6.07 Snivley Summit and Pinyon Peak, Garland Ranch Park

Beyond and above the rear mountain top is our destination. Editor feeling a little smug

Editor struggling in the rough--feeling somewhat less smug

Editor at peak pointing to where she would like to throw me (Click to enlarge to see trail)

Tuesday

It’s difficult to describe the feeling of today’s outing. It followed upon two unique experiences so it had to offer much if it was to maintain the trend. It sure did. We crossed changing terrain as we climbed—did we mention climb—had wonderful views into the valley and across at the neighboring mountains as well as a distant peep at Monterey Bay. We don’t particularly like the phrase used to categorize the hike but it provides an accurate summation—a ‘butt-kicker’. The trail has two very steep components to follow to reach the summit. Thereafter, a free climbing/scrambling extremely steep section on the edge of the mountain tests the nerves and the muscles again. At this second peak, with well over 2,000 feet elevation gain, sits a fire tower, not an official part of the hike.

The last push, the peak above the peak--tower just showing (Click to enlarge)

Our editor, again showing courage and determination, sets a wonderful precedent for us as we struggle on the slippery slopes. On the way down, for about a mile, we decided to jog. It was reminiscent of our army days. We decided to be a drill-sergeant. Besides acting like a cruel and heartless bully, we enjoyed shouting out commands to our editor (for a change). The fun part was using the same name ‘LUZZA-bloody-ROW’ as our sergeant had some forty years ago. Of course, our language was quite refined. To think that our editor enjoys all this makes us wonder. Although we had the 7.5 miles trail to ourselves, we do hope nobody was around observing our silliness. Off the record, we think she enjoyed it.

From Snivley Summit, pointing towards Pinyon Peak

Volunteers maintain the Garland Ranch Park wonderfully. Strange that things can be done well without tax ‘hikes’. By the way, the Park is along Carmel Creek Road, a road we once lived off some years ago when we had a home. For the record, that road is in San Diego, not Carmel. Golfers will know of the famed course, Pebble Beach, close-by. Following a hike, we usually find that we don’t have that much energy for a round of golf no matter how interesting the links.

A view into the valley from half-way up

It’s time to leave Monterey and head north again. Remember when they said: “Go west, young man”. How the times are changing. We’re neither young nor going in the right direction.

"I think we're lost. I can't see where we go from here. Can't even see the editor" (Ocean to the left)

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey