Bout with Boundary

It was only a few miles across the California/Nevada border when I took the dirt road that leads to the trailhead for Boundary Peak (elevation 13,140 feet). Trying to bike up the Queen Canyon was a lost cause so I decided to make camp in the desert valley at 7000 feet. Although we were bothered by swarms of biting gnats that were especially adept to attacking the orifices, we witnessed our first Nevadan sunset.

The next morning I quickly loaded my pack, and we were off to summit the highest point in Nevada. Along the road to the trailhead we passed abandoned cabins and mines that date back to the Civil War years. It was fun to imagine all what must have taken place in this canyon.

After hiking six miles and gaining 3,800 feet in elevation, we saw the massive Boundary Peak for the first time. Boy did we still have our work cutout!

We continued to march upward dealing with deep snow, loose rock, and howling wind. Finally, at 4:30pm, we set foot and paw on the summit. Our efforts were rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and their desert valleys below.

We descended the mountain at a medium pace to enjoy the Nevada high country and another sensational sunset. We also ran into a hearty group of climbers known as the “Cops on Top.” The group consisted of Nevadan police officers who climb Boundary Peak annually in tribute to fallen officers. Crossing paths with this team of hikers was inspirational and timely, and they generously gave Chiva and me food and fresh water. Thank you guys--so cool what you do! Please keep up the good work.

When we finally reached our tent in the valley below, it was well after 10:00pm. Chiva and I were completely exhausted from battling Boundary, but I prepared us a meal to initiate the recovery process. After scarfing down the food, we both got needed rest under a sky filled with bright stars.

The next day was spent tent shuffling under a small pine tree for shade while reflecting on yesterday's hike. It was a wonderful feeling to have bagged Nevada's highpoint, and I was very proud of our performance. When the sun's UV rays were less harmful at 6:00pm, we packed up and hit the road again. I ended up biking well into the night and covered sixty miles. I am enjoying the thrill of night biking more and more and actually feel safer than biking at day (at least in Nevada).

The following morning I finished the twenty remaining miles to Tonopah where we are situated now. We are resting and preparing ourselves for our next adventure: biking to the geographic center of Nevada in Monitor Valley. The epic and challenging days continue! Best wishes to everyone and thank you to those who continue to help me with the Tour de Dog.