I wanted to get up before work today and climb Badger Mountain. I got to bed at a reasonable time and the alarm clock went off at O-Dark Thirty (0400). I actually got out of bed and headed for the hill. I knew I wouldn’t even see the sunrise but I would have a chance to see the city lights while the city still slept.
Click here for map, directions and more details on this hike
It wasn’t too chilly so shorts and a long-sleeve t-shirt did the trick. I turned on the Ipod to a Dan Miller podcast and started hiking. I had a little pain in my left knee but pushed on. The city lit up the trail enough to avoid tripping. As I got to the top of the “stairs”, I headed up the draw and the stars popped out at me. I wish I had a Star Gazer ap on my Ipod because I know I was looking at several constellations.
Early Morning View from Badger, Can you Identify the Scene? (click pic to enlarge)
I did my average twenty-two minute time to the top and decided to snap a couple long exposure pictures.
What Do You See in This Picture? (click pic to enlarge)
It was a beautiful morning on Badger Mountain. I was almost back down to the bottom when I saw one other hiker heading up. I guess not everyone was asleep.
It’s a unique way to enjoy the mountain but the city lights have their own beauty.