September 10, 2009

The Climb

Our friend Mike wanted to go with us on a mountain hike.  After some discussion, we decided to ascend Marsh Peak (12,240 ft/3100 m), north of Vernal.  The trailhead is at 10,000 ft, so the climb is relatively easy. 
Here are the guys:
Here are the guys conferring on the route:
Did I say easy?  I must have forgotten about the rocks...
We made it, though, with Daisy's help:
Here's Mike exhalting in his success:
From the top, we looked down at Twin Lakes in the Dry Fork drainage,
and off toward the Uintas, hazy in the distance.  (We had smoky air from surrounding fires that late August day, so the views weren't as clear as they might have been. 
Here's a striped gentian, which I thought was unusual: 
And some harebells, growing among the rocks:
And, of course, there was the requisite mystery flower:
In all, we hiked almost 10 miles and 2200 feet elevation gain and loss.  Mike might have gotten more than he bargained for, but I think we all enjoyed the day.
For more sky views from all over the world, click here.

34 comments:

  1. Nice dayhike! There's always a little scree in our lives, but it makes the peaks so worthwhile. One more backpack trip, then it's time for hunting season here.

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  2. I love the simple barren wide open beauty of Marsh Peak, with its gentle slopes and evergreens. Given its elevation, such a journey would be beyond me, so I'm very glad you're sharing your pictures.

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  3. What an outstanding view. It stretches for miles and miles. Wish I had the legs for hiking as there are so many wonderful places to go.

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  4. What beautiful views! love the wildflowers too.

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  5. This looks like a fantastic way to get a workout. I think Daisy must be the happiest dog in the world!!!

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  6. Looks like you did some "bouldering". Beautiful scenery. Thanks.

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  7. A beautiful "easy" hike indeed. I would have needed the dog to pull me along for sure. Looks like it was fairly cool at the top judging by what you are wearing.

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  8. That doesn't look so easy to me, Janie... rocks or no rocks. I like to hike but this is now out of my league. I am very satisfied to enjoy you journeys without the effort, thanks for that. Pet Daisy for me!
    I love the wildflowers, they look so beautiful against the rocky background.

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  9. You have the best hiking spots ever.

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  10. You do indeed have great hiking spots!! Beautiful shots, love the plants, too. I know Daisy had fun!

    Have a great weekend, Janie!

    Sylvia

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  11. It looks as if this was another great hike. The scenery is beautiful, even with the smoke and haze from the fires. I'm glad you had Daisy to help you through those rocks!

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  12. thanks for letting me tag along (virtually)

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  13. Ten miles --at an elevation is a REAL hike. WOW!!! And nobody understands how hard hiking on rocks is UNTIL you do it. (Been there done that!)

    Beautiful pictures. Glad you made it to the top and back.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  14. There is no such thing as an "easy hike" at 10,000'. It looks like a great hike.

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  15. What a climb. Especially like the pic of the view to Twin Lakes. Looks like it got cold. Nice to see a pic of Daisy, Steve and you together. Great captures as always.

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  16. Another wonderful adventure, excellent pics as always.

    Have a great weekend
    Guy
    Regina In Pictures

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  17. Great hike! I'll bet you all slept well that night. zzzzzzzzzzzz

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  18. the requisite mystery flower is amazing . . .

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  19. Such space! We have mountains too but nowhere near as high up. Me and the dogs would love to go walking there.

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  20. Mountain air, reaching your destination, being closer to the sky...great feelings! thanks for sharing.

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  21. Enjoyed the hike from my desk chair! And the views were spectacular.
    happy Friday

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  22. Our Mt. Mitchell must seem so short to you, at 6600 feet! lol I like the blue picture, it reminds me of our Blue Ridge Mountains. The striped Gentian and Harebells are lovely. The mystery flower is beautiful too, and so unusual-looking.

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  23. I think an "easy" hike is relative to the person hiking! Great views though are always worth the effort.

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  24. Thanks for taking us along on your 'relatively easy' hike. The views and flowers along the way are all lovely and I suspect Molly would enjoy exploring alongside Daisy on such an outing even though she loves the beach ;--)
    Hugs and blessings,

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  25. That's no hike to sneeze at! I love the views (especially the lakes and the "layered" mountains). And I always love the wildflowers, mystery or not.

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  26. I like the smoky shot, brings something quite mysterious and slightly moody to the landscape...

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  27. Sounds like a great hike, I love your Daisy dog. I use to have a Daisy dog too.
    I enjoyed your photos.

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  28. A fantastic SWF post, all wonderful photos.

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  29. According to as a family love natural life you must be love bees ,I suggest that you buy 2 hives,its only joke.Thanks you for your beatifull sharing ,best wishes and regards.

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