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| Hiking | 14.90 Miles |
4,800 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.90 Miles | 6 Hrs 28 Mns | | 2.90 mph |
| 4,800 ft AEG | 1 Hour 20 Mns Break | 17 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Arrived at my campsite at Chuchilla Campground at dusk the night before and hunkered down for a cool night. In typical fashion, I snoozed until the last minute and made the drive up to the trailhead. On the trail at 7, but who knows what timezone that was for.
I followed one of the switchbacks at first and then took the straight, center trail. The road was okay, with your generic forest scenery. Above treeline was my favorite though. Right off the bat I saw three deer. I was happy to have the gradual approach. It made for a good workout. Plus, you gotta' love that 9 miles above treeline. The winds were constantly howling. They were blocked out when I hit the switchbacks above La Cal Basin, but up on the ridge they were still going at it with full force. It wouldn't have been as fun if it were calm.
Just south of Mt. Walter I found the azimuth mark for Wheeler and then it was onto the final push to the peak where I could see for miles. These mountains are awesome! I sat down for a few minutes and had a snack before retreating. Just in time, too, as the storm clouds came rolling in right on cue. Near the basin I got to see my first marmot. Soon after another hiker who was headed for Wheeler as well. I wonder how the weather turned out for him, being so late in the day.
Trees are turning a little bit along the road. More colors are visible along the various mountainsides in the area above the TH parking area. |
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Autumn Foliage Observation Isolated
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