Thursday, October 6, 2011

Hannegan Pass and more

We had a hard time deciding where to take the Senior Trailblazers hike today. Although Heliotrope Ridge was on the schedule, the main river has lost its bridge, so we decided to take another trek up to Hannegan Pass. We went there almost two months ago and figured it would be different enough now to make it seem entirely different. (Our August trip to Hannegan is here.) The weather forecast was for clouds in the morning, clearing to at least partly sunny by afternoon. Our first view of the valley looked very promising, as you can see from the first picture. Blue skies, clouds, and perfect hiking weather!
As we made our way to the pass following steep switchbacks, you can see that the clouds don't seem to be lifting. Fred and I went ahead to start our trek up to the pass, with the others interested in heading up that steep summit (1100 feet in a bit less than a mile from the pass) to follow after a short snack. Eleven Trailblazers were on the hike, and many would be happy with making it to the pass (an 8-mile round trip and 2,000 feet of elevation gain), having lunch, and heading back down.
Fred and I started up to the peak, but the weather didn't look like it would be clearing any time soon, and as you can see, the trail was really steep! I was going as fast as I could, but it wasn't much faster than a trudge. There was no view to pull me upwards. We then noticed that nobody was following us, so after a half hour of upward progress, making it up another 600 feet towards the summit, we had a quick lunch and turned around. When we got back to the pass, we found Al and Steve waiting for us; all the others had started back down the trail, as the temperature had dropped precipitously and there was now no sun at all. The four of us began our descent to join the others, and of course the sun began to peek out. You can see the trail (enlarge for the best view) in the sunshine below us. The sun never did come out to play.
You can see that the clouds are now lower in the valley, and we were perfectly comfortable as we headed back out of the wind and altitude. Other than the fact that the views were truncated, and after stopping for lunch everybody was cold, it was actually a beautiful day for hiking. Since Fred and I traveled an extra half mile and 600 extra feet, we covered nine miles and 2,600 feet up and down before we got back to the cars.
I stopped on the way down to take this picture, showing the red leaves and the clouds, typifying the October day we spent together on the trail. At least Fred and I got an extra mile out of it! Now I'm home enjoying my wine and getting ready to take a nice hot shower. Am I lucky or what?
:-}

22 comments:

  1. Is that snow peaking out on the last photo? It's fantastic. I like how you captured the angle of the mountain in the backdrop and the leaves turning. Enjoy your evening.

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  2. This time of year withthe fog and poor visibility there is some risk in being over adventurous. Our trails are sometimes not very definite so a few steps either side and we could be lost.
    I see from the pictures and the description a fresh invigorating air.

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  3. You are lucky because you go where others do not. The photos are beautiful. Be careful when the weather changes quickly. It was snowing in the mountains of Colorado today, and the wind has NOT stopped blowing in the flatlands where I live.

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  4. I'm wondering when the last hike of the season will be for you.

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  5. the heavens came down to meet you today...smiles. cool to walk among the clouds...sorry the sun did not light your way..

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  6. The fog made for very dramatic photos! What a setting!

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  7. I know that I have said this before but what a gorgeous part of the country you live in! Soon...snow will cover all that. We already had snow at the higher elevations here. It seems too early for it to me.

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  8. What a beautiful, beautiful part of the world you live in. Thank you for sharing it. I love the changing colours in those trees - so vivid.

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  9. Mother Nature can be such a tease, those hints of blue sky in your first photo were a lure to get you and the group to climb higher.

    It looks like a fairly nice day for a hike but I'll bet the fog did give everyone a chill. Even with the clouds and fog it still looks beautiful.

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  10. You get to wander such breathtaking places. I especially loved that first shot! You are always with the last to turn back. ;) I admire that about you. And I am so glad you take the time to snap a few pics for us, too. :)

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  11. The mists make your photos really stunning. I would frame the first one and put it on a wall. That was a beautiful trail and I think the weather conditions added a lot to the views.

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  12. Spectacular pictures D-Jan. The misty clouds make it look quite foreboding. You can definitely tell the time of the year.

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  13. You sound so contented, DJan! Glad you had such an enjoyable day.

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  14. The first picture is one of the most beautiful pictures ever. Truly magnificent.

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  15. That foggy mist makes it seem so other worldly . . . so gorgeous. Lovely, even without the sun. Those red leaves in the last photo are spectacular!

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  16. Yes, you're lucky. It feels so good to spend ourselves in this way, see what we do and then feel stronger afterwards. And then there's the wine to celebrate. I love the name of your group: Senior Trailblazers.

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  17. Photos are stunning, love the colours of Autumn in the front. Nice to see you back in the hills and mountains. Do you hike in winter? I know some people do.
    GREAT POST.

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  18. What gorgeous photos. I love the fog, the color, the dramatic scenery. You ARE lucky!

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  19. You passed yet another test of hiking stamina. And thanks for dropping by my blog so many times for my every day photo challenge. It is nice to not have those big photo uploads for awhile. And I feel like I can do more writing. But one photo just seems so boring!

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  20. I marvel at the beauty of the places you are able to visit along you paths. Our Buddy has sort of put limitations on outings that he cannot manage and we hate to exclude him.

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  21. Less snowy than the last time..still a pretty hike..too bad the sun did not shine:)

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  22. What beautiful images.. the view is amazing. You sure do live in a perfect part of the world for doing what you love. I trust you enjoyed that wine. :)

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