Mixing Matzah and Iron on a Good Friday, in fact, a great day

Since returning from Hike-about 11, we have undertaken a number of local hikes. However, until today, nothing stood out or made a deep impression. Obviously, because of our desire to share this blog, we saw some great sights in San Diego County, once again dispelling the notion that one has to travel to far-away places to see spectacles. We think some of the visuals at an old favorite, Iron Mountain, might be interesting.


Smoke and mirrors at 6:15am


Sun about to make an appearance


Meantime, towards Mexico, a thin cloud catches the first light


A favorite: Wild clouds dominate

We arrived at the trailhead at 5:30am, which we believe is early, actually, bloody early. In fact, the sun had not thought of rising yet. We have noticed that over the last few weeks, the sun does not make an appearance until after 10am on a good day and later, at other times. Off we trudged, heading east, of course, to try and understand the problem. Is it global-cooling, sun boycott or not wishing to be sexist, girlcott? (Excuse us).


Blue Mountains, East San Diego County


Shadows and prism, Iron Mountain casts its shadow on the clouds


Catching the sun as it peeks through

It looks like we managed to get a better understanding of the issues. All is well with the sun we’re pleased to inform you… phew. The problem is with the clouds. As you might have guessed, we love clouds and the various formations so we can hardly call it a problem. Apparently, the sun is not strong enough to pierce these wonderful formations and so it only lights up the upper altitudes. This means in order to see the sun earlier than 10am, one has to climb above the clouds, something we did today. To do this though, one must first search for a mountain or take a flight. The latter seems a silly option if you have nowhere in particular to visit.


Mount Woodson, a neighboring peak, fighting the challenge of aggressive clouds


A carpet of cloud covers the western side of the mountain

It was a truly beautiful experience. The clouds on the eastern side were light and allowed viewing of mountains and the surface. However, in the west, the thick clouds covered the whole area but for the pinnacles protruding at odd intervals. Iron Mountain cast its shadow along the clouds, always unusual and attractive. As an added bonus, a prism effect arose in one place, a palette of colors sat on the cloud. It was a privilege to view such beauty, once again.


Black, grey and white in color at the dam

Although we had the peak to ourselves during the first half-hour of sunrise, we met Adam and Chrissie and then Ed, all contributing to make it interesting and most enjoyable.

In a period of symbolic freedom, it was indeed a good choice.

Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey

A few more:


We'll have to straighten the sign or maybe level the camera


At about 6:30am


Clouds and sunrises, it does not get much better for one of us