I guess I’ve been too lazy or occupied to get into my Pany G9 innards and really learn how to take star shots. I made some unsuccessful attempts, including today getting up at 4 AM and heading to Reflection Lakes to try and capture the Aurora and some stars, but I haven’t got the combo right. I need to get on it, this camera should take pretty good shots, it’s my ignorance that’s getting in the way.

I was still feeling thrashed from the 3 peaker the day before, so moved just up the road to the Pinnacle Peak trail head and slept until 8. Thankfully this approach is much shorter (1.3 miles) with much less elevation gain to the saddle (1200’) than the Eagle Peak trail. I put on my helmet and immediately turned left for Pinnacle Peak. In a nutshell, I varied from the plan which cost me the peak. As I ascended it seemed a bit more than a “moderate scramble” and I was concerned I was off route. Despite no evidence, I thought maybe a contour around the base and ascent up the opposite ridge might be the way to go. It wasn’t. That area is a series of thin ledges with minimal good rock to hold onto, so I turned around carefully and made my way back to the pinnacle where I had broken off. Thoughts of getting banged up in a sliding fall so early into retirement danced in my mind. I regained my prior position and looked up the ridge and started to go on, but something in my gut said to bag it. I did not relish the careful down climbing that would be needed from the top, and the time I spent on the ledges taxed my mental reserves. So, for what may be an easy scramble for some people, on this day twasn’t so easy for me. 100 feet below the summit, I made my way back to the saddle.

*Looking south from the Tatoosh range, Mt. Rainier NP*

The next two climbs were described as easy, and a possible fourth (Lane) was described as difficult, with a long steep gully to ascend. I put Lane aside and did the easy trail up to Plummer (6370’), sporting yet another in your face view of the mountain, then descended on a way trail to access Denman (6006’). Lots of people do Plummer but Denman was not on their list. Denman was a straight forward scramble with poles with a broad summit and….another fantastic view of the mountain, also looking across to Paradise with a gleaming full parking lot. People were really taking advantage of this weather. Although the attempt at Pinnacle had taxed me a bit, generally this day was just laid back and serene, with perfect weather and views in both directions to the Tatoosh peaks, including the ones I had climbed the day before. I regained the van and drove around the mountain, using 123 and 410, which is still closed from the fire 33 miles down the road from the turnoff to the White River entrance. Onward to Sunrise.

*Mountain details from Denman Peak (6006’), Mt. Rainier NP*

*Sleepy Pika on the Pinnacle Peak trail, Mt. Rainier NP*

*Wahpenayo, Chutla and Eagle Peaks, Mt. Rainier NP*