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?
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.
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.
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
Regarding your box, another name for that mountain is El Cajon Mt. or, "the box". In, out, or on top of the box, its still a great view!
ReplyDeleteYou are brave to venture out there while its still this hot. I'm waiting for a bit of a cool down before venturing out that far.