Part 3 in which I make it to the top AND back down!

The previous year on Mt. Adams, I had made the mistake of thinking that instant oatmeal would be appealing after sleeping in a tent high on the mountain.  This year, I carried my homemade granola up and actually had breakfast before starting the climb.  A happy way to start the day!  I packed a small day pack with a few clothing items for warmth on top, snacks and water and was ready to set out. 



Sunrise from our camp looking up to where we'll be climbing

 Right above camp, we embarked on a series of switchbacks.  I did not count them but sources give numbers between 95 - 100 switchbacks from Trail Camp up to Trail Crest Ridge.  It was a gorgeous morning, we had a good trail, and we were on our way to the top.  We were way past any large vegetation but there were these clumps of wonderful purple flowers that really brightened up the rocky trail.  I believe they are sky pilots.  Very cool!  Like God had planted them there just to make my day happier!

Other than the flowers and the occasional pika, it was pretty much rocks.  That might lead you to believe that the scenery was ugly or boring but such was not the case.  The views were absolutely breathtaking and I loved it all!

The only hand railing on the trail

Love those flowers!  They smelled good too!

From Trail Camp to Trail Crest was 2.2 miles and we gained 1620'.  Not too steep but consistently upward.  At Trail Crest we were rewarding with amazing views to the west of awesome mountains and beautiful lakes.  This was the first spot that I wished my dad were with me.  The rest of the time I'd been content to take photos of wildflowers to share with him but this sight...  I wanted him to be there with me to capture it and soak it in.  Missed you Pop!

At this point most of the climbing to the summit was behind us.  We still had 2 miles to go but only about 1000' of elevation gain.

The view to the east from Trail Crest.  Trail Lake and Consultation Lake below.

Our first view to the west into Sequoia National Park

After a refueling stop at Trail Crest, it was on to the summit!  Despite being at 13,600', I was not feeling the effects of the elevation at all.  I had no problems breathing, had lots of energy, and was soooo happy to be there!  Stay fueled, stay hydrated, stay happy!

That was pretty much the trail to the top - rocks!!

Our destination comes into sight - the far peak

We were hiking on the west side of the ridge but occasionally windows would open up where we could see back to the east again.

There were other flowers along the way besides sky pilots, although I still think they were my favorites.  These are hardy plants with specialized adaptations to help them survive the short growing season and extreme conditions that exist so high up.

Old Man of the Mountain

There were a few snow fields to cross but many had been there before us so the crossings were not too treacherous.

(Still fueled and hydrated as you'll notice!)

After the snow field and a brief climb up, the view I'd been longing for appeared.  We were almost there!  Just a few more rocks to pick our way through...

Get to the building and you're at the top!

On top of the world!  I didn't have any great revelations but just a feeling of joy and contentment, gratitude and accomplishment.  God is great, his creations are many, varied, and amazingly beautiful.  And with all He is, and knows, and does, He knew where I was, what I was doing, and He thought it was just as cool as I did.

Just happy to be there!

All of us triumphant!

After plenty of photos, a 2 day old pbj that was not particularly appetizing - but remember my mantra so I ate it anyway, some Pringles and some water, we headed back down.  Only 16 miles left for the day!  And after all, the summit is only halfway home.  Back down at Trail Camp, we broke camp and repacked our backpacks.  After hiking with a light daypack, I gotta say the bigger pack wasn't great but it wasn't really all that bad either.  11 miles stood between me and a shower, some huge dinner, and a soft bed.  No problem.  I was still in awe of the beauty of the place on the way down and loved looking at the granite cliffs and peaks, the beautiful lakes, the constantly interesting trees, and of course, the gorgeous wildflowers.

We summitted around 11, were back down to Trail Camp and packed by 2ish, and back at the car before 6:30.  The last couple of miles I do have to admit that my feet starting complaining.  Loudly.  But nothing to be done about it.  I just tried to take bigger steps so my feet would have to hit the ground fewer times.  Back at the car, I shed my boots and socks quickly.  I half expected to see blood but it was nothing so dramatic.  Blisters under 3 toenails from the downhill and a few sore spots.  It could have been worse!  I didn't wear shoes again for about a week though.  And I'm waiting for one toenail to fall off.  The others I think will make it.

The order of things once we made it back into Lone Pine - unpack the car, shower, eat a lot of pizza, go to bed.

Life is good.  And so is God. :)