2,000-foot Ascent

Alta Peak Trail inside of Sequoia National Park begins climbing from the very beginning and never really stops until the end. As you make your way through the woods, you come to a series of switchbacks leading you to a ridgeline that brings the full scope of the Sierra Mountain range into view. For the next few hours, you climb along this ridgeline with views to your right and as far as the eye can see. After working the rocky trails, you arrive at a rather flat field. Here, you have a choice to make. You can call it a day, snap some photos, eat a snack, and head back down or you can continue to Alta Peak. For me, I decided this was more than enough for me!

Snowpack

The Sierra Mountains were absolutely dumped on this winter which has resulted in a snowpack lasting far into July. I haven’t spent a lot of time hiking on snow or ice and I have spent even less time wearing crampons or micro-spikes. On this visit to Sequoia, there was still plenty of snow to be found under the shade of the canopy. As I slipped and slid all over the place, I came to appreciate the power of trekking poles and the proper footwear for the job. Lesson learned!

Creek Crossings

This extreme snowpack has led to creek crossings that rush wildly. None of the crossings on this particular trip were unmanageable, but they did give me a proper test. Trying to pick the perfect spot to cross, attempting to keep my feet dry, and managing wet socks, all gave me a taste of what life will be like next year on the Pacific Crest Trail. Once again, these are all lessons I plan to tuck away. Without a doubt, I know they will serve me well.

New Shoes

Over the years, I have hiked hundreds of miles with my hiking boots. The way my feet feel after every hike is proof that it is long past time for some new boots. A part of me is sad to see these boots go. They were the first pair I ever bought. They’ve hiked in Tennessee, Washington, Oregon, and California. They summited mountains, battled mud, found themselves covered in dust and rain. They have taken me to some unforgettable places; journeys I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Full Pack

Somewhere near the end of every trail, I have the same two thoughts: Imagine doing that with a full pack and imagine getting up and doing that again tomorrow. The hiking multiple days in a row part isn’t challenging to fathom. Doing it with a full pack is a whole other story. All my gear, water, and food, at this point in time, I can’t vividly see how I will do it. In early October, some friends of mine and I are doing a long weekend in Yosemite. This will be my first time to do a multi-day trip with a fully loaded pack. For multiple reasons, I can’t wait to report back to you on that one.

 Be good to each other,

-Nathan

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