Iron Mountain in the early morning: A time and place when and where mind, body and soul unite in tranquility, perhaps a little sweat thrown in for good measure.

Iron Mountain is not a difficult hike nor a strenuous one either. In fact, the greatest danger we face at the site is when we run down the mountain and fear tripping and landing on the hard and harsh stone-and-gravel covered trail. There are many stones and rocks that protrude a little above the path surface and should one not notice, there's a good chance of finding oneself sprawled across the trail, face down. On one occasion, I looked up from my supine position to see a woman studying me as if I was an unusual specimen. (Comments are always welcomed but perhaps should be avoided in this instance.) Unfortunately, falling has happened far too often which has been exacerbated by not lifting the feet sufficiently, employing a bit of a shuffling motion.

Before we were side-tracked and waylaid in the opening paragraph, it was our intention to mention that Iron Mountain provides, on many occasions, some of the finest views. These sights occur for a number of reasons including: To the east are a number of ranges which provide wonderful sunrise scenes; to the west is the Pacific Ocean that creates amazing sunset sights. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of all is the cloud, mist and fog that form in the region. Although the East County of San Diego is particularly hot and dry, clouds form over the mountains in this region frequently and often take the shape of the covered-objects. On each occasion, nature allocates different styles of choreography with clouds completely covering the mountains, at times, partially draping them and often allowing only peaks to protrude. The combination of the sun, clouds and land working randomly, although often it appears well-planned, provides some of the stunning scenes we see often at this unique spot. Once again, we believe the scenes witnessed on our latest outing at the 'Iron' were outstanding. Hopefully, the photographs attest to our remarks.


A sunrise at 5:50am but we're facing west. Aha! Then it must be the moon.



Below the peak, 15 minutes to go.




Pale shades early in the morning.




A wild scene below the peak but clearly one of order, too. To the right is Mount Woodson.




A sea of clouds in the east, an ocean of water to the west. (With Maude Alge in mind.)




Clouds fill the gaps.




El Capitan, a previous week's 'monster' hike, at rear.




The sun bursts through.




Perhaps a great favorite. The clouds seem like moss or spider webs strewn across the hills below.




Clouds, like drapes, form over the mountains and hills.




The editor reaches the top and seeks a great vantage position.




Telephoto brings the house (castle) below, closer to the summit.




As sun rises, colors change.




Web of clouds cover the mountains and land.



Two more we could not omit.




We think a painting.




Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey