A Tax Day Night Hike of Mission Peak
Russ, the famous winehiker, invited us for a Tax Day night hike of Mission Peak. It was a training hike for some people planning a Shasta climb over Memorial Day, so it was no slow stroll in the park - the intent was a good workout, and a good workout is what we got. I managed to snap a few photos before the sun set, leaving us hiking by moonlight and headlamp.
The funniest part of the hike was a group of turkeys harassing a cow. The turkeys would sneak up behind the cow and start tapping at her back legs. The cow would then turn around and chase the turkeys, who would respond with a loud 'gobble gobble gobble'. Satisfied that the turkeys had been taught a lesson, the cow would go back to nibbling on the grass, unaware of them wandering back into her space, starting the process all over again. Entertainment like that on the trail is hard to come by!
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'Twas a fun group, eh? Thankfully the pace of the climb and descent wasn't too taxing!
I agree: wildlife vignettes like those moos and gobbles we witnessed last night make these forays, simply, worthwhile. And the best moments tend to occur at dawn and dusk.
Dawn and dusk, isn't when the mountain lions prefer to pounce?
(I keep meaning to go on a sunset hike at MP, thanks for the extra encouragement. Though I'd have to go slow).
Tom, the cougars only pounce on unsuspecting solo hikers who unwittingly smear themselves with duck grease. Next time I do a Mission Peak nighthike, you can be my guest. And so can Calipidder and hubby cuz dey's good folks.
Winehiker, you bring the wine, we'll follow you up any peak, day or night!