Started the day off a little late, but made my way out to Livermore & stopped by Sunrise Mountaineering - great looking shop. The owner Rob, was very friendly and shared a lot of great information. I'll be back for sure. After about an hour of conversation I was off driving to Del Valle Regional. As I payed to get in the park I told the Ranger I 'm Backpacking in a month from here to Sunol. He kind of looked at me crazy and said its easier to go the other way. I said nah, I'd rather have a hard day to start & roll along the ridge & slowly roll down to Sunol I told him.
Off I went to start the trail. Its starts for a moment flat & thats it! Up, Up & did I say UP! The first mile climbs 450' in elevation. No joke. There are a few spots where it levels for maybe 60 80 yards, but heads right up again. The vistas are really amazing. Looking back down at Lake Del Valle only a mile into it seems so far away. Golden Eagles(I think) are flying above. The wildflowers are starting to sprout up. Its quit a beautiful time of year to be out here.
Guess what? The trail continues up & up. I reach Rocky Ridge @ 2426'. Its been less than 2.5 miles & my elevation gain has been just shy of 1700' - WOW! Thats definitely Up! Take a few pics & yell/whistle to get the cows out of the way & start back down the trail. After about 1/2 mile of down, I realize that going up is way easier on the legs.
Heading down I run into a hiker named Doug from Castro Valley as well. He's wearing a pack and mountaineer boots. We talk for a moment and tells me he is training for Nepal - Wow. I tell him he is in right place to train. Hand him a card and ask to contact me when he gets back to maybe head up to the Sierras. After some more downhill pounding the car is in sight. Looks like the trip in April will be very rewarding. :-)
No comments:
Post a Comment