TNAB'ers:
Summer Solstice Hike 2004 - where to begin? Let's start with the weather, which was beautiful, if a tad bit on the hot side. I was reading 90F at Eastgate, 84F at the trailhead. Next, the setting: dramatic Granite Mountain, with its rugged, treeless summit, the lookout station, and incredible views. But let's not forget the most important element - you crazy, wonderful hikers! This year's list of attendees: Alicia, Angela, Dan, Don, Drew, Jason, Larry, Lonnie, Maren, Mark, Mike, and Tom. Mother Nature provided a nice closing touch to what was a most memorable night. To those of you who wanted to be there but couldn't make it - we missed you!
We arrived at the trailhead shortly before 6:00 PM. The parking lot was half full - we were going to have company on the trail. It was clear early on that this wasn't going to be an ordinary hike. As we prepped to start, many of us were busy overstuffing tiny day packs with an assortment of goodies, many of the bottled adult beverage kind. Maren and I were more conspicuous - we were both toting guitars to bring a little musical entertainment to the festivities. I, for one, received many strange looks and comments from folks coming off the mountain, much like the experience of bringing the grill up Rattlesnake Ledge. Cool!
The trail was in good condition, dry but not dusty. The shade of the forest helped to alleviate some of the heat. Out in the open and on the ridge, it cooled off enough to be bareable. Approaching the summit, much of snow has already melted away, so only about half of it was traversable straight away. While saner minds kept to the boulders, I chose to follow the well-beaten path in the snow that traveled up the valley, hoping that I would find a straight shot to the summit once I was under it. Didn't quite work out as well as I wanted (the last 50 ft or so were pretty steep), but I made it anyway, just behind the bulk of our crew. Let the party begin!
We made an immediate impact, annoying the other hikers who were up to enjoy some soltitude and the surroundings. Several times they refused to partake in our overabundance of food and beverage - their loss! And what a banquet we had (if I miss any items, my apologies, there was just too much good stuff!):
Mike and Ali: champagne, cheese and crackers
Tom: brownies
Maren: cherries
Drew: Grolsch!
Angela: excellent cab sav
Don: 12 yo scotch
Larry & Jason: Fat Tire, Guiness, and a whole watermelon!
Dan & Mark: 2 pints of ice cream w/Kahlua dressing
An awesome, decadent feast fit for TNAB'ers!
Maren and Lonnie were quick to pick up the guitars and entertain us while the rest of us were eating/imbibing, the perfect complement to the scene. The views were spectacular - we could glimpse everything from Baker to Adams. The sunset was to die for. To the north, it was much cloudier and turbulent. During the latter half of our hour party on the summit, we witnessed flashes of lightning in that direction. (Heavy foreshadowing here...)
Around 9:00 PM, we finally decided to leave this little bit of paradise. Breaking up the jam session was particularly difficult. Happy, full and well rested, we made our way back to the cars. It wasn't necessary to turn on headlamps until 10:00 PM! By the time we left around 11:00 PM, old friendships were refreshed and new friends were made, and everyone had enjoyed themselves immensely.
Usually, the ride back to civilization is subdued, but this time Mother Nature had a treat in store for us. The electrical storm we saw far to the north while on top had traveled south very quickly, and became much more intense! For a half hour, we had a brilliant moving light show following us. As a matter of fact, I was watching it all the way home. I don't think I've seen anything like it in this state before - wow!
I hope this short account of Summer Solstice Hike 2004 captures the spirit of the event - some things transcend the written word. Certainly, this is one that we'll be talking about for awhile - my thanks to everyone who helped make it possible! I can't wait to see the pics...
Next Week: Pratt Mountain - another TNAB classic, with perhaps the most variation in terrain covered - Larry, got your blaze tape ready? :)
On Deck: 4th of July Hike Holiday - let me know if there's any interest in going for a hike then, I'll be up for one!
-Mark
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