In the light of the moon, we strapped on our crampons and stepped onto the snow. Despite the fact that it was 2:30 AM, we were wide awake. Our path up the mountain was glowing in the night – a steep gully cutting steeply up the black, rocky slopes of the volcano.
July 13-14, 2019
Day 1 – Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley
We had bagan our climb at the Bunny Flat trailhead and started towards Horse Camp. The trail climbed relentlessly and the snow had mostly melted. An hour later, we forked off towards our base camp at Hidden valley. We were prepared to camp on snow, but to our surprise there was a dry area for us to set up our tents. Day one was only 3 miles, but the 2,300 feet of elevation gain with heavy packs was tiring! We gathered water from the little stream nearby and practiced self arresting techniques before dinner. As we finished our meal, the snowy ridge facing our camp turned a bright pink as the moon rose behind it. The sun cast shadows across the valley below as we all contemplated what the next day would bring.
Summit day!
A few hours later, alarms went off. We quickly and quietly prepared Coffee and oatmeal, and our group of 10 gradually got ready to leave camp. Stars twinkled above the moonlit mountain. 5,000 feet to go!
For the first couple hours, we crunched our way up the grueling slopes, counting steps. These are the times when I wish we were in good running shape! Eventually, the moon set and we climbed into the clouds shrouding the mountain. Our headlamps illuminated the snow before us, and reflected strangely in the fog. With nothing else to see, we focused on the ascent.
Gradually, the sky brightened and suddenly behind us was a break in the clouds. A magnificent mix of pink and orange bordered the conical shadow of Mt. Shasta. I couldn’t help but to stop and stare. A moment to remind us why we’re here and why we intentionally attempt these “pointless” goals. As if they understood that we needed to keep moving, the clouds closed up again and the view was gone.
As we neared the top of the chute, with the snow at its toughest and the grade at its steepest, the morning wind picked up. Howling in our ears, it threatened to break our resolve. On the ridge, the windblown snow created a natural wall, where we escaped the wind for a moment and ate snacks. From here we could see the summit for the first time, and as we crossed the snowfield, the sun came up around the edge of Misery Hill.
Sun’s up!
The south facing slope of Misery Hill was almost entirely free of snow, and we hiked our way up the red volcanic gravel. The summit plateau was beautiful, and the warmth of the sun was welcome as we finished the final stretch to the summit. The views were absolutely magnificent. We were on the tallest ground for as far as we could see and it felt good!
We took a few pictures, signed the summit register and made down the way we had come. It was much easier than climbing! At the windblown ridge, we started our glissade, sledding almost a mile and a half and 3,000 feet down! Our butts were a little cold but it was SO much fun. So much fun that part of the group forgot they were tired and climbed up a steep slope again just to have another go.
We packed up our tents at camp and made our way back down to the parking lot. With achy feet and huge grins on our face, we gathered on the roof deck of Matt’s van and waved at passers by. What a great day!
Alan Mel, gracias por este reportaje, las fotos bellísimas y su narración es tan increíble que he disfrutado el viaje y he contemplado el paisaje como si hubiera estado allí también. Uds son muy especiales los felicito por el éxito de su viaje y por el post. Gracias por compartirlo. Dios los bendiga siempre.
Abrazos,
abuela Violeta
Amazing!!