2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

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Bob Burd
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2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Bob Burd » Sun May 04, 2014 3:23 am

Spring has arrived, the Sierra snows are now melting in earnest with fair weather ahead, the passes are starting to open and thoughts naturally turn to What to Do in the Sierra this Summer. The 14th annual Sierra Challenge is set for late August long after most of the snows have melted, the mosquitoes have had their run, water is plentiful as is sunshine and plenty of daylight hours. 10 new peaks have been selected for the 2014 event including a few of the lesser-known 13ers, a couple obscure prominence summits and a trio of summits honoring Sierra women, a rarity in the range. We're going to visit Northern Yosemite, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Bishop Pass and the Kings River, Piute Pass and the Glacier Divide, yet another return to Taboose Pass, Center Basin, the Whitney Area and more.

The all-new 2014 Sierra Challenge gives you ten days in August to challenge your stamina and your sanity amidst the beauty that is the Sierra Nevada. Leave your heavy backpacks and marginal camp foods behind. Climb some impressive peaks with a daypack and enjoy fine Eastern Sierra cuisine at day's end. Join us for one day or all ten, to test your legs in the backcountry or just to meet fellow enthusiasts. We already have several dozen folks signed up this year, always room for more. :D

For those who aren't familiar with the yearly Challenge, in a nutshell - we drive up and down the Eastern Sierra for ten days and climb 1-2 cool peaks each day. Mostly carrying a light daypack, sometimes crampons/axe. It's primarily a hike/scramble event, with little technical rock climbing. It's generally a pretty exhausting day, but most participants would use the word "fun" somewhere in their varying descriptions. This is not a race, there are no official sponsors, and there are no prizes. There are no qualifications to join in the fun - everyone is welcome. The link above will give you all the info.

Pat Hadley, an accomplished athlete who taught art and coached boy's cross-country at Valencia HS for many years, died tragically from a fall during last year's Challenge. She left behind hundreds of saddened friends, students and family members who had been touched by her in so many ways. Meeting her husband afterwards was one of the most difficult moments of my life and I can only guess at how horribly difficult it was, and continues to be for him. One of the things he told me was, "Please don't stop climbing because of this. She loved doing this and would be heart-broken if anyone stopped on her account."

In memory of Pat we will have a special memorial atop Patricia Peak on Sunday, Aug 17. It is a fairly short hike and scramble designed to maximize participation. All are welcome.

Pat Hadley atop Indian Rock, Aug 17, 2012:
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The following user would like to thank Bob Burd for this post
bobpickering, Cy Kaicener, hightinerary, Jesus Malverde, Marcsoltan, seano, Vitaliy M., Ze

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Vitaliy M.

 
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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Vitaliy M. » Tue May 06, 2014 6:05 pm

Will do my best to make it for a few days.

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by ScottHanson » Mon Jun 02, 2014 5:58 pm

Looking forward to joining the Sierra Challenge 2014 event in 74 days on August 15. Just need to pick up my training routine to get this 64 year old body in decent shape. There will be some underlying sadness this year as we lost a popular and rugged member, Pat Hadley during the SC 2013 event. A knee injury prevented me from joining SC2013, but I did meet Pat briefly during the SC2012 event. I look forward to day 3 this year, when our community of climbers reflects on this special person! Hope to get a chance to meet some family members on that day. Her smile on the above picture shows her enjoyment and elation from climbing with friends.

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Princess Buttercup » Fri Aug 01, 2014 2:29 am

Here's wishing all my fellow Challengers an amazing and safe time cavorting about the heights. If you listen closely to the breezes on 17 August, you might catch a few notes of the Call of the Moose. I'll be sure to get somewhere high that morning, even if I may not be close.

Much love to all my guys and gals. Climb Hard. Be Safe.

-L

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by ScottHanson » Sat Aug 02, 2014 1:00 am

Thanks for the post Laura. Hope to run into you in Bishop during SC2014. Yes, August 17 should be a special day. Hope there is a big crowd of climbers and non-climbers present. I met Pat briefly in SC2012. Certainly don't know her well, but I think the following quote may get at Pat's essence. The word "man" can easily be replaced by "woman" in Roosevelt's quote below:

"........ The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt, 1910

RIP Pat!

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Bob Burd
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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Bob Burd » Mon Aug 11, 2014 5:28 pm

Starts Friday. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, consider joining us!

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by ScottHanson » Tue Aug 12, 2014 12:35 am

Just for the record there was some unstable weather near and in the mountains as I drove through Carson City (8/11, 2pm) and up to South Lake Tahoe (8/11, 3:30 pm) today. Your typical thunder, lightening, and short duration heavy rain which many times is highly localized. Today's weather pattern may have no impact starting this Friday down south for SC2014. But it may be smart to bring a little extra rain gear to be on the safe side. Just my two cents!
Scott

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Bob Burd » Thu Aug 14, 2014 2:35 am

Headed up early for a few days' acclimatization. Hiked around the Disaster Creek area off SR108 today, tagging Lightning Mtn, Disaster Peak and The Iceberg. First day this summer I've been in the Sierra - I did miss it a good deal. An unusual summer cold front was getting chased across the range. Lots of clouds but none threatening, windy and cool - quite nice for hiking.
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The Iceberg, with a thick layer of devious brush in the lower reaches:
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Flowering meadow above Paradise Valley, Disaster Peak in the background:
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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by fedak » Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:49 am

Stay safe this year everyone...
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http://www.fedak.net/backcountry.html

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by fatdad » Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:18 pm

Every year I plan to go to at least one day, and every year I'm busy. One of these years...

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Bob Burd » Thu Aug 14, 2014 11:50 pm

A little warmer today, but still quite nice. Hiked up to Mt. Jackson in the Sweetwaters above Bridgeport.
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Here's Mt. Jackson on the approach with a serving of sagebrush:
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A register dating to 2010 was at the summit. Only a few entries, most of which I recognized - Bob Sumner, Sue and Vic Henney, Brian and Marie French

Here's Mt. Jackson from the higher unnamed peak 9,551ft:
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Done by noon, I got to spend a lot of time at the Bridgeport Library. Did you know they give out visitor library cards? Air-conditioning and free wifi, too. This place rocks.

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by hightinerary » Fri Aug 15, 2014 12:58 pm

Mt. Jackson! I recall gazing at it from the Walker River Lodge a few years ago, but never had time to climb it. I wondered how dense the brush would be.

I see it is Friday the 15th. It's on! Have fun in the Challenge.

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by DukeJH » Fri Aug 15, 2014 10:31 pm

You guys be safe out there and have fun. I must take my daughter to college but I have my own personal quest this year.

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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by Bob Burd » Sat Aug 16, 2014 12:36 am

We had 23 at the start and something like 15-18 made it to the summit of Slide Mtn on the northern boundary of Yosemite NP. Another beautiful day. Lots of evidence of gully washers along the route but dry, warm conditions.

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10 or 11 at the summit:
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Not much snow on the north-facing chutes:
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Re: 2014 Sierra Challenge Aug 15-24

by michael1 » Sat Aug 16, 2014 4:51 am

Hey everyone, I think it might be easier to communicate and share photos/files in a Facebook group so I created one. Ask to join and I'll add you.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/333058046852983/

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