Be prepared, just in case.

Periodic Advertisement and/or Warning

Returning to the city after each adventure, we are more aware of the societal acrimony that exists and seems to be developing strongly. We notice the discourse between people is rather harsh—we put that gently, we think. We are not commentators on the issues of the day; nevertheless, when we read the suggestions that people should begin preparing for revolution, we don't laugh as hard as we once did. We don't even giggle. Instead, we ponder and think.

Last Sunday, while hiking and scaling the marvelous El Capitan Mountain, we found our safety-haven in case the predictions of doom materialise. We have included a picture for reasons that will become obvious. Kindly note that the suite on the left is for Jenni and her spouse while the other two are as yet, unlet. Lately, the real estate recession has not been good for outlying (high-rise) properties. Comes the revolution, we believe people will be 'climbing and scrambling' to reach this cave...umm 'suite of safety'.

Suite on left occupied, other two still available. Please note: Ablutions not yet in operation. Added attraction is occasional visits of mountain lions (no extra charge). Without lions, there is an additional fee.

Should you have an interest, contact Jenni at your convenience. Serious renters only, please.

And now for the "Sales Pitch"

At sunset, an alternate meaning for "Whisky on the Rocks"

"A room with a view"

Don't be concerned. Our engineer, as seen above, is currently working on road improvements...slowly

Meanwhile, engineer's hardworking spouse continues searching diligently for other rental opportunities in La Jolla.

Cheers,

You're right. It was a slowish day

El Capitan, San Diego County--A Wow!

Nature's phenomena--as we approach

At a peak, a gaze at a protruding peak in the haze

Looking towards the peak at 2 miles

At one of the peaks of this wonderful reserve

We set off from 'home' this morning with the temperature in the sixties and ended up at the peak of El Capitan in the nineties. That's the east county of San Diego for you, often 20 to 30 degrees hotter than at the coast. After being covered in the 'clouds of glory' (Succahs) over the last eight days, the reality of the outside world hit us hot...um... hard.

The hike is a phenomenon in our opinion. It is not too difficult but strenuous with very steep inclines both ways, including slippery sections. Yes. On the way down one walks up very steep paths, too. Perhaps that should be rephrased on the 'return' instead. We hiked more than 10 miles, gaining over 4,000 feet with the ups and downs, lost a couple of pounds each and felt incredible. After the delightful meals enjoyed over the recent festival, we believe this is an ideal way to get back at the body for over-eating. Leave the mind in the car and let the body take the punishment. After all, who in their right mind would do such a hike in this heat at mid-day?

Who in their right mind would be thinking of bumping that rock off its perch?

Facing the other way, away from the marine layer--still some way to go to the peak

Part way up--fascinated by the mist, clouds and marine layer

Over the years we have been blessed to be on the receiving end of kindness from friends and strangers. When Jenni suffered a scratched cornea over the closing day of Succoth, Barry Kassar appeared and, offered his expertise and loving kindness. Today, Jenni 'sailed' through this tough hike. Thank you, Barry. B'Hashem.

"When you commence a new and tough hike, it's as if you're being let out of your box," our editor announced. We were not insulted as she makes an interesting and probably correct point. However, at the end of the day, we were not too excited when she wanted to put us back in 'our box'. During the holy days, we did much singing in shul particularly as the tunes were outstanding. We did not know what to make of it all when one of our seating neighbors suggested that we would probably do better if we sang on the mountains rather than in shul.

A well earned rest in wonderful surroundings

Real boulder scaling, quite sheer, too

We read that very few people seem to undertake the hike, considered the finest in the county. It is certainly one of the best we have come across. The views alone are worth taking a few hours from the day to see the beauty that the interior offers those that venture in and up.

Are we there yet? I might be readying for a tantrum

This is probably the last big hike we will undertake in San Diego prior to commencing hike-about-7. We hope to see you on the trails during the early part of November.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

Never can resist, some fun at the top

We think these are two hikes from the last few weeks, Iron Mountain and Mt. Woodson, in the background

Less haze in one of the canyons

More haze

Mount Woodson...not again

Jenni on her maiden 'surf'. Next time she intends bringing a bathing suit. (Can a male have a maiden surf?)

Enough surfing. Time for tanning

Are you under the board? Don't scare me like that again, Jen.

Sometimes a person tends to ignore one's own backyard in search of greener pastures elsewhere. Over the last week, we enjoyed three local hikes, particularly up Iron Mountain (see below) and today's at Mount Woodson.

We met two fellows who once again did not realize we are from San Diego. We can excuse people in different parts of the country and world not knowing we're locals. However, it is inexcusable for San Diegans to still get it wrong after 22 years.

On Golden Pond, back at ground level again

Our separate meetings were not without incident. John agreed to take a picture or two of us on the 'surfboard', Jen's maiden 'surf'. We stood on the edge together for a photo. John needs serious help with his technique—we will now have to hike this 8-miler up a tough incline of 2,300 feet again and hope we find someone willing to take a picture of us...and that the person is competent. John 'shot' blanks, a first on that camera.

I think the sun just fell into the lake

I'm not seeing water below. Am I missing anything?

Then there was Tony. He passed us on the way up and barely returned our greeting. (He was only able to pass us because...we had to tie our bootlaces again—nice try, Jeffrey). There is a lesson to be learned even if a person does not wish to be naturally friendly. When we arrived at the peak, we mentioned to Tony that we thought he looked extremely red in the face. 'I am used to steep climbs,' he answered, 'but not this steep and long. I have 'run out' of water and feel ill.' We gave him most of ours then after he left, we remembered we had grapes with us. They were the sweetest we have eaten.

Rocky outcrops

We have been on the 'surfboard' aka 'potato chip' before as you might have noticed. We wonder if we are a little immature as we approach our sixtieth year—we certainly hope so. As Jen usually says,'If we're having a mid-life crisis, we might as well enjoy it.' Amen!

Has this been reinforced, Jen?

Chag Sameach and Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

King of the Castle--a game we played as kids. What's changed?

Cowles Mountain, San Diego--A post Yom Kippur fast, slow stretch

During the Days of Awe, our proportion of time has switched from mountains to favor shul, study and introspection. Following the month of October, N'H, we are heading to the Eastern Transvaal, the Cape of Good Hope and both islands of New Zealand. In the meantime, we are exploring, when the opportunities arise, our own backyard.

The two mountains protruding through the mist are in Mexico; the right hand corner is downtown San Diego, Lake Murray on the left. (Click on pics for size)

The city of Santee with mountains as a backdrop

Looking east over Santee

Looking south to Mexico with Lake Murray prominent

An afternoon on Iron Mountain, Poway, near San Diego

Sometimes one needs inspiration, sometimes not. After watching the stock market fall 250 points followed by a rise of 400, we decided to emulate it by driving down to Poway and hiking up Iron Mountain. It is a terrific hike, well suited to those looking for a gentle elevation gain of 1,100 feet over 6 miles return. A very nice place to spend time viewing interesting terrain, particularly, the activity in the sky.

'Clouds did not get in the way'--they made it quite special

Interesting weather for late summer--heavy rainfall of .0001 of an inch--Lucky we were on high ground

Sun clouds

Not bad at all..eat your heart out Sierras (okay, okay...just kidding)

A windy peak...for a change