Metamorphism is a harsh mistress (Vesper Peak solo)

My first attempt at rockhounding was....shall we say...a bust. I am, so far, more like a rockjackrusselterrier, running excitedly in circles and finding nothing. Actually, I found some mediocre hydrothermal quartz, but I think I may actually need to do more research before I find anything really cool.

However, the hike itself was great! I'd never done Vesper before, and it was much shorter than I expected, and just as steep as claimed. I went by myself, mostly because you all have like 7 jobs and hate free time. Also because I like going hiking alone sometimes.

This is from the road, I highly recommend coming down this road even if you want just a scenic drive.


Not much color yet....


Revenge of the Pluton.


And some of the guys that Pluton has messed up.


I camped on the edge of the lake (you can see my little yellow bivy in the bottom right corner), the climb from it is surprisingly short.


Hover the mouse over the photo.


Granite always wins in a fight between two rocks. And I have NO idea what this stuff was, all banded and foliated and.....stuff.


Same here, various metaconglomerates and metasandstones and such.


Del Campo and Gothic on the right.




This photo has been artificially brightened, but look how long that slab goes for in the bottom of the frame, I would guess at least 2000ft, maybe more.


I only ever seem to do this when I'm by myself.....


Hello I-5 corridor! You can see the olympics kinda poking out. Must have been a bit grey down in town eh?


Rainier in center frame. Rain shadow in action!




I'm not scowling, but squinting into the sun.








Way cool hike, I'd definitely go back.