Sawtooth Peak (12,343') from Mineral King

[wingding]

I do admire those fast hikers, but I've come to realize that I'll never be real fast like them. We all have our own way of enjoying the wilderness - I'm very happy just to plod off to my chosen destination, which is usually a peak to enjoy the view, and back to where I started in one piece. The views from up high in the Sierra are just so beautiful to me.

[mountaineer]

About the only "speed" ascent I have ever done was Lassen..parking lot to summit in just under 50 minutes. Not fast, I know, but pretty good for a slug like me.

[AfterSeven]

I remember that Walter Starr, author of Starr's guide to the John Muir trail is reputed to have hiked 143 miles in 4.5 days. Now that is pure sustained speed in the High Sierras....

[Skibum]

Hey Wingding!

Just climbed Sawtooth myself (Oct 2). 2" of snow at lower Monarch Lake and a tad more on the summit. The view was great with the fresh snow.
We took a different route, basically straight up from lower monarch lake.

2.45 from the trailhead? Phew!, they must have RAN to the Pass or Lower Monarch.

[wingding]

Congrats on Sawtooth Mr. Skibum! It must have been beautiful out there with the snow.

I'd like to try to get back up to Sequoia to do Mount Silliman (I still haven't done that one) before December. We did Alta Peak a few years ago at Thanksgiving as the view was just so beautiful with all the peaks capped with snow. Maybe I'll be able to do it over Veteran's Day Weekend.