Oct 27, 2011 - Castle and Basin Peak

The Hike to Castle and Basin Peak was attended by 5 geezers, Merrill, JD, Bob, Sherm and Glenn. The 8-9 mile hike began at about 7500 foot elevation and just under 40 degrees. We reached the 9000 plus foot summit of both Castle and Basin Peaks, but the temperature was still only 50 degrees. We were able to make lunch by 12:15pm. With scattered snow on the ground,the fields of wildflowers well past their prime and with a cool breeze in the air, it was clear that we've passed the summer hiking season. We still had great views of Lake Tahoe, Boreal Ski resort where they were manufacturing their own snow, and north to the Sierra Buttes. After reaching Basin Peak, as we've done in the past, we couldn't resist playing schoolboys and throwing (or rolling) large rocks off the summit! Boyz will be Boyz! We then made our own trail cross country until we joined the Pacific Crest Trail to the Peter Grubb Hut. After a brief stop at the hut, we returned to our GMC taxi at 5:00pm. It was a great day and a great hike!