First, Wheeler Peak Stats. Summit is 13, 065. The trail is via Stella Lakes and has an elevation gain of 2,906 ft. The total mileage on my watch was 9.5 miles
It was a beautiful morning, but the drive to get there took longer than expected. It still didn't set us back too much. The road to the mountain was dismal and horrible, as usual. Huge cliffs and hang offs and random deer on the road made me feel panicked. Fortunately, Papa knew how to assure everyone. Quote, "If we see a bear, we are quicker and can do acrobatics." Yes. Exactly. True.
Papa I thought had grabbed some food for his bag, but he did not. The lack of proper nutrition made the hike a bit harder for him. We started off strong and got to Stella Lake with no problem. It was warm enough to take off my sweatshirt. We continued together for about 3 miles but as it started to get steeper we split up. I didn't know he didn't have food and I didn't think he would get as far as he did. The rocks and elevation were INSANE. I can only compare it to Mt. Tallac on steroids. The drop offs were not for the faint of heart. It took awhile to get up and at one point the wind tunnel hit hard. It was absolutely frigid and so extremely powerful. The wind and rocks seemed to go on forever. It was hard, I'm not going to lie... but doable. Poles definitely helped to stabilize and balance. Once at the top, the view was sweeping and powerful. I took my time enjoying the peace from the wind surprisingly. The sun was stunning and the quiet was resonating. Truly I find God on the mountains, they are sacred places.
No matter how hard, we can do it. No matter how tall or challenging, or steep.... it's one step at a time and trying our best. It's not about the top, it's about finding the drive within yourself to see how far you can go. There are good days and bad days, and every day you respect the mother that gives us life, the earth herself. Mountains are never to be underestimated.
On the way down I found Papa at 2,000 feet. He had gone so high up in the rock!! He could have made it to the top, but decided to head down. Amy, a random hiker, had given him a protein bar, but he was struggling a little. To be honest, I think the elevation was getting to him. He did AMAZING. We saw about 15 hikers total, and for those going up (I was the 2nd one to the top that day) Papa had words of encouragement such as, "Good luck with that one. That is the worst mountain ever." He made it though. He was careful and had no injuries even after a fall. It took him about 2 days to recover fully, after all it was a big hike.
I wasn't sore at all. I think I had a great pace and really know when I should eat and how much for performance. The only thing was the elevation did make me a bit sleepy. The kids and Jody got to go to the Utah border, see the Lehman caves, and enjoy a cafe meal in Baker, Nevada. Great Basin National Park was beautiful, vast, and untouched. My only regret is we didn't see the stars at night, as it is famous for that.
It was an amazing birthday hike and I'm so grateful for family who indulges me!!
