Training Log Archive: brenda

Short brisk hike.

Planks, lunges, side lunges...

Swim in the lake.

We decided to downclimb the steep Class 2 and 3 north slopes of Pika Peak to check out the lakes and bright green meadow we had spotted from the summit. We only cliffed out once, but found a good route around the cliff down steep granite blocks that formed a decent large staircase. The climb was very interesting on a variety of granite slabs. Our efforts were rewarded at the first lake, which was incredibly beautiful and pristine, inside a glacial cirque. Below that, we used map and compass to find the bright green meadow and hit it right on. The meadow had lush green grass and was still abloom with many soft yellow and lavender wildflowers. There were no signs of any people having walked or visited there for a long time. After the meadow, we traveled through heavy forest, climbing over downed trees, huge boulders, and shallow creek beds, and finding evidence of bears. On the map, we found the contours of a small creek bed which eventually intersected our destination trail, so we located the creek bed and used it as a handrail to head towards the trail.

Back on the trail.

Refreshing but very cold swim in Marmot Lake. Would have liked to stay in longer but my ears were getting too cold.

Trail approach to Pika Pass, where we leave the trail to climb the peak.

Very cold lunchtime swim out to the rock island in Stony Cliff Lake.

Climb the Class 3 NE ridge up granite slabs and large boulders to the summit of Pika Peak. Fantastic panoramic views in every direction at the summit (9240'). Camp on a sandy bench just below the summit block.

Asanas and stretching on a flat granite slab near camp, watching the fiery orange sunset, and the sun melting like liquid gold as it drops below the mountain range.