Early (sort of) morning start reveals the terrain.
In almost every hike, the dominant Monte Cristo reveals itself. It's a true icon of the region.
After a short while, we face the Snowbird lodge and the beauty of the mountain.
This was the third time we climbed to Hidden Peak. Notwithstanding the name, it's not that difficult to find, but enormously strenuous to reach. Each of the three hikes has a different route with some commonality in two of them. We love some of the names of the trails, especially the Dick Bass Highway. One wonders where highway fits into the scheme of things considering the stony, steep, sandy path.
One of the incredible feats we witness, and there are many, is how vehicles driven by staff members at these ski resorts negotiate the roads/paths. Each day, we are stunned by the ingenuity of the engineering as we try to comprehend the workings of the chairlifts, trams and other structures built in and on the mountains. Should a person wish to feel inadequate, a rather unusual desire, stand under a pylon and gaze in wonder at its strength and how it was transported, assembled and installed where it is. The same goes for the ability of the trucks to negotiate the inclines and paths generally. There's another billion things I don't comprehend at all.
Talking of paths, today's was one of the steepest, consistent climbs we can remember. We had the option of taking the cycling trail in places but opted to go directly upwards. There were times that our leg muscles felt stretched, almost as if they would reach breaking point. It makes one wonder whether muscles/tendons can stretch to such a degree that they snap. Most of the hikes Jenni has selected, as I have mentioned, have been tough, with an element of danger in most. Today's, was my selection which was not dangerous, besides a narrow edge, but really tough. The climb reached 3,000 feet on some rough surfaces but always in a beautiful environment. That kind of elevation gain in 3 miles is tough stuff. What made it even more strenuous was that it was the fifth hike of the week, out of 6, in which we ascended during the period over twelve thousand feet. The hike was back-to-back with another of equal elevation gain. I know I'm going on a bit, but more than 2 miles of ascent is tough for me. Jennifer—she takes it in her stride. (continues at end...)
A deceptively steep stretch which the camera underestimates.
The two pictures below show the previous week's cirque hike. We walked along the ridge.
The two pictures below show the previous week's cirque hike. We walked along the ridge.
One of the slopes.
The final punch to the peak. The previous week, there was a sign forbidding 'uphill hiking'. They're working on the road this week, so with the sign down, we tried a rebellious finish.
Jen makes the turn and heads for a strong finish.
Enjoying the varied fall colors.
Made it. Quite a feat considering both feet arrived.
The final punch to the peak. The previous week, there was a sign forbidding 'uphill hiking'. They're working on the road this week, so with the sign down, we tried a rebellious finish.
Jen makes the turn and heads for a strong finish.
Enjoying the varied fall colors.
Made it. Quite a feat considering both feet arrived.
Finally, we continue to meet many people on the trails, each adding something of interest when we chat. It brings another facet of life to the forefront which often results in amusement, education, information—leaving one better off for having made the contact. In many of the residences in which we stay, we often have meaningful exchanges and budding relationships with staff members. Another advantage is meeting people who have lived lives so different from one's own that it's truly an eye-opener. We would like to mention Annette of the Mainstay Suites in Cottonwood Heights who is a real gem. As great as our visit has been, she's made a difference. We'd like to believe her employers realize their good fortune. Thank you, Ma'am.
Thinking of today, we exchanged some delightful words with a woman, Kimberly, struggling health-wise. (A few days later, she told us of her involvement in television animation features she produced.) Conversations often begin with an inquiry into our accents; Jenni of course, 'speaks funny'. There we stood, in the reception area of the suites, while we were extending our stay for the fifth time, (we don't like the Cottonwood area with its incredible canyons, mountains and foliage 😉), discussing baboons and giraffes with Kimberly. One thing led to another and it ended up being an amusing period prior to heading up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Perhaps that's why the hike was so tough—we were all out breath by then.
One of the stories we related was of a visit to the Drakensberg. She was fascinated with monkeys so we told her we were staying in a bungalow with a glass door. A baboon arrived and knocked the glass with its paw, trying to attract my attention, and succeeding. I heard Jen shout—she had been sleeping. At the side window, the baboon's mate had stuck her paw through the window in search of booty. I opened the door to give chase. The baboon grabbed some washing from the clothes line and dashed down a path with me in pursuit. My fearsome reputation obviously preceded me for it eventually dropped the sweater. This meant I had to rewash it.
One of the stories we related was of a visit to the Drakensberg. She was fascinated with monkeys so we told her we were staying in a bungalow with a glass door. A baboon arrived and knocked the glass with its paw, trying to attract my attention, and succeeding. I heard Jen shout—she had been sleeping. At the side window, the baboon's mate had stuck her paw through the window in search of booty. I opened the door to give chase. The baboon grabbed some washing from the clothes line and dashed down a path with me in pursuit. My fearsome reputation obviously preceded me for it eventually dropped the sweater. This meant I had to rewash it.
On our first hike to the peak, we met a Polish couple currently residing in Chicago. We began conversing and it turns out they're from Krakow, a city we enjoyed immensely, just before Covid struck. Further stories next time, we've got to get down before dark.
Jen captures raw and rough beauty.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
and a dam came out of nowhere as we close in on the peak.
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