No better way to start off the year than hiking in the wind and rain to the summit of Corte Madera. Peak #1 of the San Diego Six Pack of Peaks Challenge. I started off at about 0645. There was only one other vehicle parked at the trailhead. I had the trail and my thoughts all to myself this morning as I made my way up the trail to the summit. I saw only one person near the summit. He/she was in a tent just below the summit. It must have been a cold, wet and windy night for them.

It was a consistent drizzle and lite rain all morning which made the trail very muddy and slick in spots. The water run-offs followed the center of the trail, but it was still pretty each to traverse. There were a few spots just past the 1.8 miles where the mud puddles were as large as the muddy road I was on. Again easy to traverse or go around.

Once past the 2-mile mark its back to being a trail, but the bushes overhang on the trail. In some spots, they were as tall or taller than I. This area got really wet and tested my choice of rain gear. I was soaked to the bone once I entered that area. Note to self: get better rain gear. Again the rain was constant as was the wind, which really picked up on that last 1.5 miles to the summit. Probably a good 20 to 30 mph in spots.

I had the summit to myself, but I only stayed long enough to take a couple photos and then quickly headed back down. I was cold and wet, and ready to get into some dry clothes. 😉