While cruising through the pines on our way to Lake Tahoe these were the philosophical lyrics ringing in my ears. So simply put yet eloquently translated. It's like digging in to a deeper pool of self awareness and coming out cleansed and ready to climb to the top of a mountain. As we approached the very mountain that has turned me back far to many times than I care to recall, I couldn't help but feel the shiver of frozen feet as the ice cracked plunging my cotton wrapped feet knee deep in the icy waters of a spring at the base of Mt Rose. It was one of the longest walks back to the car I have ever taken. Determined to climb this damn mountain I put the failures of each attempt in a different perspective. I found myself chuckling as I approached each stumbling block along the way. Snow, Ice, Lost, Cold, Hungry and of course a shot of fear were always present during each climb. Who would have thought a mountain so basic could be so hard? Well, each mountain allows itself to be climbed some days you can and some days you just can not. Standing at 10,770 feet over looking the Lake Tahoe Basin this climb would present it's own challenges in the form of wind. Armed with the forecast of gusts up to 70 knots, we never doubted the climb or the potential for success. Walking along the beautifully maintained hiking trail 5.2 miles to the summit is picturesque. A place that lies between the vast desert and the deep blue water of Lake Tahoe. A landscape of lush green pines and springs trickling down the mountainside with wildflowers still bursting with blooms. The climb was a challenge as always. My body tight from a lack of stretching and over training. My breathing labored and a slight pounding in my head from a few too many of Moylan's Kilt Lifters the night before. I was determined to focus on my mechanics and create and efficient machine capable of overcoming obstacles and achieving my goal. First, I needed to manage my water level since I had been drinking the night before massive amounts of water was necessary to provide energy to my already stressed muscles. Next was the breathing. When I hike or climb I prefer a method of nose breathing (after all the nose is for breathing the mouth is for eating). It can be very challenging at first but, as you continue to work with it you'll be able to filter the air, warm it and then draw it deep in to the lungs to be used for those hard working muscles. Plus, you smell the most amazing fragrances only found hidden deep near a waterfall in the mountains. Finally, it was my core that needed to be fluid in order to allow my stride to open up and be efficient. I could feel the tightness in my legs from a lack of stretching. The more I focused on using my legs and hips in a symphony of movement the more they opened up. I used a mantra of "release, relax, open up and enjoy" My smiles along the way told my story when I didn't and melted away the icy cold stumbling blocks I had encountered in the past. As we stepped past the tree line we were greeted with our first real gust of wind blowing the dust of a rocky crag in our faces. Hats off hair up and fresh coat of sunscreen we pushed on only to stop to listen to the latest report of gust exceeding 70mph! It was too beautiful to stop this soon. As we came out of the trees the wind swirled around and challenged us to maintain a strong sense of balance. Pushing up the rocky path each step was a challenge to work with the gust and the swirls as we approached our biggest challenge, the summit ridge. Only about one hundred yards from the summit but exposed on both sides, if caught off guard the potential to be gently guided down the side of mountain with true force of mother nature's own hand, inevitable. The initial gusts were strong but, with summit fever the ridge was like running across a tight rope with a victory beer on the other side. Safe in the rock shelter of previous climbers we located our summit marker gave thanks for safe journey and enjoyed the deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe glimmering in the afternoon sunshine.
After a quick bite to eat and a few photos we knew where there were victory beers so we saddled up and prepared for a safe return to the trail head. As we approached the summit ridge the gust were remarkably stronger. As I stepped out from behind the rock shelter, It took every once of balance and strength to not be blown over. We went to our knees to lower the center of gravity to wait out the gust in order to get off the ridge and back to the safety of the trees. What felt like an eternity only last a moment and we found our window and made the break. Safely back in the trees we enjoyed a few laughs put on the head phones and enjoyed blissful jams as we danced across the crushed granite playing with the puppies along the trail wishing other good luck with their summit attempt. As I stepped on to the final leg of the trail and smelled the fresh mountain sage basking in the afternoon sunlight I felt cleansed, refreshed, tired and silently euphoric. Our perseverance pays off and we bask in the glow of yet another challenge met.
