Tonelli's Travels

We all need some alone time every now and then, and my day came due this day. Differing energy levels and needs meant it worked out well. I could go on my mountain adventure while my parents explored the trails around Paradise. So off we went, in different directions. 

My hike started off fast, both downhill and up, working off some frustration. Five weeks close together means conflict is bound to arise. It’s just human nature. But the exercise was a great way to process it all.  A few lakes, a mountain view, all great changes of perspective.

As I hustled along, a tiny black mole ran in front of me on the path. It was so quick, scurrying from one side to another, but I saw it! The first of many things to bring a smile to my face that morning. Next was a brown frog, hiding in the grasses, just its eyes giving it away. Like the mole, it was camera shy and off in a jiffy, but definitely helped to move my attitude in the right direction. That and the fact that the trail was pretty quiet. 

Before I knew it, I arrived at Reflection Lake. It was still in the morning air and Mount Rainier towered behind it. A few fish jumped in the water. A few hikers stood admiring the beauty. I walked along the edge for a while, stopping here and there to soak in a quick mental image. Then across the street I went to start the climb to Pinnacle Peak. 

The climb would be short, just 1.3 miles, but gradual it was not. The ground underneath was solid though and I put one foot in front of another, poles lending an assist. Every now and then there was a clearing and a view of Mount Rainier, no clouds in sight. That beauty gave me the energy to keep going. 

No one passed me on the climb up, just like I like it. I did see a few people returning to their cars, like the bride and groom in full wedding gear! At the peak for a photo shoot, I was impressed the bride did the whole hike in her gown. Way to go! 

Just before the solid trail became scree filled switchbacks, something caught my eye. A gray puffball moved amongst the rocks and then stopped to check me out. A pika! Elusive creatures, I was beyond excited to spot one! And this little fellow let me follow it down the trail as it hopped from rock to rock, crawling in a cranny and then popping out again. It even stopped to grab some plants for its hay stack and ran back toward me before totally disappearing. A moment I will cherish forever. 

That excited spurred me on for the final push to the saddle. As I arrived at the landing, rows upon rows of mountains sprawled before me. I could see Mount Adams and Unicorn Peak in the distance. The green valley down below. And I could hear the “meep meep” and “yeak yeak” of pikas chatting all around me. A scene I couldn’t help but smile at. 

I checked out the scramble to the top of Pinnacle Peak and tested it out, but decided the view from the saddle was spectacular enough and searched for a lunch spot. It wasn’t the most peaceful lunch as flies and mosquitos were out looking for a feast, but the views were spectacular on both sides so I toughest it out for a little while.  

When I decided to turn around and head down, I had Mount Rainier in my sights for a good chunk of the way. Although clouds had moved in and blanketed much of the volcano, it was still pretty beautiful. The white avalanche lilies all along the trail were a lovely distraction too. Just before reentering the forest, another pika popped out! This little one and I admired each other for a few moments before it decided it was time to take cover. How lucky am I? Two pikas in one day!

After hiking down from the peak I had the climb back up to the visitor center. And while I was sweaty and tired at the end, I had passed a few friendly people and the brief conversations were very cup-filling. It was just the day I needed. 

Reunited with my parents, body and mind reset, we drove back the campground and had our traditional hot dogs and beans dinner. And before I tucked myself into the van for the night, a mule deer came to say hello. This was definitely a memorable day.