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<\/a>So I got a new camera and wanted to try it out in the wilderness, so I decided to head up to Lake Tahoe for the weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To start, I took the short hike up from Highway 80 to Castle Peak. A fairly simple hike, the first half was mostly level on a Jeep trail. I decided to hike it instead of using my Jeep. \ud83d\ude42 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
After that, it climbed fairly steeply and it was a great relief when I reached the west peak. Making good use of the new camera, I enjoyed the view and had lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I was also attacked by a swarm of butterflies. Well, not so much as attacked as surrounded by them as they rode the wind over the ridge line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then it was time to really test my body and I made my way over to the east peak, the true summit of Castle Peak. On the way, I had a spectacular view of butterflies coming straight up a window in the rock. Very thrilling to see so many butterflies in such a narrow space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then I say the class 3 climb ahead of me to get the the true summit. Mostly a vertical rock face with some easy to find hand and foot holds. I\u2019ve seen worse, but it was still a bit nerve-racking to climb up such a vertical wall with nothing to save me if I slipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last time I was up on Castle Peak, there was snow and ice on the summit, so did not dare to try this climb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As I reached the top and put my hand on the edge, a man appeared suddenly. He said he didn\u2019t want to surprise me. He failed at that. Fortunately, I didn\u2019t fall, but it was a little surprising to see him there since no one had been up on top when I started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turns out he had gone up the other side, which is more of a class 4 climb. He did end up taking a picture of me from down below, which is a viewpoint I can\u2019t get with my own camera and iPhone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gathering my whits, I surveyed the area around me and marveled at the view. I thought about going down the class 4 route. It looked easy from above, but I knew that looks can be deceiving. I decided to go back the way I came so I knew where the footholds would most likely be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I safely reached the bottom and exhaled deeply. As I made my way back down, enjoying more butterflies and feeling good at doing this short hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Then it was onto Reno for some all-you-can eat sushi and some gambling. I actually ended up winning $200, so that paid for my gas, food, and hotel for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Up next: Mt Rose<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<\/a>