The early part of 2022 was a bit of a hiking lull for me. I’d do a few hikes here or there but nothing consistent enough to sign up for the challenge this year. But mid-July on I started doing small local hikes 2-4 times a week and was surprised how quickly I got into hiking shape and how good I felt. Then I came across info for the SoCal Hiker’s Climb for Heroes annual hike at Mt Baldy in November, and decided to sign up. Now my thinking is “Well, If I am already committed to doing one of the six pack of peaks, why not do 5 other ones?” So I signed up late for this year’s challenge and headed out on Sunday to Strawberry Peak to bag number 1.

Starting off just before 8 and the weather was a little chilly, but after 20-30 minutes the sun began to peak through and it became perfect hiking weather. There were a few other groups making the trek, but overall I felt like I had the trail to myself almost to the summit. Another group was heading down from the summit when I arrived and after quickly getting my picture taken, I had the summit to myself. For 10-15 minutes I was able to reflect and take in the views. Even though it is great to hike with others, I do enjoy these small moments of solitude.