Wheeler Peak – Elevation 13,161 ft / 4,014 müM
The sound of my hiking shoes could have been a metronome
About 28 years ago, I climbed the highest peak in Switzerland (also the 2nd highest in the Alps) during one of my yearly Swiss military high mountain troops trainings. Switzerland has a mountain warfare capability. To reach the Dufourspitze ( elevation 15,203ft / 4634müM) we needed ice axes, crampons, and climbing ropes.
Since living in New Mexico I have always wanted to be on top of our state’s highest peak, Wheeler Peak, elevation of 13,161ft / 4015müM. It is close to Taos and Taos Ski Valley.
On Sunday, I drove to Taos Ski Valley. This is a tiny town. It is so small that when I went to eat dinner at 6:55 pm at the Taos Ale House, the waitress let me know they close at 7 pm but would give me takeout. So I sat at a table on the veranda facing the river Hondo Rio. I enjoyed my dinner and a beer and went to bed early.
At 3:15, Monica Giraldo woke me up with La Aventura, and reminded me to get up and be ready for a 4 am start. I brought breakfast from home and enjoyed every bite of the Müesli, yogurt, and fresh fruit.
I drove the 5 minutes to the trailhead parking lot, put my headlamp on, trapped my rucksack, and went off into the pitch-dark night. I am glad that previously I hiked the first few kilometers as I recognized some small river crossings and curves. The temperature was a cool 47F (8C).
The only voice I heard was my inner voice. It sounded great and happy. The sound of my footsteps was like listening to a metronome. With that sound, I was reminded of my army training. Same rhythm: 60 minutes non-stop, 1-2 minute drinking break, continue. I did the 60 minutes and then drank a few sips every 30 minutes. At around 5 am, I heard the first bird chirping. Soon they were more and more. It was still very dark. I am still inside the forest.
Slowly I saw the sky getting brighter through the high trees—nobody else, not one soul was on the trail. Once above the tree level, the landscape opened like a play when the curtain is raised. At twilight, I started to see an incredible amount of different wildflowers.
I heard the sound of marmots (Murmeltierli), pikas, and big-horn sheep. It was just me, nature, and the animals. Several times my heart bursted with joy for different reasons. The beauty of nature, all the wildflowers, seeing and feeling a new day starting, being able to live in this beautiful state, realizing again how fortunate I am that Cindy agreed to move to Santa Fe, and most important, that I am healthy and can enjoy this.
When I reached the ridge, the scenery was spectacular. At the peak, I had the whole mountain for myself. I was there at 7:30 am and enjoyed it for over half an hour. Big horn sheep were curious, marmots were running after each other. Wildflowers were waving in the wind.
I put my rucksack back over my shoulders and hiked down. Going down is so nice because you don’t use too much energy. At least 1 mile down, I saw the first people coming up. In the meantime, the temperature rose, and it started to get warm. Seeing me coming down, most of those people had a great excuse to rest while we made small talk. When they heard at what time I left this morning, more than once, I heard, “You are blessed.” 🙂
At 10:30 am, I was back at the car, and for the first time, it was great to sit down and relax.
At Taos Sky Valley, I had a delicious green chile pizza.
You know, dog owners treat their dogs when they do something good. Parents treat their children with ice cream if they do something good.
So, I treated myself to a chairlift ride. Light clothes, sandals and up they brought me. Not a drop of sweat. On top, I looked over and up to the Wheeler Peak.
What a day!
[caption id="attachment_8956" align="alignnone" width="600"] Headlamp switched ON[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8954" align="alignnone" width="600"] … I know this bridge. That is a good start.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8958" align="alignnone" width="600"] Still on the right trail.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8959" align="alignnone" width="600"] An early morning hike is a blessing for the whole day.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8961" align="alignnone" width="600"] Some snowfields and some ….[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8962" align="alignnone" width="600"] …. rubble[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8963" align="alignnone" width="600"] This Bighorn Sheep was watching me for the longest time without a move.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8960" align="alignnone" width="600"] Marmot close to the Peak.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8965" align="alignnone" width="600"] It is a pleasure to feel the warmth of the sun.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8967" align="alignnone" width="600"] A short hike and I will reach the highest point in New Mexico.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8966" align="alignnone" width="600"] What a beautiful butterfly.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8997" align="alignnone" width="225"] Gaia GPS and a Garmin inReach are two important safety devices (with backup batteries.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8968" align="alignnone" width="600"] You see as far as the eye can see — 360 degrees.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8969" align="alignnone" width="600"] The light is magic.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8980" align="alignnone" width="600"] There are so many wildflowers here in so many different colors.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8982" align="alignnone" width="600"] Those tender flowers survive nasty weather conditions. It is amazing.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8988" align="alignnone" width="600"] Way down there is Williams Lake.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8992" align="alignnone" width="600"] Yes, I was hungry, BUT this Green Chile Pizza is out of this world.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8993" align="alignnone" width="600"] They did maintenance work until 2 pm. I was happy to relax and wait.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8994" align="alignnone" width="600"] I feel like singing ….[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_8995" align="alignnone" width="600"] Wheeler Peak from the top of the chairlift. I can see the many tight switchbacks on the left side of the snowfield.[/caption]
24 Comments