Hiking six miles on a rocky trail through the Cataract roadless area was a small price to pay for the privilege of standing there in total solitude. Photo taken on August 31, 2012.
It is indeed, Teresa. There is a perspective there that I wish everyone could see. That’s our mother Earth there, behind the harsh veil of civilization.
There are lots of weather variations on the higher peaks, but they are usually 20 degrees F cooler than in the valleys, sometimes more. Much cooler at night. Last summer I hiked to a peak in the Cabinet Wilderness and noticed that the temperature there was 65. In the valley on the highway back toward home it was 95.
If everything else remains the same, temperature will decrease by about 5.4 degrees F for every 1000 feet increase in elevation. Certainly, the wind that is nearly always present at the mountain tops makes it feel even cooler.
Your title reminded me of “The Seven Storey Mountain” by Thomas Merton-another lover of solitude. I wish I could spend a few days with a rock hammer on that slope. What a story those rocks could tell.
I wish that I had more knowledge of geology. The rocks and rock formations are fascinating. I bring back a small rock from each of the peaks that I visit as an added memory of the trip.
Is it my imagination, or are the peaks in this area rounder and smoother? Are they older? or differently formed. Despite that six mile hike, they look more accessible than some.
I think they just display the variety formed by the tilting and pushing up of the mountains. These are a little less in elevation and farther away from the valley of the Clark Fork, so there appears to be less contrast.
That has to be one of the most glorious feelings in the world … beautiful.
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Comment by Teresa Evangeline — December 20, 2013 @ 10:41 pm
It is indeed, Teresa. There is a perspective there that I wish everyone could see. That’s our mother Earth there, behind the harsh veil of civilization.
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Comment by montucky — December 20, 2013 @ 11:02 pm
yes …
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Comment by Teresa Evangeline — December 21, 2013 @ 10:14 am
I bet it was quiet and the air filled your lungs right up.
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Comment by wordsfromanneli — December 20, 2013 @ 11:01 pm
Total stillness and peace there and a refreshment of the soul. You can look and smell and feel and hear and understand who you are and where you are.
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Comment by montucky — December 20, 2013 @ 11:09 pm
A very wholesome feeling.
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Comment by wordsfromanneli — December 20, 2013 @ 11:38 pm
Indeed, what an absolutely stunning view.
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Comment by Charlie@Seattle Trekker — December 20, 2013 @ 11:36 pm
It was, and the trail ran right up the crest of the ridge to the top where there were even more views. What a world we live in!
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Comment by montucky — December 20, 2013 @ 11:58 pm
Wow, that’s stunning! How hot does it get up on the peaks in August?
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Comment by Jo Woolf — December 21, 2013 @ 3:23 am
There are lots of weather variations on the higher peaks, but they are usually 20 degrees F cooler than in the valleys, sometimes more. Much cooler at night. Last summer I hiked to a peak in the Cabinet Wilderness and noticed that the temperature there was 65. In the valley on the highway back toward home it was 95.
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Comment by montucky — December 21, 2013 @ 9:15 am
That’s a big difference! I guess height and wind chill play a great part.
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Comment by Jo Woolf — December 21, 2013 @ 10:01 am
If everything else remains the same, temperature will decrease by about 5.4 degrees F for every 1000 feet increase in elevation. Certainly, the wind that is nearly always present at the mountain tops makes it feel even cooler.
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Comment by montucky — December 21, 2013 @ 11:03 am
Your title reminded me of “The Seven Storey Mountain” by Thomas Merton-another lover of solitude. I wish I could spend a few days with a rock hammer on that slope. What a story those rocks could tell.
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Comment by New Hampshire Gardener — December 21, 2013 @ 6:08 am
I wish that I had more knowledge of geology. The rocks and rock formations are fascinating. I bring back a small rock from each of the peaks that I visit as an added memory of the trip.
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Comment by montucky — December 21, 2013 @ 9:17 am
That was the first thing I thought of, too. Merton would have appreciated both the solitude and the view. No question about that.
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Comment by shoreacres — December 21, 2013 @ 9:47 pm
Wonderful photos, thanks for sharing with those of us in midwest.
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Comment by Linda Ault — December 21, 2013 @ 6:59 am
Thank you Linda! I’m very glad that you like seeing them!
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Comment by montucky — December 21, 2013 @ 9:18 am
Is it my imagination, or are the peaks in this area rounder and smoother? Are they older? or differently formed. Despite that six mile hike, they look more accessible than some.
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Comment by shoreacres — December 21, 2013 @ 9:50 pm
I think they just display the variety formed by the tilting and pushing up of the mountains. These are a little less in elevation and farther away from the valley of the Clark Fork, so there appears to be less contrast.
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Comment by montucky — December 21, 2013 @ 10:05 pm
Really amazing experience, I’m sure.
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Comment by Candace — December 22, 2013 @ 12:28 pm
It really was, Candace. In a way it was exhausting, but still good to know that I am still capable of it!
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Comment by montucky — December 23, 2013 @ 8:18 pm
Very small price to pay for that kind of solitude…and that kind of view….wonderful.
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Comment by seekraz — December 25, 2013 @ 9:08 pm
Indeed it is, Scott!
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Comment by montucky — December 25, 2013 @ 10:49 pm
Very gorgeous. Did You walk on the ridge in this photo?
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Comment by Sartenada — December 27, 2013 @ 12:18 am
I did. The trail follows the crest of the ridge and at the far end of that mountains there was a fire lookout in about 1930.
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Comment by montucky — December 27, 2013 @ 8:25 pm