ET's Info-Stew

18:01 - The plan today was to go to Cinder Cone. It is about 8 miles round trip to the cone from our camp spot, though it's not clear if that includes the hike up.

Most of the trial approaching Cinder Cone was gradually downhill, so I kicked up the pace a bit. The part of the trail is largely coarse sand. Eventually, half a mile to the cone, the trees open up to a volcanic desert.

Near the base of the cone the trail forks, with the right fork heading to the top of Cinder Cone. You really start to feel how annoying it is to hike in sand while going up this first uphill.

Between a third and half the way up the code is a nice flat place to rest in the shade and gather your energy. It has a nice view of the colorful Painted Dunes at the base of the cone. The next part of the trail is extremely difficult, so the rest stop is necessary. The trail climbs up several hundred feet with slopes approaching 45 degrees. This wouldn't be so bad if the trail wasn't made up of loose volcanic rock. Because of the grade you are taking short steps. But for every step you take, you slide half a step back. I had to stop to rest numerous times to relieve my legs and suck wind, occasionally contemplated turning around.

Fortunately near the top the slope decreases somewhat and the loose rock is less loose. A stunted tree ahead on the left side of the trail was my indication that the summit was near. I rounded the top and to my surprise there was a huge crater surrounded by a high rim. Had I looked more closely at the topo map, I would have expected this. The views from the top were spectacular.

After doing a circuit of the rim we decided to follow the trail down into the crater. I let Bill go first in case it was deeper than I expected...I was already beat and didn't want to waste all my energy on the way back up. But the crater was only 100 or so feet deep, so I followed him down.

It was neat, kind of like being an ant inside a bowl of dried Cocoa Puffs. But I didn't stick around long, long enough to pick out a neat volcanic rock for Jenny. After the strenuous climb out we headed back down the steep trail. This time we took a nice long break at the level spot, ate snacks, took a nap, and headed back for camp.

The three miles back to Rainbow Lake were fairly tough. I was already quite tired and now I had to hike gradually uphill in sand. Quite tired and dirty, we finally made it to Rainbow Lake and I went for a refreshing, relaxing swim. Wanting to get back to camp and finally rest, I headed back leaving Bill behind.

The last mile is mostly downhill. My legs were tired and my feet hurt. If someone were to ask me, "Is it worth it?" I would say "Sure, I guess. But ask me in a week and I'll say 'definitely'." One thing is sure - I am nowhere near the shape I need to be in to hike Half Dome.