Our first full day at Horse Meadow campground found us cooking a large breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and sausage in preparation for hiking to the top of Sirretta Peak. At 9,977′, it is one of the most prominent peaks on the Kern Plateau – a 3-mile trail runs north from Big Meadow to Sirretta Pass, at which point we’d ascend west cross-country to the ridge north of the peak proper, then traverse south atop the ridge to the summit. Described as a “moderate” ascent, the trail was not particularly easy given the sparseness of shade and the warmth of the day. Arriving at the trailhead about noon, we got a relatively late start, and it was nearly 3pm before we hit the pass. We were looking for the well-ducked route from the trail to the ridgetop but never found it, choosing to simply head west up the hill at a point that looked right. Ecstatically, we discovered a series of ducks upon reaching the ridge, and the rest of the hike was wonderful as we scrambled up the jumble of granite blocks to the summit. The views were outstanding and an ample reward for our labors. Reluctantly, we left the summit a little worried about getting back to the trailhead by dark. We were able to follow the ducks all the way back to the trail – turns out we left the trail on the way up about 100 yards too soon. The going was much easier on our return, and we reached the car by 6:30 in plenty of time to get back to camp and cook dinner. All in all, a not-so-easy hike but one that was truly enjoyable.