Mt. Wilson, begrudgingly my final hike :-D

So, my plan for my final hike was to do one of the easier peaks.

Initially, I was going to do Sawmill. But then, I read the ranger station report, and it said you needed chains if you were going to Mt. Pinos. Pass!

So then I thought, “OK, I’ll do Sitton!” Well, Ortega Highway was closed for the weekend, so that was a no-go.

Santiago then! Nope. It looked like the road was closed, and reports said it was hella dusty.

Defeated, because I desperately wanted this to be a nice easy hike — maybe I’d even bring cake! — I thought, “Well hell, guess I’m doing Mt. Wilson!”

I started around 9:30 a.m. and got to the top about 2 p.m., which I was super proud of.

I signed up to do the Six-Pack challenge in honor of my older brother, Clinton, who died of brain cancer in January 2018. In June of this year, I turned 34 and 15 days, officially older than him. I wanted to use this year especially to really appreciate my health. On each of the six trails, I said to myself “I am so lucky,” because I am. (I also screamed “I want it!” when I would get close to the top and was super tired, so if anyone heard that, it was me) I am so grateful to have my health. My sweet brother didn’t have that choice. So in honor of his beautiful life, I try my best to appreciate mine.

Thank you for this opportunity. Looking forward to next year’s challenge!