|
HIKE |
Bandera Peak |
|
ROUTE |
|
|
DATE |
8/25/2005 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Damon, Don, Lynda, and Mark. |
|
NOTES |
PHOTOS
TRAIL REPORT
TNAB closed out August with a trip to Bandera. In doing so, we also completed our tour of the Ira Spring trailhead. It would be a most fitting conclusion.
Attendance was a little on the light side. Only four of us made time to go hiking: Damon, Don, Lynda, and Mark. We got our usual 6:00 PM start. The weather was warm and sunny that day. Unlike previous weeks, though, fleeing to the hills did not lessen the heat. It would be a hot, sweaty slog to the top. Almost forgot to mention "dusty" as well!
We marched along the wide and even "hiker's highway", feeling every degree as the grade increased. In time, we reached the spur for Bandera, where the trail finally gets serious. We gained elevation furiously, then it trended off as we got to ridge for the eastern traverse.
Everyone summited by 7:30 PM. We stuck around long enough to enjoy the fruits of our labor, then began the return trip down. By this time, we could tell that we were in for a spectacular sunset. Bandera's ridgeline and exposed upper portion facilitated prime viewing of the evolving light show. It was hard to pay attention to the trail as dark peaks contrasted with the reddening light that played off the high clouds. Rainier, in particular, was divine. It was a privilege to bear witness to such beauty!
It was still warm and muggy when we exited the trail by 9:30 PM - more than enough time to visit the NBBG. Quesadillas and Mannie's Pale soon followed. What else can I say? Awesome hike!
---------------------------------
Next Hike: 9/1/05 - Rampart Ridge. I don't need to hype this one!
There's only four hikes left on the 2005 schedule. 9/8 and 9/15 are still in TBD status. We will probably repeat Mailbox, and I'm open to suggestions. Vote early, vote often!
R&R,
-Mark