Pinkley Peak is the highest mountain in the Puerto Blanco Mountains at 3,145 feet. The climb begins off-trail at the picnic area from the west side of Puerto Blanco Drive. I ascended the south ridge, and climbed up the left side of the peak. It was cold and windy on the south ridge, and my desire to climb the peak had faded. I was also trying to shake off some depression too. Several times I stopped and thought about turning back. But if I quit, I would have to come back. I don't like having a failed attempt on a mountain. However, I looked at the peak and decided to go a little further. I kept saying just a little bit more. Finally the winds became calmer, the sun was warming me up, and the peak was closer. Then I became determined to conquer the summit. It took me 2 hours and 30 minutes to reach the top, and I was much happier than earlier. This is why I climb mountains. The hike was 3.6 miles round trip, and took me 4 hours and 40 minutes.
It's days like these when my OCD is mostly gone. My mind is focusing on a tough climb, instead of useless and distracting obsessions.
I followed the route from Debra Van Winegarden's blog.
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Pinkley Peak
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Pinkley Peak
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Pinkley Peak
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The final scramble to the summit.
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On the summit.
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Me on the summit.
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Looking north from the summit.
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Looking west from the summit.
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Coming down the mountain.
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