There aren't many people who have the same penchant for type 2 fun that I seem to be entertained by when I head out on an adventure. I'm not sure why exactly - who doesn't enjoy suffering for the sake of a suffering - but I always try to be careful when proposing hikes, in the hopes that I'll continue to have hiking companions into the future.
Even so, I've been thoroughly impressed by the treks I've seen out of Matt @theesotericone. Every time he posts a few photos and a description of the fabulous places he ventures in the high Sierra, I find myself wanting to duplicate the experience for myself. In fact, one of his trips was the inspiration for my very long trek to Morgan Pass, and I don't recall - but wouldn't doubt - if he inspired my climb to the Tungstar Mine.
And so, when we each discovered - a bit by accident, as a result of reading between the lines on each other's reports - that we both wanted to make a go at following a massive old aerial tramway more than 6,500 feet into the Sierra, I was super excited. Immediately, we started making plans for our first meet-up, eventually coming to the conclusion that a late fall attempt - to enjoy some of the Sierra's fantastic fall colors - would probably be the time that worked best for both of us.
But as often happens in the life of people who like to get out and explore, things just seemed to fall into place for a spring trip. There'd still be snow - perhaps even enough to turn us around - but it seems we are both glutton for punishment, so what's a little white stuff on the trail.
Plus, it gave me a chance for one more foray into my favorite National Park, where I had unfinished business at the north end of Saline Valley.
The Tacoma Needs a Jump, Jump | Sky High #1 - The trip started off with a bang. It wasn't the kind of bang that's exciting and gets your blood flowing, rather, it was one of those bangs that generally indicates your day is about to change. In a bad way. Surprisingly, it wasn't my flight on Frontier - which sported the Piper the Pelican livery - where the problems began. It started when I arrived at the storage location for the Tacoma. I called the after-hours security number, and Kevin picked up after a couple rings. He sounded surprised to hear me. "Uh, I'm not there right now, give me…
Trying to Top Tom | Sky High #2 - It was dark at 4:00am, but the moon was out and I could see just the hint of light on the horizon as I pulled on a sweatshirt and began folding up the tent. Camped at just under 7,400 feet, I'd gotten my first good night of sleep in three days, banking nearly ten hours of shut-eye as a cool Sierra breeze streamed down the canyon overnight. I'd need every minute of that recharge; the day was going to be a doozy. Not that I ever really stood any chance of keeping up with Matt @theesotericone. By 4:17am, I started…
Way Up Waucoba | Sky High #3 - While Tacoma troubles may have prevented me reaching the summit of Waucoba Mountain on the first day of my trip, my failure to reach the top of Mt. Tom on the second day had me hoping for a bit of redemption. Luckily, I had a final day in my schedule before I had to head to the other side of the Sierra for a trip with Pops, so I decided to backtrack in the hopes of knocking one more summit off my list of Death Valley High Points. Wanting to get an early start, I arrived at the trailhead -…