature prominent. Thus far, the hike comprised a strenuous, but most enjoyable climb in a good environment. For us, the elevation gain is an important facet. Glimpses of the incredible icon, Pyramid Peak, could be seen when the gaps between trees covering the mountain permitted. We crossed the talus, not on a path, freestyle really, and headed to the top.
We made our way through a channel in the rock only feet from the top. The world paused—that's how it felt. It was astounding—as if a force had rearranged the scenery surrounding the peak as we crossed through the narrow, short channel. I lost my breath. As tired as I was, I had stopped breathing but moved forward across the ragged rocks. I peered toward the edge, looking directly ahead at two lakes, small in size but distinctive in shape and color. They appeared almost instantly, at the moment I cleared the channel. It felt as if they had been created as I reached the top. Although they lay well below the peak, perhaps 5-6 hundred feet, I don’t remember tilting my head down to see what was below. They caught my attention and held me fast.
Upper and lower Echo Lakes.
Lake Tahoe in the distance; the Ralston Lakes directly in front, captivated by the shape and coloring.
and another, in the bowl.
Training for the equivalent of the female 'Rocky series'. Jen approaching the peak sideways.
Tahoe and a little of Fallen Leaf Lake.
For a while, we had the peak to ourselves and thereafter only a couple of other people. Delightful place and time.
Water, water everywhere and never a reason to be blue.
In this region, you can't go higher.
But you can move around on a rather tricky top.
Peering over the edge to take a closer look.
The Aloha Lakes are incredible.
Delightful setting as we crisscross the peak.
When I moved my head toward the right, northwards, another two bodies of emerald-colored water confronted us. The water, confined to the attractive shaped border determined by nature's designs, contrasted with the stark granite formations surrounding it. Upper and lower Echo Lakes held our eyes. Moving the eyes further right, the massive lake of azure, Tahoe, covered much of the terrain. Only a tiny section of the most attractive Fallen Leaf Lake was on view.
Continuing to rotate the body, following the movement of the eyes, Pyramid Peak displayed its majesty, unhindered because of our pedestal. To the right, the lesser mountains complemented it. The best awaited our visual and perhaps spiritual, senses. The angle of vision allowed as to absorb the length of the multi-faceted lake, Aloha. It's gorgeous. The indescribable shape, fantastic coloring of blue, set against grey and white boulders, rocks and mountains, makes it most distinguished. The previous week, standing upon the higher peak of Tallac, the view of the lake was stunning. However, from Ralston, the angle allowed us to view much more of it. In addition, we were closer to water level although still high up. Hence, in our always subjective opinions, a superior viewpoint.
Between Aloha and our peak position stood another 2 lakes, the one a striking blue, Lake of the Woods. The contrast of coloring of the various lakes gave us another aspect of variation. As we rotated further, in the distance we noticed a waterfall we had seen at Grass Lake a week before. For a change, another lake in a bowl, towered and surrounded by a very limited number of colored mountains of the region, broke the dominance of grey and white.
We mentioned in the Mount Tallac blog recently that some rated it the best view in North America. The day following, Jen read a report from a hiker who said he preferred the Ralston position. Contrary to the popular consensus, we tend to agree with the latter opinion. The hike is strenuous, a real sweat and muscle strain and without great views until the summit. However, at the top, the sights are magnificent and make up for any deficiencies of views from the trail. They are not only beautiful, but humbling, too.
One more as Jen finds her footing with a background that's surreal.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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