Via Windy Peak's south facing slopes. |
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Mount Hornecker and
Mount Livingstone in the background. |
Hike: RT 6.0
(including Windy twice); 40 min. up. Mount Hornecker is very close to
Windy Peak and it requires minimal effort to reach it. Descending
Windy's south facing slopes is pleasantly easy, I quickly reached the
valley. I was able to avoid most of the snow as I crossed over to the
shady ascent slope. Following game trails on the talus slope rendered
the climb almost effortless. As I neared a bluff, Fab called on the
radio to announce I was very close. Once atop the bluff, I walked along
the short summit ridge to the cairn at the top. I yelled at Fab and the
dogs, took a few pictures and promptly headed back, looking forward
to hanging out at the sunpit. We rarely share summit stays with the
dogs, it's always very special to have them around. While climbing back
Windy, each dog came down to greet me. From the top of Hornecker, it
only took 30 minutes to rejoin with Fab. Still early in the afternoon,
we
enjoyed the moment and the view. Time flew as we watched the sun
migrate. At 4 PM, we
decided to head back. Our return was fun, the dogs really liked
it
here. After
a short drive, we set up camp and ate a good meal around a
fire. |
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Dropping down easily. |
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Short talus ascent
slope. |
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I gained the ridge
crest climber's left of the bluff. |
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The ridge crest. |
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Summit cairn ahead. |
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View east. |
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Saddle Mountain's
double summit. |
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Heading back to
Windy Peak. |
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Almost back at the
"sunpit". |
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A great place for a
snooze but Rupert still wants to fetch! |
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Lincoln doesn't mind
resting in the sun. |
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Daisy is always
keeping an eye out and Rupert still waits... |
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Almost 4 PM, I guess
we should go back...
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Throwing the stick
again, we like the grassy terrain. |
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Nice view of the
route, we can see the truck. |
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Leaving the lovely
ridge behind. |
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Enjoying the last
sunrays as we near the truck. |
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It's snowing the
following morning at Willow Creek's camping area; kibble time! |
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