Sierra Hikes Galleries

Thor Peak 10-17-2009 : Thor Peak; Saturday 10-17-2009; This years WPSMB annual hike took on a new meaning as we had a memorial service for the late Dr. Kent Ashcraft. Kent Ashcraft fell to his death earlier this year in one of the snow ridden culours of Thor Pk. Amazingly we had 33 people on the summit. Adding to this incredible feat was that snow from a storm earlier this week made for a class III snow climb. For some it was their first hike in snow. The memorial service at the summit is something I shall remember for the rest of my life.

Thor Peak 10-17-2009

Thor Peak 10-3-2009 : Saturday October 3, 2009; Lisa, Snow Nymph and I summited Thor Peak. Originally we were going to climb Mt. Rusell - but with high winds we decided we did not want to be up on a class III ridgeline. Bob Huey, Mindy and Alice climbed Mt. Carillon instead.

Thor Peak 10-3-2009

Scodie(x5) 09-19-2009 : Saturday morning I hiked up to Scodie on a solo hike. I was looking for a jacket I lost; but I realized I took a different drainage up this time. Will have to go back again another time before the snow starts.

Scodie(x5) 09-19-2009

Sharknose Ridge 09-12-2009 : Saturday's group included Snow Nymph fresh back from 3 months in Austrailia. We met at the Horseshoe Meadows Trailhead to climb Sharknose Ridge. We went over Mulky Pass and through Mulky Meadow to reach the summit. Today's hikers inlcuded myself, Lisa, Bob H., Snow Nymph, Alice, Sierra Sparkles(Kathy), TrailTrekker(Sooz), MtnFlyr(Joe), Ranboze(Robin), We did get rain and hail on the summit.

Sharknose Ridge 09-12-2009

White Dome 09-07-2009 : Saturday Lisa and I visited the museum in Kernville and then camped at Big Meadow. Sunday morning Alice joined us for an attempt at climbing White Dome. We got beyond Manter Meadow and Little Manter Meadow and on the ridgeline overlooking Domelands. We stopped about an hour away from the White Dome at a little over 8k feet - due to heat, low water situation and daylight hours. Next time we vowed to start earlier and remember to tank up at LMM. We hiked a little over 14 miles of the 17 mile round trip.

White Dome 09-07-2009

Moro Rock and Meadows Trail 08-29-2009 : Saturday August 29, 2009; We met for a KRVHC trip to Moro Rock and the Meadows Trails which included a Crescent Meadow loop. There were 40 people at the start of this hike. After the club hike, Lisa, Alice, Chris, Matthew and I did a wonderful wild cave tour of the Crystal Cave. Our guide Tim did an excellent job of leading us through some scenic underground passages. I would do this again sometime.

Moro Rock and Meadows Trail 08-29-2009

Crag Peak 08-22-2009 : Saturday August 22, 2009 Lisa and I met Alice, Nathan, Matthew, John, Jorge, Alfredo, Hugi, and Gong to climb Crag Peak. I have been wanting to try again to do this since Lisa, Alice and I got snowed out at the end of the season last year. We met at the Jackass Peak/Smith Meadow trailhead and hiked through Albaneta Meadow to access and summit the peak. This was the first ascent since Snow Nymph did the peak from Kennedy Meadows Campground last May. Our views were restricted due to low cloud cover and rain.

Crag Peak 08-22-2009

Mt. Russell(x5) 08-08-2009 : Saturday 08-08-2009; Jim, Rafael and I climbed Mt. Russell (14,068) via the East Ridge. This was my 5th summit of Russell and Rafael's first

Mt. Russell(x5) 08-08-2009

Mt. Silliman and Sawtooth Peak 08 01-02 2009 : This weekend was spent hiking in Mineral King on a weekend put together by Matthew. Saturday 08-01-2009 Lisa and I joined Matthew, Rafael, Alice and Karen. Also Richard and Kristy met us with his daughter and a friend. We hiked out of Lodgepole and all made it to Silliman Lake. 8 of us went on to summit Mt. Silliman. Sunday we went to Mineral King to hike Sawtooth Peak. The summit block is a class III rock that overlooks Columbine Lake with 1500 ft drops on the north side. Still lots of wildflowers to be seen.

Mt. Silliman and Sawtooth Peak 08 01-02 2009

This weekend was spent hiking in Mineral King on a weekend put togethe ...

Updated: Aug 06, 2009 6:25am PST

Salmon Creek Falls 07-25-2009 : Lisa and I joined the KRVHC for a hike to Salmon Creek Falls. It was a 8 mile round trip and a sunny and hot day. There were some wildflowers blooming. At the upper falls we took off our shoes and enjoyed the cool water in the teacup pools.

Salmon Creek Falls 07-25-2009

Mt. Whitney(x27) 07-19-2009 : Sunday 7-19-2009; Rafael, Sierra Gator, Alice, Rachel, Lisa and I set out to hike to the top of Mt. Whitney and meet Karen as she came off the JMT. Rafael started from Lone Pine Campground and finished there also for a 30 mile round trip. Sierra Gator summited in 3hours and 40 minutes - great time up for his 30th summit. It was my 27th summit and 3rd of the year. Lots of wildflowers blooming along the way. We could not get permits on Saturday until 11am, so we took a short stroll up to Cottonwood Lakes for a leg stretch and acclimation.

Mt. Whitney(x27) 07-19-2009

Alta Peak(x2 07-11-2009 : Alice, Jim, Ruth, Lisa and I started from the Wolverton Trailhead to climb Alta Peak. Jill and Sam caught up to us along the way and we all summited together. We went cross country from Emerald Lake for a 2k foot gain to the summit. We took the Panther Gap trail for the return trip. This was my 2nd summit of Alta Peak.

Alta Peak(x2 07-11-2009

Half Dome(x2), North Dome, Indian Rock 6-29/30-2009 : Saturday 6-27 we drove to Yosemite and visited various tourist type attractions. We stayed in Tualome Meadows that evaning. Sunday we climbed North Dome and Indian Rock. Sunday night we stayed in Housekeeping Camp. Monday morning we hiked Half Dome. Joining us during the weekend was Lisa, Jim(Sierra Gator), Alice, Karen, Nathan, and Matthew.

