| Thunder Mountain nostalgia Trip Report |
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| Thunder Mountain nostalgia   | 
| Page Type: Trip Report Location: California, United States, North America Date Climbed/Hiked: Jul 10, 2007 Activities: Hiking, Mountaineering Season: Fall | Page By: squishy Created/Edited: May 27, 2008 / May 27, 2008 Object ID: 407073 Hits: 197 Loading... Page Score: 87.26% - 4 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
Thunder Mountain
Me when I was very young near Thunder Mountain. |
When I was very young I remember looking up at the Thunder Mountain while camping at Silver Lake with my family. I use to wonder what use to live up there in the caves and overhangs. It was a magical place for a child's mind and for some reason the place stuck in mine. Things always seem so large when you are so small, but this one didn't change when Lis and I revisited it on 10/7/07. It was a beautiful day, it had snowed the day before, leaving the mountains lightly dusted. Thunder Mountain is a short distance from Kirkwood ski resort and we found some discouraging warning signs. We parked near the Carson Spur and reached the summit on a moderate trail passing avalanche barriers on the way. The route was about 7 miles round trip with 1800 feet of elevation gain.
Thunder Mountain in my minds eye, before I found the place again |
I learned of the mountains more recent and tragic history while doing research for this hike. Paul Ruff died there while attempting a world record ski jump, I took a picture of the memorial cross found near the summit. This hike was also Lis's first "peak bag". Thunder Mountain is 9410 feet and the highest point in Amador county (our favorite wine region).
Memorial to Paul Ruff near the summit of Thunder Mountain |
In the snow was numerous animal tracks and we were startled by a Blue Grouse flapping into the trees. We ate lunch perched above Silver Lake amongst rock formations not unlike those of Pinnacle National Monument. Even though, there were no Indians hiding in the caves, Thunder Mountain had much offer and I will be returning soon. It was bigger and better than my young mind had imagined it years ago.
Thunder Mountain Picture Gallery on Hikingnstuff.com Images
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Lake Tahoe Basin
