Ethel and my dad share a birthday, and we decided to commemorate the occasion last year with a small group scamper up to Mt. Rose for champagne, snacks, and sunset (which is alliterated if you say it out loud [ed. note: I just learned that alliteration counts for sounds, whereas I always thought it was just for the written form]).
ANYhow, our ragtag group includes Luis, Gavin, Sharon, and Lauren, and we make pretty quick work of the always-enjoyable trail as it winds past the waterfall (nearly dry) and then steeply up the ravine to the saddle.
...it's off to work we go...
Yoga photobomb
We've given ourselves plenty of time to make sunset, so there's no shortage of fun 'n games on the way up. That being said, we don't get too distracted, and we're up top with just enough time to start getting cold from the combination of nearly 11000' elevation, breeze, and low-angle light.
Ten commandments on one of these...which one was it?
Peekaboo
So pensive
The biggest lesson of the excursion comes when we discover that a few hours of jostling around in backpacks, plus a massive decrease in air pressure, means that, um, less of the champagne is drinkable than we had counted on.
Not long now
Smoky layers
Nearly there
We while the time away sipping champagne and snacking as the sun approaches the horizon. High altitude sunsets are always extra special, and this one doesn't disappoint. Once the sun dips below our purview, we scrape together a quick group photo, realize that we're freezing our asses off, and make a break for lower stomping grounds.
Sunset party
Veil drops
Moonlit kinda-selfie
We've planned all along to descend under a big moon, and we're also amply prepared with headlamps. Mine, hilariously, decides to no workie, so I let my eyes adjust to the increasing moonlight and find that it's just fine, thanks.
Moonlit fun
Good little fireflies
Streaky glow
Sideways lightning
The rest of our blast down the mountain is punctuated by occasional photos of varying complexity, and the (relative) warmth, lack of wind, and ample moonlight conspire to make it more enjoyable than your average death march.
Thought this was quite cool; 30s of following Murphy's headlamp, handheld
Moon bathes Tahoe basin
We make it back to the parking lot no worse for the wear; night missions aren't always the first thing to spring to mind, but they rarely disappoint!
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2 comments:
Eliot! I LOVE it! Such a great night, thank you for starting my day off with a beautiful memory of time well spent with celebrating life with amazing friends and the magic of nature. It doesn't get better than that!
Heck yeah!!! Good times; so glad you were there for it!
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