Half Dome(x2), North Dome, Indian Rock 6-29/30-2009

Mt. Whitney(x26)06-21-2009 : Sunday Jun 21, 2009; Lisa, Jim(Sierra Gator), Karen and I met to climb Mt. Whitney via the Mountaineers Route. Saturday Lisa and I visited the Eastern Sierra Museum including the Norman Clyde exhibit. We climbed the mountaineers route and came down the main trail. It was Lisa's first Whitney summit. It was Sierra Gator's 27th and my 26th. We had to use ice axe and crampons to summit the final 400. It was not a large crowd for the summer solstice hike.

Mt. Whitney(x26)06-21-2009

Pk12525, Cirque Peak(x6), Trailmaster(x3) :

Pk12525, Cirque Peak(x6), Trailmaster(x3)

Mt. Whitney(x25) 05-23-2009 : Saturday May 23, 2009; Sierra Gator and I climbed Mt. Whitney via the mountaineers route. I fresh layer of snow on the final 400 made it a bit dicey going up. We decided to descend the maint trail. This was my 25th summit and Jim's 26 summit. We had a fantastic day on the mountain.

Mt. Whitney(x25) 05-23-2009

Olancha Peak(x4) 05-09-2009 : Saturday May 9, 2009; Lisa and I joined Jim, Laura, Alice, Bob H., Nathan and Karen to hike Olancha Peak. We started before sunlight on the Sage Flat trailhead. This was my 4th summit of Olancha and a great day with friends.

Olancha Peak(x4) 05-09-2009

Meyson Trail 05-03-2009 : Sunday had a nice morning leg stretch up the Meysan Trail with Lisa. On the way down we ran into a female grouse who did not like us in her territory.

Meyson Trail 05-03-2009

Yellow Jacket(x2) 5-2-2009 : Saturday 05-02-2009 Lisa and I joined Alice, Jim, Nathan, Kathy and Karen for a hike to Yellow Jacket. We returned some of the pages of the last summit register. On our last summit, we had found them water logged because someone had left the can upside down allowing the to get soaked - many of the pages were ruined.

Yellow Jacket(x2) 5-2-2009

Lightner Peak(x3), Hobo, and Breckenridge 04-18-2009 : This last Saturday was the club hike to Mill Creek. A few of us decided to also hike Lightner Peak with some added variations. At 5:30am Lisa, Nathan, Karen and I started out on the Remington Trail to hike to Lightner Peak. From Lightner we followed the Hobo Ridge including Hobo Peak benchmark. From here we cross country routed to Lightner Flat. From Lightner Flat we hiked to Breckenridge Campground and then some more cross country to the Breckenridge Lookout and highpoint(7500ft) . We had originally planned to meet Alice, Jill and Nick at Squirrel Meadow and hike down the Mill Creek trail together. They had started two hours after us but were not hiking the Breckeridge part of the hike. A couple of delays on our part and a faulty radio kept us from meeting up at the planned rendevous. Alice's group waited until about 2:30 and then hiked on down the trail. To further complicate the day, we missed the Mill Creek junction at Squirrel Meadow. My GPS was able to confirm the error but we were on a road that seemed to head downhill. After a mile the road turned and was obviously heading back to Breckeridge Rd. My home maps showed a leg of the Mill Creek Trail that led to Lightner Flat( I had also preloaded this track line into my GPS) so we decided to hump over and take this secondary option down. As everyone in the group can tell you - that trail aint no more. We followed an old log road down a ways and then it disappeared leaving only various game trails crossing on either side of the creek drainage. We spend the next 3 hours in some of the worst bushwhacking and sidehilling that I have had to come down in a long time. We barely made it back to the Mill Creek Junction before needing headlights to return to the car. We finally made it back to the car at 8:30pm - making for a 15.5 hour day.Stats on the day included 25.75miles; 7700ft of elevation gain including 4 miles of very rugged bushwhacking.

Lightner Peak(x3), Hobo, and Breckenridge 04-18-2009

Lamont Point, Lamont Peak(x2), and Lightner(x2) 04-04-2009 and 04-05-2009 : Saturday 04-04-2009; Lisa, Tom G., Jim F., Alice and I met to hike Spanish Needle from Lamont Meadow. When we arrived at the saddle we realized there was more snow than we were ready for and decided to hike Lamont Point instead. When we were done, we all went over and climbed Lamont Peak as well(except Tom G. who had a dinner party to attend). Sunday Lisa and I met Jim F to climb Bald Eagle Peak. The gate was locked to our trailhead so we went up Breckenridge and climbed Lightner instead.

Lamont Point, Lamont Peak(x2), and Lightner(x2) 04-04-2009 and 04-05-2009

Morris Ridge 03-28-2009 :

Morris Ridge 03-28-2009

Rincon Trail - Packsaddle Cave 3-7-2009 : Saturday March 7,20009; 36 of us started out on the Rincon Trail and hiked to the Salmon Creek Bridge. About 1/3 of us continued on to visit the Packsaddle Cave also. A wonderfully warm day with clear views throughout the day.

Rincon Trail - Packsaddle Cave 3-7-2009

Democrat Dam 2-14-2009 : Valentine's day 02-14-2009 Lisa, Bea, Dave, Alice, Nathan, Kathy, Chris, Nick, Mathew, Alejondro, Filipe and I hiked from the Delonegha Campground to the Democrat Dam. This trip was about 11 miles with 2600 feet of gain. We were done hiking early and went to visit Kernville for Whisky Flats Days. The snow from Friday's storms melted quickly and the afternoon flowers were spectacular for early season

Democrat Dam 2-14-2009

snow shoe to Bighorn Park : Saturday January 31, 2009; Rachel, Lacey and I parked at the Meysan trail head and hiked up to Bighorn Park. We did not put on our snow shoes until about halfway to Lone Pine Lake. Sunny skies and warm temps - great day on the mountain.

snow shoe to Bighorn Park

Pinyon Peak 01-24-2009 : Saturday 01-24-2009; Tom G., Nathan, Karen, Lisa and I met at Walkers Pass Campground and commuted east to climb Pinyon Peak. This was my first new peak summit of the year. The hike was about 7 miles with 3k feet of elevation gain. The next day I hiked a couple miles up Cane Brake Creek to try and find my lost jacket.

