Lazarow World-Hike-About: 6.02 Cerro Alto, outside Morro Bay

"There are no easy mountains or morros"

From the peak, looking at the cloud covered ocean

Jen on the ridge ...Always worth clicking on picture

“Can you see the rock?” we asked our lovely editor.
‘On the morrow, probably,’ she replied. “We know it’s called a morro—please don’t be so smart.”
‘I’m not. Well…maybe just a little ahead of you. With the thick mist-covering, we may have to wait until tomorrow to see it.’

She is far too quick for us. Anyway, we will focus on the ‘physical’ as our brain is less agile than the body. (We don’t mean to imply the body is that supple either). We mentioned how quaint this town is in yesterday’s narrative. Well today, it’s still lovely. Some things never change.

We set out in warm clothes as the temperature at 'the Bay' was only in the sixties. A mere 7 miles inland, we began our climb of about 1700 feet in temperatures that reached into the nineties. It is a wonderful hike but the sweat dripped everywhere, especially in the eyes. As the trail follows along the edge of the mountain, we were exposed to great views the whole way. An amazing aspect was the contrast of a cloudless sky against an ocean covered completely in cloud. In fact, the layer of these beautiful, white clouds rested on the ocean surface—clouds of glory from our perspective. The last time we saw such clouding was in Maui.

Ridge peak far more exciting than summit

Ridge trail viewed from summit

We turned the adventure of getting to the summit into a more adventurous activity by moving along the ridge, enjoying the narrow edge and then ‘bouldering’ at the second peak. At times, when the wind rose to say ‘hello’, it became only a little scary. All in all, it turned into an exhilarating experience. We learn that when one pushes a little above the comfort zone, the rewards often multiply. (Always careful, though).

We returned to the ‘village’ to find it covered in mist and low clouds, too. Big surprise. This is our third visit to Morro Bay. We find it very attractive—it has an atmosphere that provides tranquility and joy. We arrived for two nights and after one of them, we have decided to stay five. This will take us through Shabbos. Excuse us now. We must rush off as our editor is itching to climb some rocks at Bishop’s Peak. Far be it for us to argue with her.

“We’re coming—just strapping on the parachute if you don’t mind.”