I love to climb peaks.
Upon reaching the top of a mountain there are huge rewards: expansive views, cool air, snacks to be eaten, rest and relaxation, summit photos and video, signing and reading the summit register, cell service, identifying peaks and basins, the knowing that it is all downhill from the top, and the satisfaction that you could in fact could make it to the top. Every cell of my body knows this. Energy and my smile are the evidence. Many times I have witnessed the look on others as they too know and appreciate the moment. It is the very essence of feeling alive. My annual birthday climb is coming up and I plan on holding on tight for the ride and cherishing one more year.
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to climb Mount Langley with Kerry, a good friend and hiker. Mount Langley is one of California’s mountains over 14,000 feet and sits just south of Mount Whitney. The climb is about 21 miles round trip that is class 2 with a short class 3 chute. Mount Langley is one of the three easiest 14ers to climb.
Piero Scaruffi’s online resource was very helpful for maps, routes, and trail description. We chose to hike to Cottonwood Lakes from Horseshoe Meadow trail head, drop our packs and set up our tents, and then head on up Old Army Pass, up to the peak, then back to Cottonwood Lakes to spend the night. On the second day we returned via the unmaintained trail through South Fork Lakes. This turned out to be a great plan. After leaving the summit, a storm hit hard and it was pure happiness to arrive back at camp with our gear safely kept dry within the protection of our Tarptent Moments.
My latest trip summary video was created all on my iPhone using iPhone videos and the magic iPhone iMovie App. iMovie makes it so fun and easy to create finished videos in a very short time. I am hooked! This short movie features clips from the top of Mount Langley with an incoming surrounding storm and the big surprise… Bighorn Sheep spotted on the summit plateau just as the storm hit. If that isn’t enough just enjoy the music by my new favorite artist Bon Iver.
[vimeo 50583906 w=640 h=360]
Your photos are impressive – you’ve got a great eye for catching just the right view.
Was it pretty cold up there?
Hello,
Yes it was, especially after the storm came in. I am always thankful to have layers packed when climbing high peaks. I have experienced many a storm when the forecast was good. I am constantly trying to capture hiking and nature the way I see and experience it. It is motivating to hear your feedback. Thank you.
I sure enjoy your blog: the photos, the words, the videos, the music. I don’t know if I’ll ever get to the places you visit, but I am happy to see them through your eyes.
You are the best. What I do want to know and readers might be interested in is – are the leaves starting to turn in your area yet and how about Yosemite? Fall has got to be heaven there. One of the goals I have for this fall is getting out at the opportune time and not get stuck in work mode and miss the whole show!
I haven’t seen the change yet. However, hubby and I were near Arnold this week and a handful of trees are turning there. Beautiful yellows. I’ll keep my eyes open for Yosemite’s change.