Pinyon Peak 01-24-2009

Black Mountain(x4) 12-27-2008 : Saturday December 27 2008; Lisa, Alice and I met at the Greenhorn summit to climb Black Mountain. This was a snow shoe trip and about 5 miles round trip. This was my 4th summit of Black. The weather was clear and sunny for a beautiful day on the mountain.

Black Mountain(x4) 12-27-2008

Mayan, Pinyon, and Gold : Friday December 26, 2008; Lisa, Nathan and I met to climb Mayan, Pinyon and Gold in the Kelso Valley area. After driving on a snow covered road to meet in South Lake, the trip was almost aborted when we got stuck on ice on the Kelso Valley Rd. My 4WD would not engage and I was spinning. We cleaned some ice and eventually were able to continue for what was a perfect afternoon of hiking.

Mayan, Pinyon, and Gold

Harley Mountain(x3) 12-14-2008 : Sunday 12-14-2008; Lisa and I met Snow Nymph and Tom G. in Lake Isabella. We climbed Harley Peak under clear cool skies. Although the clouds built up midday, we did not recieve any new snow. Since we had a party to go to, Lisa and I jogged back down the trail. This was my 3rd summit of Harley.

Harley Mountain(x3) 12-14-2008

Scodie Peak (x4) 12-13-2008 : 12-13-2008; 16 of the 19 of us that started out summited Scodie Peak. With wind gusts exceeding 60mph on the summit and ambient temp around 35 degrees; this was probably the coldest hike in the KRVHC schedule. For such a cold and windy day, we had a great turnout. It was another fun day on the mountain. This was summit x4 on Scodie. After the hike we took Alice out to dinner for her birthday(last Saturday).

Scodie Peak (x4) 12-13-2008

Chukkar Peak 11-30-2008 : Sunday 11-30-2008; Rachel and I started out to do a short climb to check out a ridgeline near Little Lake. By the time we reached the high point we found it to be a named peak with a register. Chukkar Peak at 6610ft elevation is a peak that is rarely climbed. Fantastic views of the Coso Range and Indian Wells Valley.

Chukkar Peak 11-30-2008

Split(x2) - Black (x3) 11-29-2008 : Saturday November 29th was a scheduled hike for the KRVHC. We wanted to hike Split Mountain and add a loop to Black as well for those strong enough to do both peaks. We started by visiting the picto cave. 13 of us made it to the summit of Split(Tom, Lisa, Bob H., Alice, Rafael, Nathan, Kevin, Glenn, Becca, Deborah, Chris, Cynthia and John. 8 of us also made it to the summit of Black. Ann and Jerry had to change the plans due to some car issues - but still were able to summit Black this day. We met at the Greenhorn Grille after the hike to plan the next 6 months of schedule.

Split(x2) - Black (x3) 11-29-2008

Cannel Trail 11-9-2008 : We had originally planned to climb Crag peak out of Blackrock. The snow and ice kept Alice from driving over Sherman Pass so they stayed in Kernville. After and hour or so - I figured out they were not coming and drove out - found updated message and drove to Kernville. Alice and Lisa had started up the Cannell Trail - so I hiked up to meet them part way and we all hiked down together.

Cannel Trail 11-9-2008

Packsaddle Cave 11-1-2008 : 11-1-2008; A KRVHC scheduled hike to the Packsaddle Cave. A few of us left early and took and alternate route so we could surprise the main group. Halloween fright was awaiting inside the cave. Rains were light throughout the day. Fortunately the worst hit while we were safetly playing inside the cave. BOO !!!

Packsaddle Cave 11-1-2008

Bear Mountain 10-25-2008 : Saturday 10-25-2008; I met Rafael, Lisa, Alice, Nathan, Karen, Rick K., GigaMike, and Pamela near Arvin to climb Bear Mountain. We had a delayed start when I locked my keys in my truck before the start of the hike - with my pack and boots still inside. It was a warm hike but relatively clear views. After the hike I had to drive to Death Valley to meet others for a birthday party and desert hike the next day.

Bear Mountain 10-25-2008

Spanish Needle (x6) 10-18-2008 : Saturday 10-18-2008; Snow Nymph, Dave G., Rachel and I hiked Spanish Needle from Lamont Meadow. Occasional sprinkles and hail but a beautiful day on the mountain.

Spanish Needle (x6) 10-18-2008

Hooker Meadow and Aspen Grove 10-11-2008 :

Hooker Meadow and Aspen Grove 10-11-2008

Heald 10-4-08 : Saturday October 4,2008; met Nathan, Alice, Lisa, Karen and Jaimee for a hike up to Heald Peak. This was our first time of starting on the western side and we had no problem reaching the summit. The views of Lake Isabella along the way were incredible - especially with the low cloud cover

Heald 10-4-08

WPSMB Group Hike - Dragon(x10) 09-27-2008 : WPSMB Group hike - 11 of us summited Dragon with several others hiking to the upper lakes area. After went to a potluck party at the Hostel

WPSMB Group Hike - Dragon(x10) 09-27-2008

Round Mountain(x3) 9-21-2008 :

Round Mountain(x3) 9-21-2008

Muah Mountain(x2) 09-20-2008 : Saturday 09-20-2008; I met Snow Nymph, Sparkles, Trailtrekker, Chip,Ranboze, and MtnFlyer for a summit of Muah Mountain. We got a late start because I stopped to help a friend on the road. We ended up summiting when a separate Sierra Club trip event also had people hitting the summit. Stunning views of the upper Kern Plateau. Also used opportunity to celebrate Ranboze birthday.

