Going Ichiro! 4-4 in the Lemhi's.

Dedication

Respectfully submitted to honor the memory of Devon Austin (1991-2010).
Devon was awarded the 2010 Gatorade Idaho High School baseball player of the year.

His thirst for the game was unquenchable and his infectious qualities touched us all.

Lineup

THE PLAYERS	ELEVATION
Gunsight Peak	10835'
Vanilla Peak	10624'
Ray Lode Peak	10723'
U Mountain	10540'

FIELD DIMENSIONS	STATISTICS
Elevation Gain	4900'
Round Trip	10.8
Start to Finish	9:45

Batting Practice

Gunsight Peak is located west of Leadore in Idaho's Lemhi Range. This highly visible peak has a distinctive notch at the summit when viewed from the valley floor, this acquiring its name.

After several trips past Gunsight on Hwy 28, the time had come to step up to the plate and see what kind of 'stuff' this peak had.

A plan had been formulated to pick up four peaks on the day, but caution was needed because after all, this was an away game in a new ballpark.

The Lopez scouting report read this way: four irrigation ditches and one 4WD creek crossing in addition to five gated fences on the approach.

The trip from the on deck circle to the plate was filled with apprehension. However, confidence quickly returned as these fastballs, curves, and sliders had been seen before.

Only one irrigation ditch had water in it and the creek crossing was done in 2WD. All five fence gates were open and this hitter sensed a productive day at the plate was forthcoming.

First at bat

The trail started strong with signs and sizable rock cairns to mark the route. It faded in places and some trial and error was needed to stay on track.

The first goal was attained in reaching Lake 8420. An unexpected bonus appeared as an obvious ascent chute beckoned for any takers. The Lopez scouting report was ignored and a full cut was taken at this first offering.














Good balance and steady concentration was soon rewarded with the first ascent of the day on Gunsight Peak where an excellent view of Yellow Peak was revealed.

Box score: solid double to the wall in left center.

Second at bat

Next up was Vanilla Peak. In a good groove now as this was enjoyable Class 2 ridge walking which would be the norm for the rest of the game.

The distinctive notch on Gunsight Peak, seen from a different perspective than how most people view it.

Box score: sharp single up the middle.

Third at bat

The day was squaring up nicely and this Lemhi adventure was starting to look attainable. Ray Lode Peak would be the farthest point from home plate and a little voice could be heard.

Take care running the bases because this is deep in the Lem's and there is no one around to help if a face plant were to ensue rounding a base.

The ascent was flawless and the jumbled remains of an old cairn marked this rounded summit.

Box score: one hop single over third base.

Fourth at bat

U Mountain was waiting and this team's closer was bringing his best fastball.

First up was dropping to a saddle at 9944'. No problems, but the inevitable had to be confronted and the ascent up U Mountain commenced.

Focused and determined, but U Mountain changed speeds well. It threw elevation gain and then a long gradual slope with a tantalizing cairn perched at the far end.

Patience and perseverance paid off as the 'U' finally delivered up a pitch that could be handled.

Box score: broken bat bloop single just over the first baseman's glove.

Clubhouse Report

Looking to the north at the first summit of the day - Gunsight Peak.

A 180 degree turn to the south on U Mountain's summit shows Lake 9526 which appears to be referenced as Yellow Lake.

The Ichiro of our generation and the man in Idaho we are all chasing.

Images

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