Lassen Peak

On Sep 6, 1958 (my last available day), I arrived at the foot of the mountain at dusk. Never having been there andknowingnothing obout thepeak, I hastily asked a renger how long it would take a fast hiker to reach the summit. As if to scareme away, he said four hours, difficult hike, take food and water. I said I'd have to hurry to beat the darkness and with deep concern, alternated beteen jogging and fast walking up the tril. After 59 minutes, the trail leveled off and I was astonished to find myself on the summit. I took a few slides and laid down to write a letter about the ranger's misleading story. That was my first of a few similar experiences with rangers after which I chose to pay guarded attention to their advice. My second hike on Lasssen was with women and little children and it took about as much time as the first ranger had advised for a fast hiker.