Seven Hours on Tallac

"Tahoe" as we all know is an Indian word meaning "sports utility vehicle". Thus inspired, and taking a cue from Brad Pitt, we resolved to climb the predominant peak in the Tahoe area, Mount Tallac (pronounced tal-LACK). The trail would be a 12-mile loop, elevation range 6377 to 9735. It was expected to be extremely cold, windy, and exposed. We approached the adventure as a major expedition.

The local natives seemed friendly. The evening before setting out, they invited us to join them in an ancient cleansing ritual which requires offerings all one's spare change to elaborately decorated altars of flashing spinning lights, in the hope that the Gods would hear the prayers and smile.

Our burdens lightened by the deaf gods...

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