“Let the wind take you!”

Leading up to today’s hike every report that I heard or read emphasized the importance for “extra” water and starting early! The upper half of the trail is rocky and completely exposed. I can certainly see how it would get very hot. Especially with the radiated heat from the rocks. That said, my brain was completely set on a hot grueling climb to the summit.

When I arrived at the trailhead right around 0530, the temperatures were right around the mid-thirties. Not to worry, I had layers and suspected the temps would increase dramatically as the sun came up. The first three miles were not bad at all. Gaining a modest 1517 feet in elevation between them (507 feet in mile 1, 337 feet in mile 2, and 673 feet in mile 3). These miles passed by very quickly, especially since I was more focused on the beauty and the lake views. It was still a bit cool, and the wind was beginning to pick up.

The real climb and challenge of this hike began once I hit the rock fields and started climbing in elevation. Mile 4 to the summit had a combined elevation gain of 2,158 feet. Challenging but very doable. Today the challenge wasn’t in the form of heat and sun exposure. It was in the form of strong winds and freezing temps. By the time I made it to the summit, winds were gusting at 50 and 60 mph and temps were easily below freezing. I was only at the summit for about 5 minutes and was almost blown over twice.

Not too busy of a trail early on. Although there were two groups that made it up to the summit before sunrise and were headed down as I was ascending. There must have been several dozen hikers on trail as I descended. Especially the lower three miles. Near the lakes.

Anyway, great day and hike! I recorded 10.3 miles and 3,675 feet in elevation gain and completed my 2^nd peak of the Lake Tahoe Six Pack of Peaks.