Pinnacle Peak with John, Joan and 32 pounds

Maidenhair fern along the trail

My first hike after a week off in Mexico building houses. John and Joan hike slowly -- it took us two hours to reach Pinnacle Peak, a 0.9 mile hike. Another 90 minutes to return to the car. Slow. They were tired. I am to, the day afterward. It's going to be important for me to have a few more hikes, because my ascent of Mount Adams is looming. Photos follow:

My friend for 60 years, John Anderson, and Joan Tito, a more recently acquired friend.

"The Couple," two cedars joined at the hip, for life.

Columnar Basalt, just beneath the summit.

Next to the columnar basalt there was a fallen tree that upended a large stone, which remains atop the foot system like a large jewel on a hand.

Statistics for the day:
Distance: 1.8 miles
Conditions: Clear sky, warm
Load: 32 pounds 
Elevation gain: 1,000 feet 


Statistics, year to date:
Distance: 157.1 miles 
Elevation Gain: 48,370 feet 
Next Goal: 57,644 feet (fourth Rainier)

Root knots from two giant fir trees

More Maidenhair ferns

And more Maidenhair ferns

A selfie, just because