Muah Mountain(x2) 09-20-2008

Dragon Peak(x9) 09-14-2008 : Sunday 09-14-2008; Kathy, Moose Tracks and I met at Onion Valley for a climb to Dragon Peak. This made my 9th summit of Dragon. We took our time and lots of photos as preparation for an upcoming trip to the area for the WPSMB group hike.

Dragon Peak(x9) 09-14-2008

Wotans Throne(x2) 08-23-2008 : Saturday August 23,2008 - Happy Birthday to Rachel with a nice hike up to Wotans Throne. On board were Rachel, Kathy, Trail Trekker,Moose Tracks, Ranboze, Tom G, Giga Mike;Gordon and myself. Afterwards we celebrated with pie and cake at the Portal Store

Wotans Throne(x2) 08-23-2008

Mt. Gould(x5) 08-17-2008 : Sunday - Rachel, Moosetracks, Nathan, Gordand and I hiked Mt. Gould from Kearsarge Pass. This was my 5th summit and I was glad to again hop on the summit block.

Mt. Gould(x5) 08-17-2008

Langley 08-09-08 : Saturday 08-09-08 Rachel, Rafael, Kathy, Karen and I summited Mt. Langley -we dayhiked from the old trailhead - this was my 3rd summit.

Langley 08-09-08

Schaeffer and Lookout 08-02-2008 : Saturday morning started by doing some scouting for the group mystery hike the following week. Then Alice, Kathy, Karen, Nathan and I went to Bonita Meadow for lunch and climbed Lookout Mountain and Schaeffer Mountain. Nice register entries by Ruby Jenkins on Schaeffer. Stopped by Bald Mountain Lookout on the way home.

Schaeffer and Lookout 08-02-2008

Mt. Whitney(x24) 07-27-2008 :

Mt. Whitney(x24) 07-27-2008

Muir Lake 07-26-2008 : Saturday 07-26-2008 was a scheduled hike for the KRVHC to the Cottonwood Lakes. We hiked up to Muir Lake where a few of us decided to take a swim for the afternoon. It was a nice relaxing day to acclimate for the Whitney hike of the next day.

Muir Lake 07-26-2008

Rixford 07-19-2008 : Rachel, Snow Nymph, Kathy M, Tom G., Trail Trekker, Ranboze and I started out from Onion Valley to climb Mt. Rixford. Our route was a big talus slog from the Keararge Pass trail. Turned around before the summit due to time constraints.

Rixford 07-19-2008

Needles Lookout(x2) & Slate Mountain(x2) 7-12-2008 : Needles Lookout and Slate Mountain - we hiked these as a KRVHC group hike. This was my second summit of both - this year we did the Needles first. We had a light afternoon shower in the afternoon as we summited Slate Mountain. It helped to wash down the smoke.

Needles Lookout(x2) & Slate Mountain(x2) 7-12-2008

Alta Peak 07-05-2008 : Rafael, Alice, Kathy, Nathan and I hiked Alta Peak from the Wolverton trail head. We went up through Panther Gap and descended via Pear Lake for a nice loop trip. This was the first time Nathan had hiked over 10,000feet but his 36th peak of the year. Lots of wild flowers out including columbine, shooting stars and leopard lillies,

Alta Peak 07-05-2008

Half Dome 06-23-2008 : Nathan, Alice, Kathy, Karen, Jim and I met to hike Half Dome in Yosemite. Sunday driving in we noted some smoke from lightning started fired from Saturday. By Sunday's hike, the whole Yosemite Valley was hazy. All 6 of us had a great hike and spent at least two hours on the summit. The cables were no problem for any of our group and the traffic was light.

Half Dome 06-23-2008

Gamblers Special and Moose Tracks birthday :

Gamblers Special and Moose Tracks birthday

Dragon Peak (x8) 6-14-2008 : June 14,2008; Snow Nymph, Alice, Karen, Kathy, Holly and I met at Onion Valley for a day hike to Dragon Peak. Holly took Zack for a walk along the Kearsarge Pass trail while the rest of us hiked up the Golden Trout drainage. The hike past the lakes and to the ridge was about 50/50 coverage with snow - and mostly snow above the highest lake. The traverse was snow free and the crack ledge to the summit block was my favorite. This was my 8th summit of Dragon. The good snow coverage made for one almost continuous glisade back down to the lake.

Dragon Peak (x8) 6-14-2008

Spanish Needle (x5) 5-31-2008 : 2 weeks ago I missed doing this peak with Snow Nymph and Tom G. due to a foot injury. But this weekend found the foot feeling better and the temps cooler. Holly, Rafael, Kathy, Nathan, Lisa, Alice and I all met Saturday morning for a drive into Lamont Meadow for another try at Spanish Needle. We reached Spanish Needle Saddle in just over an hour. Here we took a snack break and cached some water for the return trip out. From the saddle you traverse a series of loose ribs and gullies and then ascend a fairly pronounced gully towards a rocky ridgeline. The climax of the trip - an offangled ramp of about 35-40 degrees with a steep dropoff - or an alternate class III chimney that can be used as a bypass. The final leap to the summit block spans over a 60" gap - for some a long step - for others this can be an intimidating chasm to cross. Fantastic day on the mountain - this was my 5th summit of Spanish Needle and I have been blessed each time to be up with friends.

Spanish Needle (x5) 5-31-2008

Morris Peak(x9) and Mount Jenkins(6) 5-24-2008 : KRVHC - club was formed by Ruby Jenkins who lost her life after a battle with cancer this last year. In addition to the club she also was responsible for 2 guide books which are inspirational for people hiking and exploring in the southern sierras. This hike to Mount Jenkins was our memorial hike to honor that legacy.

Morris Peak(x9) and Mount Jenkins(6) 5-24-2008

Black Mountain(x2) 05-18-2008 : 5-18-2008; meeting to plan the next 6 months hikes for the KRVHC - a few of us decided to hike Black Mountain before the festivities began - last time it was a snow shoe hike - this time it was no snow and clear weather.

