Head in the Clouds-CST

Yet another gamble with the forecast that seemed to swing the wrong direction.  Seemingly being the theme for me in 2019.  On this day excitement to repeat an inspiring traverse we completed two years ago.  The prior night we discussed the lack of desire to traverse this section of ridge line during socked in rainy conditions. In fact I think it was discussed we did not want to do that with the technical nature of the ridge line, a few crux moves and rock becoming slick. 

Waking to moderate rain that continued up until we reached the trailhead we knew it was going to be a wet day.  Upon reaching the forested section of trail we soon realized water would be squishing from our shoes the rest of the day. Weather broke as we reached the ridge line and the clouds looked promising for clearing skies.  Just enough motivation to trick us into pushing on.  After heading up and over the first summit and reaching the second the clouds formed at the ridge line as they often do, out of nowhere, and removed our ability to see very far. Rolling in like a misty wave giving off an eerie ambiance. Visibility being one of the main attractions of this traverse it was less than motivational to be stuck in the ping pong ball.  Do we push on, hoping that it was a short term event? 

I am always amazed with this dynamic of trying to read weather in the mountains and deciding to push on, or scrap the day.  I have had days that looked horrible, turn beautiful if you just endure the initial bad weather.  I have also had days that start beautiful and turn heinous. The unknown playing mental tricks on your mind.  If I retreat to the car and the day turns beautiful will I have regrets.  Asking yourself if I don't retreat am I ignoring the whispers from the mountains gently telling me today is not the day to pass through their gates?  It can be a challenge in these mountain environment which sometimes seem to be bi polar in there ability to create and change weather. 

Regardless of wrong or right, the decisions made we pushed on. In hindsight we are fortunate the weather remained as favorable as it did most of the day.  The clouds allowing no visibility aside from brief glimpses into the valleys below most of the day.  While it was not the traverse I expected or wanted, It was an entirely different traverse from the first experience.  Cut slightly short from the original due to torrential down pours, it was still enjoyable in its own right.  Slick rock and knowing that your exposed, but not being able to see it a totally new experience.  Not seeing the exposure adding a calming effect to the traverse, Tricking the eyes and mind into believing your out for a casual walk.