High Sierra Topix

several of us have been opting for a different type of New Years celebration. for the last few years the goal has been to do a New Years hike and if possible bag a peak. much better than nursing a hangover.

two years ago the snow on Owens Peak was low enough that we had to park a mile down the trailhead to even start. we were snow shoeing most of the day and only halk of the people summited + one dog.

last year it was Backus Peak - 4 of us with a successful summit.

Today 6 of us went out and climbed Owens Peak - we also met a couple more Ridgecrest folks on the way up the mountain - so at least 8 people summitted today. as usual came down the shortcut - it was a blast

anyone else have any good New Year traditions

Tomcat.. What a great way to bring in the New Year Standing on the top of a beautiful Desert Peak. We just took our two doggies on a snow hike here..they loved it so it was a great 1st day of the New Year!

Thank you for sharing your story

When I was into running, I ran a 5K at midnight with a friend in San Diego.

Another year some friends hiked and celebrated the new year on Echo Mtn in the San Gabriels.

1998 into 1999: Hiked up a small hill with SnowDude (north of Mammoth) with our snowboards, brought a coffee liquier drink in a thermos, and snowboarded down at midnight. I was a newbie, and it took me forever to get down because I kept falling in the deep powder and kept getting stuck.

1999 into 2000: Mammoth Mtn opened for a midnight run and we got to snowboard into the new year

2000 into 2001: Snowshoed/backpacked from Green Creek to Virginia Lakes (3 days) in untracked snow

2001 into 2002: Winterfest in Lassen with MtnSteve's group

After 2003: Parties in Mammoth (even though the parties are fun, I think next year I want to bag a peak)

This year I was nursing a head that stayed out way too late.
I like the way yout think. Count me in for next year!

Anita - ty for the positive response. it does seem like a great way to ring in the new year - although I admit I have a bias and an addiction.

Snowy, Norma, and anyone else - Jan 1, 2008 will come faster than you realize - in the mean time - it has only been two days but I am already itching to get back out. Looks like I will need to get back out this weekend.

SnowDude said he would hike into 2008. I think my favorite was the backpack we did. 3 days on untracked snow (except for animal tracks). At midnight we were awake. It was a very cool way to start the new year.

Maybe we'll do it again sometime. But for 2008, we'll hike.

Norma, it was fun partying with you! I slept in, but didn't have a hangover this year. We were on the slopes but didn't see anyone else. Saw Kowalski and Dean on the chairlift.