Mt. Baldy

Another weekend, another hike. This time it was Mt. Baldy. I had heard this was a good hike that some of the docs take their kids on. I figured I could handle it. I had no companion for this day, so I headed out on my own. I knew the trailhead was at the end of Skyline Drive in Eagle River. What I didn't know was that Skyline changed name a few times. West Skyline turned off the main road. Then Upper Skyline turned off the main road. If you know me, and how tightly wound I am, this confused me. Ultimately, I found my way to the top and was met with an amazing view of the Alaska Range. 

There were two routes to the top. The right, steep, slope that is a real butt-burner ...and the "easier" route to the left. I chose left.  

 But, before starting, I saw this sign. UMMMM ... what? I'm guessing they are hibernating now, right? I checked ... yes, I have bear spray in my day pack.

The beginning of the trail was pretty benign.

There was some interesting reading to keep me entertained.

Along various points along the trail (here, and further on), there were large patches of ice. I was glad to have my spikes, but I still shuffled. I didn't notice on the way out, but on the way back, I watched the ice. I swear the deeper layers were slowly moving, or I was lightheaded and delirious.

About a quarter mile and the trail split. I went right as I had read. There were several other places where the trail split. With one exception (because it looked not so well traveled), I stayed right. I do wonder where the left trails go. I didn't have the right gear, or survival skills, to venture testing them today. But, I wonder what I missed. I hate to miss anything.

Right after the split, I came across this lovely gem of property. I think it might be perfect after a few renovations.

And a little further on, I crossed a stream where the water was still trickling. I did not have to get my feet wet, thanks to the pipe that diverted the water through it, and I crossed over it.

Then, things got "interesting." Remember, the path to the right that was supposed to be a butt-burner? Remember, I took the easier route? Well, for what seemed to be 100 miles (because I think I was very slow), but probably closer to half-mile, there was a 19% grade climb. Switchbacks? Nope. I worked up quite a sweat in my snowpants and parka. I was wising I had stopped at Flinnster's on my way out to borrow her walking sticks. I couldn't imagine how tough the other route must have been. I encountered my first other person ... he was coming back with walking sticks. He said "you're planning on coming back this way, right?" The other route is pretty treacherous going down." I think I looked unprepared. Well, I was, but that wasn't going to stop me. By the way, down wasn't a lot easier than up, but it didn't cause as much lung screaming.

When I got to the top ... FINALLY ... I had a choice, left? or right? I never noticed the rock pile on the way up. I think because I was out of oxygen. I did see it on the way back, thank goodness or I would have trekked right past it. This was my view to the left.

I headed right, along the ridge-line. Came across another rock formation that did come in handy on the way back. Who would think you could get lost on a ridge line? Well, I can. Just a few feet could make quite a difference. I used the landmark to make sure I was going down the correct side of the peak.  

Finally got to the top of Baldy. Of course, I climbed those final few feet to the top of the rocks. I lost my sweat. It's windy and colder up here.  Are you kidding me? I couldn't pass up the view. The views were absolutely breathtaking. Elevation: 3585 feet.

180 degrees panoramic to the left

180 degrees panoramic to the right

Mountains behind me

I am not good at selfies

I met only 2 people on this hike. It was a great exercise in solitude and I really loved my time to myself. It was so very quiet. I didn't meet a bear or a moose or see a moose carcass either. I did take the required selfie to prove I was here.

I looked down and saw the trail I had climbed earlier ... well, the lower part. Hard to believe I started all the way down there. It was much colder and windier up here.


When I made it back to the trailhead, I texted Flinnster to let her know there was no reason to send search and rescue. I was alive and uninjured. I actually saw a few more people then, all heading up the steeper trail, some with big packs like they were planning to be out for a few days ... or at least overnight. Too cold for my blood. But, if I lived here a few years, maybe ... This would be an awesome place to train for Kili. If this was tough, I can't imagine what that will be like in a few years ... did I mention it's on my bucket list.


Final pic of the day ... A dark cloud hanging out over the Alaska range. Just beautiful. I loved the stark contrast of the dark cloud and the white range. Its' not a photo issue ... it really was a low hanging, and very dark,  cloud.

Yes, the elevation change was straight up. Maybe 1 hour of moving, but that means there were 1.5 hours of not moving. I love the satellite view of the ridge line. See, it really was a peak.