[pct-l] Night Hiking

[Mike Saenz]

Last ADZPCTKO, I hiked from the monument to the park. I was at the
bottom of Hauser with the guy who needed evacuation. I hung out in the
shade, waiting till just before sunset to climb up out of the canyon.
(it was a very warm day if y'all remember) When I got to the top, the
sun was setting and I walked the last few miles in the twilight, then in
the bright moonlight. About 2 miles out, I could hear happy voices and
bits of a soundtrack as I walked along, gauging my distance by the
twinkling lights of Morena Village and the sound of a dog's bark getting
clearer as I got closer.

I was solo the entire day, but that last couple hours was the most
enjoyable part of the walk. The trail as more than adequately lit from
starlight and moonlight. I didn't even have a light going. I could hear
all you folks having a good time while I was doing what we were all
there to do and celebrate in the first place.

I was both happy to walk into the park (heading straight to a cold
oilcan), but a little sad to leave that night-magic behind.

That all said, as a Section Hiker, I plan on doing the next lengths of
desert at night, staying out of the sun and consuming less water.

Michael  Saenz
Associate Partner

MVE Studio, Inc. | Architecture 
Irvine + Oakland + Honolulu

1900 Main Street, Suite 800 | Irvine, California 92614-7318 | T
949.809.2700 | www.mve-studio.com

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net
[mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net] On Behalf Of Paul Magnanti
Sent: Monday, December 03, 2007 7:14 AM
To: PCT MailingList
Subject: [pct-l] Night Hiking

>>(Night hiking, on the other hand, is a perversion of all that is good
>>and true.  This cannot be disputed.)
 

Hey..I know it was said in jest, but I love night hiking (and skiing).  

A backcountry ski tour by the light of the full moon is easily one the
best ways to experience winter.


Anyway, here is something I wrote about doing a 13er this past summer.
It was done via a full moon:



	 
	 July 30th -  Sounding my barbaric yawp...
	 
    
    

	         
	
      Over the years I have come to enjoy night hiking.

There is something magical about night hiking.

The sun sets, the mountains are lit with the last light of dusk.

Elk and deer are grazing.

The surrounding land has a stillness about it that you just don't get
during the day.

Last night I did a full moon hike of Mt. Audubon.

This
non-technical 13er is very popular. And for good reason. Awesome views
of the Continental Divide and the ever present Longs Peak. Easy
approach and gradual trail for all but the last ~1/2 mile.

As such, it is almost always busy on a weekend.

At night? We had it to ourselves.

The
hike started at dusk and we popped out at treeline shortly before the
moon rose above the clouds. Once the moon rose above the clouds the
terrain was simply awesome. The silver light splashed over the rocks
and tundra. Deep shadows were formed by the mountains surrounding us.
The stars were above. A headlamp was not needed at all.

We made
it to the summit, enjoyed the fine views and could not believe our good
fortune in terms of the weather. Not too cold, not windy at all, the
moon was not obscured by clouds.

After enjoying the summit, we
made it back down the trail and and into the woods. Picas went EEEP as
we headed down. Made it back to the car and drove back to Boulder and
into the early morning hours.

Last night was easily one my most memorable nights of hiking.

If
you have never walked by the light of the full moon, you really should.
It is unique, powerful and memorable way to spend time in the outdoors.

The moon should still be bright tonight...what are you waiting for?




************************************************************
The true harvest of my life is intangible.... a little stardust 
caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched
--Thoreau
http://www.pmags.com


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