El Capitan, San Diego County's toughest: a challenging, testing and nearly 'brutal', in heat. And, a short walk for the birds.
The picture says it all. Not often I see the editor in that position—it attests to the tough nature of the hike and heat of the day. El Capitan is considered, certainly we do, the most strenuous hike in San Diego County. While it's not difficult, it is tough. Gaining some 4,100 feet in elevation (11miles) but not as one would expect. On the way up, there are about 850 feet of declines and of course on the way down, a similar amount of climbs. Therefore, one is often ascending and then giving hard-earned gains back to the mountain. Of course, the 'hill' does not appreciate our generosity. In 90 degrees weather, the heat proved to be another factor with which to contend. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful test, something we do each November to ensure we don't slack. I'm hoping the editor will continue this annual challenge as she was not happy in the heat. We hike up Mount Woodson and Iron Mountain often when we are in town. Both mountains are easily visible f...