Eastern Sierra Hikes

The Sacramento County Hikers Annual Eastern Sierra trip was based in June Lake this year.  Twelve hikers participated in the hikes spread over 5 days.  Per his usual method, Rich Blackmarr planned and organized an excellent variety of hikes mostly in close driving distance of June Lake.

Dick Fraschetti, Rick Kallet and I arrived a day later and stayed a day longer than the rest of the group.

The four hikes we participated in were:

1. Mt. Dana - 6 mile RT with 3,000' of climbing
2. Parker Lake - 3 miles RT with 650' of vertical
3. Granite Peak - 4 miles RT with 1,500' of climbing
4. Walker Lake to Sardine Lake - 7 miles RT with 2,500' of vertical

Being on the dramatic east-slope of the Sierra Crest, all the hikes were incredibly breathtaking and knee-whacking gnarly.  The beauty of the Eastern Sierra is unmatched in terms of views and awesomeness.

The potential problem could have been the poor air quality caused by the massive Rim Fire burning near the west boundary of Yosemite National Park.  Fortunately the winds were blowing the smoke north along the Sierra Crest sparing the June Lake area of any visibility issues.  The skies were clear and bright in the areas we hiked.

To view the complete album, click on "Eastern Sierra Hikes" below the photo:

From Eastern Sierra Hikes

Mt. Rose Hike

Mt. Rose, located on the north shore of Lake Tahoe,  at 10,776' is the second highest peak on the Tahoe Rim.  It is big, beautiful and formidable.

The trailhead is located at the 8,811' summit of Hwy 431 connecting Incline Village and Reno. The 5 mile trail (one way) is rated strenuous with nearly 2,000' of elevation gain, mostly in the last 2 1/2 miles.

We took the Mt. Rose Summit Trail to the top of the mountain and diverted to the Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT), a portion of the Relay Peak Road, on the return leg.

The total distance of the hike was 11+ miles with about 2,400' of elevation gain as well as loss.

Dick Fraschetti, Frank Gerace and Rick Kallet joined me on today's fantastical hike.

To view hike album, click on "Mt. Rose Hike" below the photo:

From Mt. Rose Hike

Color Run

A phenomenal event took place today.  A fun run named The Color Run, an event billed as the happiest 5K on the planet.  This remarkable run drew more that 13,000 participants to Capitol Mall, almost twice the number as the CIM.

This unique paint race celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back.  The exuberance on the runners faces were overwhelming.  There was so much positive energy and fun in the air.

There are only two rules:

1. Wear white to the starting line
2. Finish plastered in color

Now the single largest event series in the nation, The Color Run has exploded since it's debut in 2012 to over 100 events and over a million participants in 2013.

There are no winners or official times.  Having fun and celebrating healthiness is what it's all about.

To view the photo album, click on "Color Run" below the photo below:

From Color Run