We set out for Mount Woodson in cloudy conditions and soon thereafter, the rain began to fall. It would surely be a dull day. In most circumstances: yes. However, today we were going hiking with our youngest, Robbie, and so wherever we looked, the sunshine was prominent. It looks like Robbie is the real deal when it comes to the outdoors. He recently spent four days backpacking in the grandest canyon of all, the little one in Arizona.
“Hey, Dad,” Robbie greeted, “I’m coming down to see you and Mom next weekend,” he said during last week’s call. “How about we go on a really tough hike.” We don’t necessarily know what he meant, as at our ages, all of them seem to be strenuous. As it turned out, we hiked up San Diego’s finest the day after his call, Mount El Capitan (last Sunday). This left Mount Woodson as next in line, which we hoped would meet his criterion of a real challenge. Who can’t appreciate the enthusiasm of youth? “Otherwise, I can always fill my backpack with rocks,” he informed us. We thought only we had rocks in our head. Apparently, it 'runs' in the family.
During August last year, we hiked with our eldest, Gavin, up Woodson. One of the differences is that the temperature then was nearly 40 degrees ‘warmer’. It sure made a difference as we ate up the 8.5 mile hike in cool conditions with an elevation gain, we believe, of about 2,300 feet. The views were spectacular, enhanced by the low clouds. The highlight, of course, was our few minutes on the ‘surfboard or potato chip’. For the parents, it was a special time, the opportunity to hike and talk with the child from Venice Beach.
The second climax of the afternoon followed Rob’s comment, which had us rolling on the ground, laughing hysterically. We were worried we might roll over an edge. What was the comment? “Mom, Dad: What are the chances of the whole family camping in the bush for a few nights?” We wondered if he remembered anything of his two elder siblings.
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