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Friends Jim and Nadine flew into town from Massachusetts a week ago last Friday night with the intention of bagging a big Sierra peak as well as visiting Yosemite NP and seeing the sights. We spent Friday night catching up and having a few be-ahs. If you don’t know what a be-ah is, then know Jim and Nadine are from near Bahston and it’ll become clearer…

First on the advenchah agenda was bagging a big Sierra peak, which, since all of us live about at sea level, was more likely if we got some high-altitude hikes under our belt.

Saturday we took a hike up Gaylor Peak which included an introduction to Sierra talus by way of about a 200 foot downclimb from Gaylor.

Nadine seemed to enjoy the peak, but was not impressed with the amount of fun to be had down climbing talus.

Sunday was a “rest” day – got our permit for Bishop Pass, finalized the food situation and camped high along South Lake road.

Monday we hiked toward Bishop Pass, setting up camp at Little Lake, the last lake before the pass. I’ve been up Bishop Pass 5 or 6 times, but never so early in the season, and I must say all the snow and ice made it easily the most beautiful I’d ever seen it. Let’s go with “astoundingly beautiful”.

Tuesday was peak day. Up early, over the pass, Nadine saw Mount Agassiz’ 1900 feet of talus and decided to chill out while the rest of us climbed. I can’t say I blame her; high-angle talus is not one of my favorites either. Up we went; Carol had her mojo going and set the pace. We did not pay sufficient attention to Jim; the climb was too fast and he wound up with a big headache about halfway up the mountain. We kept checking with him – after all, we don’t know anyone that feels too spiffy climbing above 13,000 feet – I pointed out the name of the game is “managing the misery” – but the headache didn’t recede and Jim wisely turned around. Carol and I peaked about the time Jim got back down the mountain. Stunning views of the Palisade crest and much of the entire Sierra crest. Nice. We climbed down, found Jim and Nadine, hiked down to camp, packed up and hiked out. The beer and pizza reward was much appreciated after a long day. And Jim and Nadine sharing their shower at their motel was definitely the icing on the cake.

Wednesday was another rest day, lots of nice pictures were taken. We met up again with Jim and Nadine on the west side of Yosemite and decided to see Hetch Hetchy reservoir.

Thursday we went to see Vernal and Nevada falls via the Mist trail and the JMT. Always a treat for Carol and I, and even more fun to show friends one of our favorite places. Afterward, Jim drove us out to Wawona to see the Mariposa grove of giant sequoias. It’s a LONG drive from the valley; when we all piled out of the car the accumulated fatigue made the 1-mile hike up the hill to see “Old Grizzly” a real accomplishment. I think everyone slept well that night.

Friday after breakfast we parted ways – Carol and I were off to home to prepare for our annual beach volleyball weekend. Jim and Nadine were still making plans when we left. We got home, did about 5 loads of laundry, baked bread, got ready for the beach – and a tremendous wave of exhaustion hit me. Nap time, then a little late to head over the hill.

Saturday morning we checked into the New Brighton campground; it was amazingly hot for the coast. Down at the beach we warmed up and played a couple games; more of the extended group showed up and I wound up playing doubles volleyball while Carol took pictures. In a mixed blessing, a front moved in with clouds, lightning and thunder over the Monterey Bay which we kept a wary eye on. The rangers came down the beach telling everyone to lower their umbrellas. I’m thinking – great, now we people are the highest points on the beach. This was definitely a first in our 21 years of this event. I do have to mention those pictures where it appears I’ve jumped and my feet have cleared the sand have not been modified…

Sunday morning we had a nice walk down the beach with friend Rick then headed for home, unpacked the truck and collapsed into our barcaloungers for a well-earned rest.

~Rick

P.S. Jim and Nadine are already plotting a return trip this fall; we take from that fact that a good time was had.

P.P.S. And we think the whole “rubbing it in about the Celtics demolishing the Lakers in the NBA finals” thing has just about run its course – ha.

P.P.P.S. So when are you coming to see us and have an advenchah???