SEVEN-UP PEAK (8,134'), GIBSON PEAK (8,400') July 25-26, 1987

Shortly after the chapter ban on my advanced peak section, I submitted seven peak climbs under my Climbing-Knapsack Section. Securing a co-leader, I sought to test whether they would actually bar me from leading trips. Well, the ban was upheld, so this set of peak climbs would not be published in their outings schedule for other hikers and backpackers to join us.

When the time rolled around to do this, my companion agreed to uphold his honor, so with no participants, we set out to climb these peaks. I took my car, as usual, since I always get the best fuel efficiency. Taking my assistant, we motored north on Interstate 5, then along Highway 299 to Highway 3. Camping somewhere, we took a good dirt road in the morning to come to our trailhead, Swift Creek.

Backpacking to our weekend base camp, we crossed a nice bridge, and while resting, I heard a crackle. We both stood up and avoided being under a falling tree. It might have hurt badly if it had hit us. So, this does happen!

Nonplused, we continued up the trail and finally came to Granite Lake. Resting a bit, we took our day packs and hiked up the Seven-Up Peak Trail. I surmised this might lead to the summit, but it simply crossed a high pass. We enjoyed some nice views already, and then we hiked cross-country up some easy slopes. Rex went ahead and I snapped his picture on the top, with Mt. Shasta in the background. When I summited, he was too diminished to snap my picture, in focus, with me holding a can of 7-Up. I recorded the dramatic views, with clouds and the sight of much of the Trinity Alps.

Hiking down back to our camp, we had a campfire and enjoyed the night.

The next day, we took a cross-country route through some brush to climb Gibson Peak. There was no peak climbers guide to the Trinity Alps, so we were investigating how hard this peak was. Climbing up directly, we crossed some steep class 3 rock to get into a chute, the only way through to the main ridge. We topped out and enjoyed even more views. There was a Mazamas register, and I liked looking through it.

We could take our time, with no really long drive to get back home. I photographed even more views, and then we started back down. We scrambled down the rocky gully and took our same way back to camp. Our backpack out went fine.

Back to the highway, I had to get this picture of this business, being that I like such legends. It used to be that I worried about fantasy, and myths regarding popular culture. Some hikers start to shake and cry when it come to flying saucers and alien abductions. These local chapter people won't ever be camping out by such irrational fears. Plenty of city dwellers have no experience when it come to sleeping outdoors. When I was a kid, getting a sleeping bag was great fun to try it out in our backyard.

Home by about 8 p.m., I wished to climb many more peaks up this way. I like diverse ecology when it comes to my travels. Some may never climb in other areas, or top unlisted peaks. What the local chapter sets for its hikers and climbers.

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