Every now-and-again, along comes an opportunity that's unique. Actually, most are unique but there are those that stand on their own, often because of the subjectivity of the participant or hiker.
We were reading through some recommendations for the Berryessa Lake region when this guy's approach came across as original. Some of his comments were:
Hazards: "On the way down, the grade is so steep in places, you will have to make the choice of letting gravity have its way with you or you can try to engage in a controlled fall." How enticing.
It's a very short hike of 1.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,470 feet per mile. Believe us that is steep.
He continued..."Other hazards: Poison ivy, mountain lions and rattle snakes."
He concluded: "Would I do it again?: NO."
Only one of many rewards from the top: A view of Monticello Dam and wall, Berryessa Lake, Putah Creek, the beautiful surrounds and put it all together and one is immersed in natural life, in wonder.
You've heard it before; nevertheless, this looks nothing like the real climb. Also, an indication of parts of the path.
To the right is the Blue Ridge Mountain which we crossed 2-days earlier. The path along the stream below is part of the return route.
From near the peak, we have a nice view of the campground plus the Putah River.
Truth be told, can't get enough of these views. The small tree on the peak to the left of the dam is one of the places we stood 2-days before on our way up to-and-along the Blue Ridge Mountain.
For perspective, a typical view of the lake from the ridge (2 days earlier) differs as shown below. To the right foreground (water), the lake continues back toward the dam wall.
Reaching the last clump of trees before the peak.
A view from the peak toward the campground.
A little of everything.
The 'zig-zags' or 'switchbacks' on one of the routes to Blue Ridge Mountain. I've never heard Jen say something to the effect that she would like to redo the hike two-days later. That would be her first for a second.
We arrived at an alternate trail after a partial completion of another (long story). The Pleasant Ridge Trail is now apparently closed which we did not realize. We had read about it, as written in the opening paragraph, of its difficulty.
We found the ‘trail’, for want of a better description. It was rough, steep as mentioned, surrounded by ‘snake grass’, and appeared to head nowhere but up toward something high. Jen took one look at it and declined to put her delicate feet on the ‘track’. Being a little frustrated, having been turned back earlier and not wishing to pressure Jen to commence with me, I decided to head-up and test the trail on my own. More accurately, test myself. As I moved up—I found it very rough and steeper than expected. More importantly, something came over me. I will try to explain the feeling but would wish anyone reading this to try to accept my word of not making a point, or being in self-promotion mode, or anything else other than relating what spirit drove me.
After ten minutes or so, I began to think of Jenni waiting for me at the car. However, I felt comforted that she held the keys, although I had brunch. Maybe I could sneak an extra yoghurt. I thought I’d limit the hike to less than full duration, something we seldom do as well as resent doing. It was, as stated, steep, probably dangerous and very tiring. A ranger had mentioned to Jenni, I found out later, it was dangerous as well snake infested—something an intelligent person would avoid.
‘Perhaps another few yards and then I’ll turn—Jenni will be getting anxious.’ However, I had told her I was heading upwards so that would not be surprising. Then something triggered in my mind. Here I was preparing excuses for myself. Let me digress.
Soon after the attack on Israel, October 7th, we made superficial inquiries about rendering some assistance in Israel. After obtaining information and being practical, it seemed needing the services of 2 seventy-two-year-olds might not be a high priority for the State. So, we pursued other avenues.
Back on the mountain, as I struggled up, I thought what a slacker I was. Israelis are under attack and extreme pressure, and I seek excuses as to why I should turn around. Obviously, to lessen the anxiety for Jenni was a good reason, but perhaps it was overshadowed by my weakness. I pushed on and then thought twice more of turning. Had I a mirror with me, I would not have looked into it. It would have been embarrassing. ‘I’m heading for the top,’ I decided. While it won’t help Israel one trifle, it would allow me to share a kind of challenge in my own way. My danger and sweat, hopefully not being arrogant, would put me in a place allowing me to relate a little closer to their real threats and tribulations.
I believe strongly that each action we take is a challenge in and of itself. Life is a conglomeration of tests. Therefore, our actions are a method of building ourselves. While rationalization is a brilliant method of avoiding action, it’s also pretty good in the making of mediocrity or worse.
“Did I reach the peak?’ It’s irrelevant to others but one person.
On my return down the mountain, I thought again of the continuing human misery, self-induced amongst humanity. While many, for example, are 'intent' on saving the planet, ostensibly protecting lives of all who agree with them, including acknowledged terrorists, (to mention a mere few of their ‘attributes’, I omit so much more), yet the murdering of Jews is welcomed. In fact, it’s encouraged. Should you not like Jews, not wish to mix with them or acknowledge their existence, that’s your right. But to wish to murder us, is not your perogative. It is not permissible and frankly, shows your evil, inhuman and hypocritical natures. We are appalled. To share the term ‘human’ with you is an extreme embarrassment to us.
From time-to-time, I believe it behooves a person to take a stand, to voice an opinion, to show where one stands. While I don't particularly wish to do it in this blog or even in the public domain, occasionally, I have the need.
I am so grateful for the joy and meaning that has filled my life; I have been most fortunate. However, I'm appalled at what I see, read and surmise. It was 35 or more years ago that I turned to Jen one day and said I will always be shocked that the holocaust occurred. What shocked me even further, something I realized to my horror, was that I could envisage it reoccurring.
Let's close the gate, lift the drawbridge and express gratitude for the treasures that abound.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
He's just a shadow of himself...maybe, he was here.
'Would I do the hike again? YES'
