Usually, outcomes receive all of the attention. Someone finally lands an esteemed job title and flaunts it. Marriage is globally celebrated. If a mountaineer steps onto the top of Mount Everest and no one is around to witness, that exultant individual will surely live stream (because internet is available at the roof of the world now) the moment through whichever social medial platforms are currently trendy.
But before each end product must come a systematic series of smaller, tedious wins. The ones often less discussed or glorified, yet decidedly instrumental.
In the Sierra Nevada, one mountain could serve well as a hiker's developmental checkpoint. Mount Agassiz rises to just 101 feet shy of "14,000-foot"-a respected benchmark for mountains in the contiguous United States. The hike includes moderate 13-mile roundtrip distance, classes 2-4 scrambling, optional fifth-class lines, 2,000-foot sustained slope, and straightforward crosscountry portion. Incidentally, the 13,899-foot Agassiz is only 1.5 miles-and belonging to the same group/ridgeline-away from the most prestigious Palisade Range apexes.
Sometimes, intermediary advancement yields its own fruit. The Bishop Pass Trail passes impossibly charming lakes (six officially named and countless random others), which are also sought by anglers. Campers will not be short of dreamy sites. Topping out unveils stunning 360°-scenery. Plus, the gratifying outing can be extended by continuing to adjacent Kings Canyon National Park.
Photos: photos.app.goo...
Route: Bishop Pass Trail
Type: Out-And-Back
Distance: ~13 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,096 ft.
Location: John Muir Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, California, USA
Date/Time: 2021-07-20 0807
My Thoughts:
I was in a transitional period of my mountaineering career. Over the few years prior, I had worked from nada into a competent hiker. That was through slow, but progressive, successes. Having grasp of the basics, I turned to where else but my beloved California Route 395 peaks for the next leg.
Thus, I sought out Mount Agassiz-like a laboratory where I could safely test my mettle. As described, the hike allowed me to execute several relevant skills, such as routefinding, dealing with tricky terrain, light rock climbing, and acclimatizing to high altitudes.
An old friend reintroduced itself once I set foot on the summit: the Palisade Glacier below. Which instantly brought back memories of my visit (what great thrill that trip was!). Then, a sudden realization: I was still crusading the same cause. As if to elevate myself toward some future unfathomable "Everest" all budding mountaineers must long for. Locked in for the long haul, it would serve me well to treasure every steppingstone.
#Hiking #LeaveNoTrace
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