A view from Cuyamaca early on in the hike, one of two paintings.
Treacherous ice. Who knew to wear crampons in San Diego.
Remnants from earlier fires. Given time, they'll be back.
We were surprised and charmed when our editor suggested a visit to Cuyamaca State Park. We understood
the implication that sunrises or sunsets were not on the cards after a number of such hikes recently. Although
over an hour from Carmel Valley, it is well worth the journey. Along the way one gets a good look at some of
San Diego County's finest peaks. In fact, the prominence of this particularly one is the highest in the county.
At over 6,500 feet, it is high for this part of the world although a 'baby' when compared with the volcanoes
further north. Nevertheless, you do with what you have. We hiked over 7-miles and climbed 1,600 feet, part of it
on snow and black-ice above 5,400 feet.
In our opinion, a painting in East County
Climbing before losing the hat. The wind whipped it off the head even with the strap fastened.
A view from the peak, looking down on the county's 'lowish' mountains but always respectfully.
One does not see snow in San Diego. In order to view it, one has to travel to the Middle East
these days or at least, north-east of where we are currently. However, on Cuyamaca Mountain, there is
some snow combined with ice. The going in places is treacherous. Another of our fears is coping on
black-ice—what a challenge. There is no traction whatsoever when one hits an ice patch.
In addition, we endured strong winds at the peak which, should one stand near the edges, is quite
dangerous. We believe we received a clear warning of the danger of high winds today. While perched
somewhere on the peak, our favorite and trusty hat was not just blown off the head but whipped away, despite
being fastened firmly. Fortunately, a hat can be replaced; apparently 'our' type of head cannot—they don't
make the older model any longer.
Let it not be said that we don't listen. People have mentioned, from time to time, "Lose the hat, Jeffrey." We obliged.
Jenni reaches the peak of Cuyamaca; El Cajon Mountain ahead but not in picture.
A wonderful place to stand on a calm day, a little different with wind.
A tough and confusing life for a tree at that altitude.
In our travels, we are fortunate to have come across two Oregonian gentlemen who are quite
remarkable, Barry Jahn and Bill Arras. Last Friday, Bill did us the honor of taking a detour from
Grand Canyon National Park to visit us in San Diego. Amongst other things, he is a world champion
hot-air balloonist. We don't do him justice in enumerating his balloon exploits such as flying
over 7 continents including Antarctica, first person to fly between United States and Russia and
many other record setting achievements. Thank you, Bill.
Bill and Jenni only think about going surfing.
Reflections in La Jolla
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
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