Climbing White Mountain
It is Outdoor Wednesday and Mr. T has prepared a guest post! His latest adventure was climbing White Mountain.....a fifteen mile round trip hike.
What are the facts?
I waited at the top for the next group of hikers so that I could have my picture taken at the top as proof that I made it!
What are the facts?
- White Mountain is the third highest peak in California at 14,246 feet.
- It is located East of the Sierra Nevadas.
- White Mountain is in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevadas and has a very dry almost "moon-like" climate and appearance.
- This area has the perfect conditions for the world's oldest living trees, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine.
- The oldest of these trees is over 4,700 years old!
...Ready....let's go!
Are you crazy? was the most common response when I asked my hiking buddies if they wanted to hike up White Mountain. I had done the hike on two other occasions but the last time was eleven years ago! Sometimes if you want to do it you just have to do it alone.
On the way I came upon a small group of Big Horn Sheep.
After hiking six and a half miles, the goal was in view.
The stone hut at the top of the mountain is a high elevation laboratory maintained by the University of California, Berkeley. It is their high altitude research station.
This is a view from the top looking back from where I came.
I waited at the top for the next group of hikers so that I could have my picture taken at the top as proof that I made it!
A bonus to the hike was visiting the Bristlecone pine interpretive walk. They are the oldest living trees on earth and have a graceful beauty despite their age and growing conditions.
I totally enjoyed the hike. I took my time and enjoyed myself. It is hard to find words to describe the peace that I felt doing the hike solo.
I am participating in Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.
well that was wonderful, how nice of you to share!
ReplyDeleteThese photos are gorgeous! I love the shot of the rams. Thanks for stopping by. xo
ReplyDeleteWe looked all over the Colorado mountainside for those rams this summer...who knew they were in California! lol What a hike! and what lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteWow! thanks for sharing those are awesome pics just gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteCalling by as another participant from Outdoor Wednesday, thanks for transporting me to your part of the world for a few minutes. Truly stunning!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a heavy duty hike. I do short hikes the most probably a four mile hike RT.
ReplyDeleteWe are living on Friday to the Eastern Sierra for the foliage. Hopefully if we have enough time, we can stop at Ancient Bristlecone.
Thanks for the visit!
What a fabulous adventure! Beautiful photos, and kudos for doing the hike solo!
ReplyDeletetotally interesting and I think that old dead tree is so cool.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pictures. Wow...you must really be in good shape. I don't think I could clime a 100 foot mountain.
blessings,
shug
Beautiful pics ,especially the clear blue sky ! Congrats on making it to the top !
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful hike...it does look very peaceful. Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteWow, good for you, Kate. Your pictures are wonderful. Thanks for taking us along.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a perfect day for the hike, too! Great photos and I enjoyed the trip...especially since YOU were doing the climbing!
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