The Best Things In Life Are Free...

Here I shall share a few random thoughts on the subject of peak-bagging and living life to its fullest. Some writer from the 19th century said to "suck the marrow out of life" (I'm pretty sure it was Thoreau). But did he ever enjoy the view looking down from the top of Mount Conness? Did he ever see the lights of the city spread out before him at night from the summit of Mission Peak? Did he ever hurl himself down the slopes of Mount Pluto on skis?

Here's what I wrote in my journal whilst sitting on top of Mount Conness (along the Sierra crest just north of Tioga Pass) in September of 2003: I am happy to be here. This mountain -any mountain- is worthy. The view is spectacular and the effort to attain it was great. Eating Triscuits and deviled ham at a summit is the key to happiness in life.

This evening, I went for a nice walk up Mission Peak (that's the one above Fremont, and just north of the peak (Mount Allison) that has all the radio antennae). The trail is a fire road, and goes up fairly steeply to the top. And the view is always worth the hour or so that the ascent takes. The best part of the hike is that the area is open until 10 PM. Of course, this means that night hiking is the thing to do. Not many other people share the motivation to enjoy the trails at night. But those who do, understand that walking above city lights is amongst the finer things in life. Throw in some chilly winter air and a bit of wind, and you have the perfect time to go for a walk.

So anyway, enough rambling... I started from the trailhead at 3:56, and got to the top in time to take a picture as the sun was setting. Beautiful stuff! I would much rather be part of the scenery being photographed than the one taking the picture. And sometimes you can do both...