"Tracked in strava: https://strava.app.link/qupMC7cOtab Meant to check out the Devil’s Thumb variation but it was a bit more than i wanted to tackle solo. At least i found the route! Perfect weather. There is a rabid fox that was killed recently in the area, so be careful. There was one group hiking that i am predicting will need a rescue tonight. They were in bad shape when i saw them around 11am. I tried to convince them to stay on the trail as it was the easiest route, but they were so wore out that they were trying to just descend into the valley. I had a terrible feeling watching them go, but they barely listened to my advice. I hope they know something i dont..." — bend • Oct 10, 2020

"10.3.2020~McFarland Peak/Bonanza peak Big CW loop. 17 miles (5 mountaineering/12 trail), nearly 7,000’ gain, 8:45hrs. We didn’t get started til after 11am so we finished in the dark forest which was amazing. I underestimated the route distance by 6 miles so we were beyond exhausted and Jimmy was NOT happy with me. It was a Sufferfest of epic proportions. Early on, ‘‘twas a nightmare to fight our way through thick Scratchy brush that thrashed and sliced up our legs. I tweaked my back after a mile and had major spasms that immobilized me. It held us up for a half hour as we iced my back with my frozen bottle and massaged it with the hiking stick so I could move again.....It calmed down and we carried on. I was in pain the whole time but didn’t give up! Great day. Lots of wild horses, bones and switchbacks! Hot too...Oy! My husbands 1st McFarland Peak and my 4th. " — paula.raimondi • Oct 3, 2020

"10.3.2020~McFarland Peak/Bonanza peak Big CW loop. 17 miles (5 mountaineering/12 trail), 6,600’ gain, 8:45hrs. We didn’t get started til after 11am so we finished in the dark forest which was amazing. I underestimated the route distance by 6 miles so we were beyond exhausted and Jimmy was NOT happy with me. It was a Sufferfest of epic proportions. Early on, ‘‘twas a nightmare to fight our way through thick Scratchy brush that thrashed and sliced up our legs. I tweaked my back after a mile and had major spasms that immobilized me. It held us up for a half hour as we iced my back with my frozen bottle and massaged it with the hiking stick so I could move again.....It calmed down and we carried on. I was in pain the whole time but didn’t give up! Great day. Lots of wild horses, bones and switchbacks! Hot too...Oy! My husbands 1st McFarland Peak and my 4th. https://youtu.be/iFw5mP0XgzM " — paula.raimondi • Oct 3, 2020

"9.30.2020, McFarland Peak #3, Solo....8 miles, 3,500 gain round trip on foot in 4:54hrs, 3 miles round trip Mtn bike. This seldom visited peak is the 4th highest in the Spring Mountains and considered by many to be the hardest Peak in the Range to climb. I have a stress fracture in one of my metatarsal so it was slow but steady. Luckily it isn’t too painful. (God forbid I rest it, tee hee) Beautiful day with bountiful solitude. Days are getting shorter. Farewell September. See you next year.... https://youtu.be/7M7d1QQGghQ" — paula.raimondi • Sep 30, 2020

"9.22.2020~Happy Fall!! Charleston Peak #102, 11 miles, 5,200’ gain, 6:12hrs. I honored the change of season with a magnificent effort using an extremely difficult mountaineer loop route to my favorite Summit. Probably the hardest route I’ve done to and from this peak (multi-peak traverses excluded). I used the Redemption ridge mountaineer ascent route (from Echo Lot) up and the Upper Little Falls Ridge for my descent. It was a supreme a$$ Whoopin. The mountain was busy today. Cold breezes all day felt divine....Those Aspens!!! https://youtu.be/UEcprD1AeSE" — paula.raimondi • Sep 22, 2020