We knew snow would be one of the rewards of this hike, but neither one of us was prepared for just how much snow! Our first sighting was met with glee and a few snow angels, but the wonder wore off as we approached the summit slogging through a fairly pristine layer a good 12 inches deep. Glad we had our trekking poles!
On the way up we met David Stillman a local adventurer and blogger who christened this climb the Suffer Machine... not an ounce of exaggeration! Both Cheryl and I had read his blog on the Topa Topa's and were really excited to meet the author. Small world! Dave gave us a few tips navigating the correct trail as well as some words of encouragement and then took off to tackle his demons leaving us to ponder our own.
Our hike started at the bottom of Sisar Canyon, a popular mountain bike and hiking route. Sisar Canyon starts as a wide fire road with several creek crossings and after reaching the gate at about mile 4 we veered to the right heading on a single track path that leads though loamy forest up to White Ledge Camp. At this point, after planning a future overnight camping trip, we again crossed the creek and started a more exposed part of the hike, climbing through deep ruts and over loose rock on our way to another fire road which splits off to the right and on up to the summit. It was on this last mile and a half to the summit that we encountered our first patch of snow. But what was at first a small dusting, quickly turned into some respectable drifts! You can't beat living in Southern California... where else can you set out on a February hike in 70 degree weather, enjoy snow along the way and still do it all in shorts and t-shirts?!
The trail widened up bit and we enjoyed a few high-fives, celebrating our accomplishment so far thinking we surely must be just about to the top! But alas, nature had a few cruel tricks in store. This is where the Suffer Machine comes in! Just when you think the last mile was the worst, you are treated to the next half mile. Maybe it was the snow or maybe it was just a lack of fitness, but there were a few times when I seriously considered turning back. After all, how great could the views really be? Did I really want to tackle the return trip in all this snow? Would discretion really be the better part of valor? Thankfully, those thoughts did not linger long and with encouragement from my partner in this quest, the summit was soon in sight... right foot, left foot; right foot, left foot. And then... eureka!
Our efforts were rewarded with stunning panoramic views! The pictures don't do it justice but imagine seeing Catalina Island not to mention Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa and all the other Channel Islands with Lake Casitas in the foreground. On a really clear day you can probably see boats tied up at Scorpion Anchorage on Santa Cruz! After soaking in our victory and the scenery we each recorded our entry in the Topa Topa log book stored inside the summit geocache (and also signed the geocache log) and then stowed our gear for the return trek.
Most hikes, the back seems shorter than the out. Not so on this one. For some reason, maybe the excitement or the exhaustion, I thought we would never get back to the car. We lingered a bit too long at the summit and as a result lost daylight sooner than we would have liked but we did make it back to the gate at the top of Sisar Canyon before having to don our head lamps. Only the last 4 miles were in the dark... and I mean dark, not dusk.
All in all, I could not have asked for a better day. My partner in climb, Cheryl, made the trip so much fun; encouraging me every step of the way and sharing in the exhilaration of achieving our goal... thanks to the best co-leader ever! We may not have been the fastest hikers (ok, we definitely were not) but we were certainly having the most fun and at the end of the day that's what we do this for.
Our stats...
Total miles: 16
Total hiking time: 8:34
Total time on the trail: 13:02
Total elevation: 6368'
Total elevation gain: 3700' (approx)
Total fun: LOADS!
Some day, we two, too, will make that hike. Some day... and I sure do hope that we don't see any winged bacon-makers ;-) I'm in awe, Lenore. Topatopa is no easy feat, snow or not, and you have a right to be proud and pleased at your accomplishment. And now you have a good idea of what Whitney will be like. We'll be rooting for you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the summit! T'was indeed a perfect day for a hike, no? I guess you met one of the "geezers". We've gotten rained out for last weekend and, of course, for tomorrow. I'm headed up Chorro Grande to the Pine Mountain summit. Heading into the teeth of the storm, so to speak. Should be interesting. Well, thanks for the note and keep hikin'!
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