Delano Peak

The day after the race Mary and I planned on hiking up Delano Peak, the highest peak in the Tushar Range at 12,169'. Mary had done this hike with Chris a couple of years back. Her pics were amazing, so I was eager to get up there!

The scenery was terrific right from the get go.

Mount Baldy and Mount Belknap.

A small snowfield remained near the summit.

Mary summits!

Views to the southeast.

and northwest

Mountain Goats! These herds were introduced in 1986 from Olympic National Park although there is apparently evidence there were native herds prior.

Zoomed in.

Lots of flower patches.

Hours of sublimity!

The flowers down near tree line were especially nice.

Just incredible! Some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever found myself in!

A Stroll in the Hills & The Crusher

The next day dawned bright and beautiful. Mary and I took advantage and went for a lovely paddle on Kents Lake. We saw many trout feeding in the weed beds and an Osprey hunting said fish.

Glassy!

Later we joined our friends Ben & Ann for a hike above Puffer Lake.

Elephant Head flowers. Slightly past prime but still stunning!

More wonderful high country meadows.

 Rain moved in along with rolling thunder and flashing lightning.

We very much wanted to reach the ridge just above us, but the lightning was just too close so we headed down.

Ann had the sharp eye and spied these mountain goats.

Glad we had binoculars!

A couple of couple pics!

Next morning was the start of The Crusher in the Tushar bicycle race. After toeing the line five straight years, I was happy to fill the role of helper/spectator/cheerleader.

My buddy Bob rolled by the campground near the leaders in his category.

Shannon paced himself at the start and enjoyed the scenery.

Ann and her superdomestique Ben spin through with smiles.

Mary and I then headed to the finish to greet our friends. Shanno finishes strong breaking the six hour mark.

Bob battled cramps on the Col de Crush but gutted it out and finished with a smile.

Ben and Ann paced themselves well but had to endure a deluge during the last half hour.

Hats off to all of them. I know just how tough it is to finish a Crusher!

The Tushar Range: City Creek Peak

After arriving at Kents Lake in the Tushar Range, we made camp and settled in. Next day we decided to hike up City Creek Peak from Big Flat meadow.

With warm temps and thunderstorms forecast for the afternoon we got an early start and were treated with great wildlife sightings.. Bull elk.

Momma deer and baby.

Nice roadside Columbine too. 

We started at beautiful Big Flat meadow.

We followed roads to the Skyline Trailhead.

Flowers were with us all day.

The trail wound up along the crest of the Tushar Range, This is the view down into Circle Valley.

and the view up toward our peak.

As we got higher we found more openings and dense pine forests.

Looking back on the ridge we followed with Big Flat in the distance.

We left the Skyline trail here to climb up the south slopes of City Creek Peak.

Higher still the views were magic!

Hard to tell in the above pics but there were flowers aplenty.

Jubilant Mary arrives at the summit!!

The clouds gathered as we enjoyed the summit.

Heading down.

In short order we found ourselves in a downpour, but it only lasted a few minutes before passing. It freshened up the air and left us invigorated!

Wonderful hike.