Black Mountain(x2) 05-18-2008

Sawtooth(x6) 5-17-2008 :

Sawtooth(x6) 5-17-2008

Rincon Trail - Packsaddle Cave 5-10-2008 :

Rincon Trail - Packsaddle Cave 5-10-2008

Diorite Peak 5-3-2008 : Joined the KRVHC for an invited hike inside the Tejon Ranch. From Bear Trap Meadow we summited Diorite Peak. Diorite is on a ridgeline which includes the original Tehachapi Mountain and the Liebre Twins.

Diorite Peak 5-3-2008

East Face Lake - return to the North Fork 04-26-2008 : Saturday April 26,2008; I was hoping to summit Mt. Whitney via the MR for my 25th summit. On this day, my apparent lack of acclimitizing got the best of me. Usually I reach East Face Lake in 4-5 hours - today it was 6. I felt if I continued to the top I would slow my hiking partners down and hiking down my have become longer and more treacherous. I told them to continue to the summit and I hung out at the lake for a couple hours to get some good acclimation time and enjoy the perfect weather.

East Face Lake - return to the North Fork 04-26-2008

Sawtooth(x5) 4-20-2008 : Sunday April 20,2008; decided for a great breakfast before hiking. Then Snow Nymph, Moose Tracks, Kathy M., Giga Mike, T-Dawg Tara and I hiked up to Sawtooth for what was my 5th summit of a fun little peak. Taking the crag variation is a great route. Wind and blowing dust hindered views at the top - but still an excellent day on the mountain.

Sawtooth(x5) 4-20-2008

Lamont East 04-19-2008 : Saturday April 19,2008 was scheduled as a return to Spanish Needle. There were a total of 12 of us on this hike including Tomcat, Snow Nymph, Bob H., Tom G., Moose Tracks, Giga Mike, Alice, Kathy M.(first hike without the cast), Lisa, Tara, Nathan and Rafael. When we arrived at the saddle we decided there was probably too much snow for this class III peak. We modified and hiked over to Lamont East for a new summit for all 12 of us. BBQ and party and Chimney Creek Campground afterwards.

Lamont East 04-19-2008

Cross(x2) and Chuckwalla(x5) 04-13-2008 : Since I have started up this ridge 4 times this year; I wanted to come back a finish this double peak hike of Chuickwalla and Cross in the southern sierras. After hiking for 13.5 hours on Sarurday in Death Valley with Snow Nymph; I had little time to prepare for this hike. The hike was hotter than anyone expected and everyone ran out of water towards the end of the day. We found a seep spring to cool off in the afternoon. Poppies, Blue Dick and other varieties of wildflowers - although I expect for not too many more weeks here. Some of the Yucca will probably be in bloom in about 2 weeks. Kathy hiked the nearly 10 miles in her cast for the second week in a row - last hike in pink cast.

Cross(x2) and Chuckwalla(x5) 04-13-2008

Cross wildflowers 4-6-2008 : Sunday hike was supposed to be Cross and Chuckwalla. This would be my 3rd time this year to attempt to complete this hike. The wildflowers were totally awesome with blooms including poppies, lupine, blue dick, and paint brush. Moose Tracks slipped on a rock on the way to Cross and managed to slice open her hand. In field triage and then we hiked her out to go to ER for some stitches. Nate, Paul, Glenn, Alice and Kathy continued on to make the summit of Cross. They said was too windy in the afternoon to want to hike Chuckwalla as well.

Cross wildflowers 4-6-2008

Sawtooth(x4) 03-30-2008 : Sunday March 30,2008; Met Nathan, Alice and Bea for a hike to Sawtooth. We started from the PCT crossing of the Chimney Peak Rd. We took the alternate route leading up a drainage just north of some crags. At a little under 7,000 feet we ran into clouds, wind and horfrost on the trees. The sun came out in the afternoon and made for a pleasant hike out.

Sawtooth(x4) 03-30-2008

Harley Mountain 03-29-2008 : 3-29-2008 joined members of the KRVHC to climb Harley Peak. This was my 2nd summit of this peak which overlooks Kernville. I left 15 minutes early so I could bag Peak4176 - the small hill on the rise above the singing gate. From the summit, Doug showed us the Harley Mine access. We decided to take the old miners trail down and was rewarded with a hillside of poppies and other flowers along our path.

Harley Mountain 03-29-2008

Chuckwalla and Pk4762 03-01-2008 : Saturday we had a planned hike of the KRVHC to Chuwalla Peak and Cross Mountain. 12 of us started up the hill and encountered high winds along the ridgeline. Chuckwalla was exposed and windy but re reached summit in a little over an hour. Cross was socked in by clouds we decided to just summit its nighbor Pk4762 with much better views. The hills are green and I would anticipate another 3-4 weeks should make for a fantastic wildflower showing.

Chuckwalla and Pk4762 03-01-2008

Lightner Peak 02-23-2008 : Saturday February 23,2008 - initial plans were to climb Sawtooth - but with fresh new snow decided it would spoil the planned route. So we drove west of Lake Isabella to hike Lightner Peak from the Remington Ridge trailhead. After about 2.5 miles we were hiking in snow. Although a slight amount of postholing in some areas it was not a "snow shoes" hike. Congrats to Nathan on his first peak summit register.

Lightner Peak 02-23-2008

Nichols Peak 02-17-2008 : Sunday February 17, 2008; Nathan, Alice, Kathy, Rachel and I met to make an attempt at Heald or Nichols or both depending on conditions. Again we started from a southerly ridge witch would top us out on the crest halfway between the two peaks. However the closer to the crest - the more the ridgeline is mostly alternating between bushwhacking and boulder scrambling. Nathan turned back at 12:00 per family obligation. The rest of us summited Nichols a little past 3pm. Enroute down to car Kathy landed wrong and suffered a break in her leg requiring evacuation.

