please remember you can click on a photo to see a larger version
The Search
"What's
our plan for today?" the Lady asked as we walked down the Johnson Canyon
Road. Quiet predawn light surrounded us. Our empty coffee mugs were stowed in
our coat's extra large pockets. The contents, that first cup - always the
best, were enjoyed on our walk up
canyon. It was the first day of the new year - 2018. We were alone.
"We are
heading home," I answered. "It doesn't matter how far we make it
today, but I do think we should stop by the Park Visitors Center and make a
report on what we found yesterday."
"Well,
I was wondering," the Lady said as she snuggled in close. "Do you
think we'd have time to see if we can find..........................."
Another
search was in the works.
We were
finishing up a week in Death Valley National Park's backcountry. Our trip
started before dawn on December 26th. The drive south on 395 was a comfort.
What is it with a road trip that soothes the soul so? We were set up in a
backcountry campsite by late afternoon. Our plan for the next day - Wednesday -
was to stretch the legs a bit and explore new terrain on a hike along the crest of the Black Mountains.
We arrived
at Dante's View at 9 am and
quickly left the other visitors behind as we climbed north toward the summit of
Dante Peak.
Our
destination was Mount Perry. It is only 4.75 miles to the summit but with five
deep saddles along the crest, the elevation gain and loss is an impressive 2700
feet. And, you get to do it all again on the way back. Our kind of day!
The weather
was perfect, temps in the mid fifties, with little wind. The classic high
Sierra Crest was visible far to the west. Death Valley and Badwater - the
lowest point in the western hemisphere stretched out nearly 6000 feet below us.
After
topping out on Dante's Peak, our objective, Mount Perry came into view, the
broad red summit left of center, and only 12 feet higher than Dante Peak.
I highly
recommend this hike. The vistas are outstanding, surpassing those from Dante's
View. Across Death Valley from us was the Panamint Range with its high point,
Telescope Peak. At an elevation of 11,049 feet it was over a vertical mile
higher than where we stood. Telescope Peak stands an astounding 11,331 feet
above the valley floor below.
A use trail led
north along the crest of the Black Mountains.
As we drew
closer, Mount Perry's vivid colors were remarkable.
The low
point of the route is the saddle just south of Mount Perry and where the climb
to the summit begins.
And after
all that work, the summit is still not close.
The summit
is the northern most point, so on this hike we enjoyed several false summits.
A glass jar
served as the summit register.
The vastness
of Death Valley spread out below us. We love this place.
The Lady, of
course, put her see mores to work.
Below is a
view back (south) at our ridge route to Mount Perry. Dantes Peak is the dark
summit on the far right.
This was a
delightful hike on a beautiful day, crossing outstanding terrain. We both
remarked over and over how much fun this was.
I was pleased to find the remains of an ancient hunting blind on the ridge top.
We returned
to Dante's View a little after three. We visited for a while with two women
from Maine and New York, buddies who had flown out and rented a camping van.
They were on a bucket list desert adventure.
It was near
dark as we set up camp in a favorite dispersed spot. Evening color raced across
the sky as we put together our evening meal, a big salad with the last of the
smoked turkey from our big holiday feast at home.
Dawn's
sunlight warmed us the next morning as we prepared to move to our main focus of
this trip - the search.
Our
adventure continues. Please click here for - Part Two
No comments:
Post a Comment