San Diego is not all about beaches and an ocean...in our opinion.
Editor crosses third of four peaks on San Miguel Mountain trail.
The mind works better on some occasions than on others. We look forward to the time of 'some' as we are
experiencing a lot of 'others' recently. On a beautiful day in La Jolla, clouds sheltering the city from
the summer sun, a cool breeze off the ocean and temperature not rising above 74%, we thought how different
could it be a mere twenty-miles east. The weather, unless one likes to tan on the beach or burn, is in our
opinion, near-perfect.
We are in rest mode as our editor keeps making the point. We counter that if we get any more rest, we will
be so unfit that our next trip is going to be a struggle. So we walk and hike a little and try the occasional
mountain during this short sabbatical. After a very frustrating spell at work, we set off for Iron Mountain
as a training session, mid-afternoon. Sunrise and sunset are prime times for this hike which consistently
portrays the best of nature.
Editor has developed a terrible high-slice. Her 'swing', not what it used to be, although we find her most...
Downtown San Diego on the right, Coronado and naval base to the left
We thought the thermometer in the car was faulty when it jumped into the 80's, soon thereafter into
the 90's and finally settled on a 100 degrees fahrenheit. No problem. We'd make some adjustments.
Instead of trying a jog up the 1,200 feet hill, we'd walk. That should compensate for the heat. On the
way down, a jog would be comfortable, we thought. The last of the big thinkers. In the end, it could
have been worse but there is no doubt the heat adds an additional dimension to the hike.
We thought of our son, Robbie, while moving up at a reasonable pace. Now there's a guy who knows how
to undertake instant fitness training. We were heading up the sister mountain, Woodson, with Rob a
year ago. The previous day, he mentioned he wanted to get super fit. To do this, not only would he
hike with us at a fast pace and probably leave us in the dust, but his backpack would be filled with
rocks. We love the enthusiasm of youth. Of course, we were most impressed as we normally carry rocks
but in our heads. Half-way up the mountain, he asked for some water.
"We suppose with all the rocks in your pack, there's no space for water."
We noticed he looked at us rather sheepishly. His pack was in fact empty but for some snacks. This younger
generation is really tough.
Mexico yonder.
Editor feeling quite smug as she stands above San Diego, sweating.
Today, with the editor around, we headed for one of San Diego's steepest, San Miguel Mountain. It is a
great hike and even better training ground. The views stretch to Mexico, the naval base, downtown San Diego
and Coronado as well as the mountains of the county, not forgetting a couple of lakes, too (Otay and Sweetwater).
Oh, yes. There is also that little ocean to the west, the Pacific. The mountain provides a beacon for aircraft
landing at the airport. Apparently, the signal guides pilots to the runway. We observed the planes arriving
from the north making the turn west as they crossed San Miguel and flew into Lindberg field.
Looking towards San Diego's toughest, El Cajon Mountain
The cumulative elevation gain is 2,100 feet over eight miles from the car with a mile or so of relatively
level hiking each way. Without switchbacks, the climb is stiff providing a terrific challenge. It is quite
an experience.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Editor heads for home, down to the canyon and up to peak three
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