Nichols Peak 02-17-2008

Black Mountain 02-10-2008 : Sunday February 10,2008; I met Lisa, Kathy, Julie and Alice at the Greenhorn Summit. We snow shoed up to Black Mountain. The weather was perfect and the workout was just right. We had to dig a little at the summit to find a register. Got some fun glisading in off the mountain.

Black Mountain 02-10-2008

Whitney Portal snow shoe 01-25-2008 : Saturday 01-25-2008; after snows of the last two days it was a good day to get out and try out the new camera. I drove up the Whitney Portal Rd. to the road closed sign and snow shoed up to the portals. Met up with Doug F. a little below the portals and we hiked down together.

Whitney Portal snow shoe 01-25-2008

Kern River Trail : Alice, Kathy, Bea, Nathan and I met at the Delonegha Rd. for a hike of the Flower Trail or Kern River Trail. Alice estimated the total loop was about 10-12 miles and we were feeling good so decided to continue for the complete loop. Nathan was on a time limit so turned back to get home by noon( I think he was a little late). The rest of us did the loop hike. Alice's estimate turnd out to be a little off and it was a 17. mile hike with 3600 feet of gain. Beautiful day on the mountain.

Kern River Trail

Mt. Alice 01-19-2008 : this was my second attempt at Mt. Alice - in the snow it represents a 4,000+ft gain in about 2.5 miles. Moose Tracks, Giga Mike, Rachel and I met to attempt this hike. We ran into Snow Nymph and Bullet at the trail head who were skiing Mt. Kidd. We made it to 10,450 which is about 1100 vertical feet shy of the summit. It was a late start glisading back so some of the conditions were icy.

Mt. Alice 01-19-2008

Big Pine snow shoeing 12-26-2007 : After meeting Laura for breakfast in Bishop - Snow Nymph and I drove up to Big Pine Creek trailhead for a day of snow shoeing. Our original goal was to climb Mt. Alice. We only climbed to 9400ft. The summit is 11,500ft. At our 2pm turnaround time it started to snow and snowed all the way down and back to the cars. Great winter day of mountaineering.

Big Pine snow shoeing 12-26-2007

Scodie Peak 12-2-2007 : Sunday 12-2-2007; Kathy, Bea, Alice, Laura(Moose Tracks), Cori(Snow Nympyh) and I met at the Walkers Pass Campground. The trail follows the PCT south for about 4.5 miles where you leave to jump up on the ridge - then another 1.5 miles to summit. Great day on the summit. We took an alternate direct route back to the trailhead.

Scodie Peak 12-2-2007

Round Mountain 12-1-2007 :

Round Mountain 12-1-2007

Harley Mountain 11-11-2007 : Sunday met friends from KRVHC. We started at the Cannell trailhead. Hiked about 4.5 miles to saddle and then took use trail for about 600 feet of gain to Halrey Peak. those hiking included Glenn, Alice, Bob, Kathy, Michael, Kris, Mike, Linda, Teresa, Galina, Robin, & Dorothy

Harley Mountain 11-11-2007

Thor Peak 11-10-2007 : Saturday Bob H., Bob A. Rachel and I hiked up to Thor Peak. We went up the smiley face route. Ice is an issue along the slabs below Clyde Meadow. We descended via SE colour. It was disappointing not to have a burger and beer at the portals - sure sign winter must be coming.

Thor Peak 11-10-2007

Olancha Peak 11-4-2007 : Scott, Aysel, Lee and I summited Olancha Peak on Sunday. This was my 3rd summit. The weather was great although the days are definately getting shorter.

Olancha Peak 11-4-2007

River Trail 11-3-2007 : 11-3-2007 met members of the Kern River Valley Hiking Club. we hiked up the river trail from the Johnsondale Bridge - then over to the Rincon Trail partly descending via Brush Creek. approximately 10 miles round trip. members incl Glenn, Remi, Audi, Bev, Norm(with Bud), Holly, Lisa(with Jamie), Alice, Michael, Tara, Kathy(with Lady), Larry, J.C.(with Harley), and Bea.

River Trail 11-3-2007

Whiskey Flats Trail 10-20-2007 : seven of us from the KRVHC met in Kernville to hike the Whiskey Flats Trail which parralles the Kern River ending at McNalley's restaraunt. the trail is 14.5 miles long and everyone made it with no problems.

Whiskey Flats Trail 10-20-2007

Trailmaster Peak 10-13-2007 : This weekend was my 26th week in a row of hiking to 10,000ft or above - originally we were going to hike Trailmaster and Cirque Peaks - but it was a fun social day and we just hiked to Trailmaster. Since some of us were just going to hike Whitney the next day - a lazy today was ok. A great weekend shared with friends - and a light dusting of snow on the ground too.

Trailmaster Peak 10-13-2007

Thor Peak 10-14-2007 : originally we were planning to hike Moutaineers Route to finale my 26 week streak at 10,000ft - but late start times, upset stomachs and other reasons we decided at our lazy pace we would not be out till well after dark. so we modified the plan and summited Thor Peak instead. for Laura and Mike it was their first time doing the Smiley Route and for Richard it had been about 5 years. with the fresh snow it was still a fun little adventure for the day.

Thor Peak 10-14-2007

Snow Crown and Topix group trip 09-30-2007 : group hike for HiSierraTopix forum. Saturday Sept 29 we all met and hiked up the Onion Valley trail head to summit Snow Crown. this was followed by dinner at the pizza factory incl surprise birthday cake and cards. afterwards we went to camp at LPCG with fire, alcohol and lots of laughs and funs. Sunday morning was spent lazily up at the portals as we all wound down from a great weekend.

Snow Crown and Topix group trip 09-30-2007

Gamblers Special 09-23-2007 : Sunday 09-23-2007; Bob R., Bob H., Bill S. and I hiked up to the Gamblers Special. this was my second time up there this year. we ascended the chute from the south side - normally a bit of a scree slog but with Friday and Saturday's light snows it made for a more enjoyable hike up. besides my two trips up this peak this year only one other ascent was made(GigaMike solo). this makes 23 weeks in a row hiking to 10,000ft or above.

Gamblers Special 09-23-2007

Mt. Russell(x4) 09-15-2007 : Sierra Gator, Nordic Lass, Rachel and I started from the Portals about 5:15am; with a planned summit of Mt. Russell. at the Carillon-Russell saddle we met Moose Tracks and Snow Nymph and together hiked the east ridge route to Mt. Russell.

Mt. Russell(x4) 09-15-2007

Snow Crown 09-09-2007 : Sunday 09-09-2007; after the later finish on Baldwin yesterday I thought I might be toast for today's hike. Joe drove up from Ridgecrest and after a slow start from me(I slept near the trailhead) we were off by about 7:15am. made the summit in about 4 hours and total trip time was about 6.5 hours. awesome views of surrounding lakes.

Snow Crown 09-09-2007

Mt. Baldwin 09-08-2007 : Saturday Sept 09,2007; Snow Nymph, Rachel and I hiked up and summited Mt. Baldwin from Convict Lake. we saw regular helicopter and airplane patrol searches - maybe they were looking for Steve Fossett or his plane. fun peak - was getting close to dark by the time we got back but I chose not to wear headlight. came upon a good sized bear on the trail heading for some evening fish. he did not want to get off the trail and "growled" at me when we yelled at him and took pictures.

Mt. Baldwin 09-08-2007

Finger Lake 09-02-2007 : originally Rachel and I had planned to dayhike Middle Palasade. we were estimating a 17 hour day and planned to start at 4am and hoped to catch up to Snow Nymph and here group above Finger Lake. maybe we should not have bagged Cloudripper and Vagabond the day before because neither of us felt like getting up at 3am. so we slept in and started on the trail at 8am. we arrived at Finger Lake at about 3.5 hours. knowing we were not going to summit we decided to explore the east side route around Finger Lake. we had radio contact with the Middle Palisade hiker and watched from vantage below as they summitted. would have nice to have been there but was not in the mood for a 17 hour day.

Finger Lake 09-02-2007

Cloudripper and Vagabond - Sept 1 2007 : Rachel and I hiked out of South Lake - met Sierra Gator and Nordic Lass at Green Lake. together we all summited Vagabond and then Cloudripper. it was sweet for Rachel and I as we both failed on a previous hike due to a variety of reasons last year. it was Nordic Lass' first 13k peak. stunning views including Palasades and Bishop Lakes area.

Cloudripper and Vagabond - Sept 1 2007

Thor Peak 08-25-2007 / Clyde Meadow 08-26-2007 : Saturday morning - still trail worn from the previous day's hike - so we first had breakfast when the store opened - then Sierra Gator and I headed up the "smiley face" route to Thor. we descended the SE Culour and stopped to check out the spot from his avalanche accident of a few years ago. Sunday we just did a small hike up to Clyde Meadow and back.

Thor Peak 08-25-2007 / Clyde Meadow 08-26-2007

Mt. Whitney(x23) 08-24-2007 : 08-24-2007 was just up here last week but decided to join SierraGator and a few friends. so back up the Mountaineer's Route for the 2nd time in less than a week. Tara and Alice drove over from Bakersfield area; Don is also from Ridgecrest; and Sierra Gator drove over from Sin City(Vegas). this was my official 20th MR summit and 5th for the year.

Mt. Whitney(x23) 08-24-2007

Mt. Whitney(x22) 08-19-2007 : Mt. Whitney - my 22nd summit incl 4 this year and my 19th via the MR. 8 of us set out from the trailhead at 4:30am incl Rachel, Jill, Holly, Sam, Devon, Bob, Snow Nymph and myself. we all made it up successfully and down in time for burgers and fries from Doug's place. some things are best when shared with friends.

Mt. Whitney(x22) 08-19-2007

Independence Peak 08-18-2007 : amongst smokey skies - drove up to Independence to hike to Inderpendence Peak. met Snow Nymph, Trailtrekker and Crazy Bob - we all summited with no problem. back at the trailhead we met Sam, Jill, and Holly after their hike to Robinson Lake - they would be joining us for Mt. Whitney the following day.

Independence Peak 08-18-2007

Mt. Hale 08-11-2007 : the 2007 Sierra Challenge was climbing Mt. Hale today. Rachel and I joined for my virgin peak in the challenge. we set out on the trailhead at 4:30am and arrived on summit at 1:00pm - we should have picked a closer chute to go up - that probably cost us at least an hour. it was my first time in the Arctic Lakes drainage and views included Whitney's north and west sides; along with Wallace and Wales Lake to the north. smoke from a couple of fires were in the sky.

Mt. Hale 08-11-2007

Hurd Peak 08-05-2007 :

Hurd Peak 08-05-2007

Bloody Mountain 8-4-2007 : Saturday 08-04-2007; met Snow Nymph, Trailtrekker, and Rachel for a climb up to Bloody Mountain. stunning views incl Mono Lake, Mammoth, Minnerets and lots more. Everyone made summit and we wound the day down with a dinner at Whoa Nellie Deli. the only disappointing part was when I got back to my truck at the base of Sherwin Creek Rd. and found some guy had blocked me in with his lifted truck - only stunning driving with an outside navigator got me out. why do people have to be so inconsiderate of others.

Bloody Mountain 8-4-2007

Muah Mountain 7-29-2007 : Sunday July 29, 2007; Rachel and I drove to Horseshoe Meadow for a hike to Muah Mountain. we went over Mulkey Pass to the PCT and then stayed on the PCT until a meadow below Muah. after a 1500ft gain we both happily arrived on summit(11,016ft). on the way back we got some sprinkles around Mulkey Pass but nothing much. Langley looked like it got a little more rain. good day on the mountain.

Muah Mountain 7-29-2007

Sherman Peak 7-28-2007 : July 28,2007; 8 of us from the KRVHC(Alice, Bob, Tomcat, Tara, Sam, Jill, Dave & Bea) set out on a little exlporatory hike in prep to next weeks group hike. we started from Sherman Pass and hiked to the corral just before Corral Meadow - then hiked back to Sherman Peak. some cloud cover kept the temps from getting too warm but still a nice shorts weather of a day.

Sherman Peak 7-28-2007

Thor Peak 7-22-2007 :

Thor Peak 7-22-2007

Mt. Whitney(x21) 7-21-2007 : gosh it seems like I was just up here - Saturday July 21- hiked with some friends from Ridgecrest - Joe, Eric, and I started out from the trail head about 5:15am. any day on the mountain beats your best at the office. arrived at the summit to find a nice crowd coming from all routes incl MR, EF, Buttress, & MT. arrived back at the store to more cold beer and more friends. a nice summit X21

Mt. Whitney(x21) 7-21-2007

Sirretta Peak 7-15-2007 : 10 of us(9 by Bob's count) from the KRVHC met on 7-15-2007 to hike to Sirretta Pass - then back to Sirretta Peak. from Sirretta Pass we had great views into the Domeland Wilderness and some eastern peaks including Olancha and Langley

Sirretta Peak 7-15-2007

Mount Emerson 7-14-2007 : Saturday July 14, 2007 - climbed Mount Emerson (13,255ft). Sierragator, SnowNymph and Tomcat out for a day in the sierras. We met Asher Waxman and Dan Richter - who joined us for a successful summit of Mt. Emmerson. It was my 3rd attempt and was glad Dan and Asher had a good route plan - we modified our original plan opting to take the south rib up from small lake above Loch Leven. all in all was a great day with good friends on the moutain - what more could you ask for.

Mount Emerson 7-14-2007

Thor Peak 7-4-2007 : Wednesday July 4th, 2007 - Snow Nymph and Tomcat summited Thor via a class III route from Girl Scout Lake - we descended via the SE coloutr. the weather was perfect and made for a fun day on the mountain - nice way to celebrate a holiday.

Thor Peak 7-4-2007

Salmon Creek Trail 7-1-2007 :

Salmon Creek Trail 7-1-2007

Mt. Whitney(x20) 6-30-2007 : Tom K.. Art E., Becky B. and Tomcat_rc - a beaitiful to hike up the Mountaineer's Route to summit Mt. Whitney. This made my 20th summit on Whitney - 17 via MR. Everyone enjoyed the route although tough at times.

Mt. Whitney(x20) 6-30-2007

Sam Mack Lake 6-24-2007 : Bob R. put together this trip - 5 of us set out to climb Robinson Peak; Walter R., Tom S., Bob R., Tomcat_rc & Snow Nymph. we left late sometime after 930 - arrived ok at Sam Mack Meadow. from there we probably missed the best route up to Sam Mack Lake which cost us some time. at 4pm we turned around at the base of SM Lake with about 1100 vertical feet to summit. with an earlier launch time and better route to SM Lake the summit should be no problem.

Sam Mack Lake 6-24-2007

Dragon Peak 06-23-2007 : Saturday Snow Nymph and I hiked to Dragon Peak. I had just hiked this two weeks ago with Rachel and was amazed at how much snow had melted in the last 2 weeks. we were only able to make a couple of small glisades back down to Dead Mouse Lake so it took a little longer to come out. always nice views at the summit though

Dragon Peak 06-23-2007

Middle Pallisade June 16-17-2007 : June 16, 2007; Bob H., Bill S. and myself hiked up to the small tarn above Finger Lake. the next morning we summited Middle Palisade at 14,040 feet. this peak provides awesome views including 3 glaciers and numerous peaks of the Palisades.

Middle Pallisade June 16-17-2007

Dragon Peak 06-10-2007 : Sunday, June 10, 2007; Rachel and I drove up to Onion Valley to hike Dragon Peak. we started at 7:30am and summited before 1pm - played around on top for awhile - back down to vehicles before 5pm; the glissades back down to DM Lake were the bomb.

Dragon Peak 06-10-2007

Slate Mountain & Needles Lookout 6-3-2007 : Sunday June 3 drove north of Johnsondale to hike Slate Mountain(9302ft)- it was an 11 mile round trip with great views of the GW Divide. then we drove over to Needles Lookout which was another 5 mile round trip to the tower - stunning views.

Slate Mountain & Needles Lookout 6-3-2007

Meyson Lake to Mallory 6-2-2007 : 6-2-2007; Kathy W. and I were going to try and summit Mallory. Kathy was not feeling well and after reaching Meysan Lake - went and bagged Candlelight Peak. I continued on but stopped within .5 miles and about 500 vertical feet shy of the peak. I heard Bob R. and SnowNymph calling from the summit of Irvine. the glisade down - which had me nervous turned out to be ok.

Meyson Lake to Mallory 6-2-2007

Cook Peak and Brown Mountain 5-26/27-2007 : May 26-27 2007; Saturday met with the KRV hiking club to summit Cook Peak - great views overlooking Lake Isabella and surrounding peaks. Sunday was a 25+ mile dayhike of Brown Mountain from Sage Flats trailhead to meet up with SnoDude, SnowNymph, Trailtrekker and CinammonGirl

Cook Peak and Brown Mountain 5-26/27-2007

misc mountain :

misc mountain

misc Whitney photos : Mt. Whitney at 14,496 elevation is the tallest peak in the contenental US - having summited on previous occasions I have started an album of favorite shots from the area.

misc Whitney photos

Mt. Whitney at 14,496 elevation is the tallest peak in the contenental ...

Updated: Jun 23, 2009 11:32am PST

Gamblers Special 5-12-2007 : Gamblers Special(pk12960) 5-12-2007 SnowNymph and Tomcat hiked out of the Portal at 530am. it was a nice day and felt good to get back in the Sierras. the wreckage is on the NE side of the summit but down 1500 feet to access - let alone to climb back - we decided to save that for another day

Gamblers Special 5-12-2007