6 of 6! City Views and Giant Telescopes!

Mt. Wilson was a departure from the other peaks – first of all, to hike TO civilization was interesting. And to have a city view was also something fairly new. I arrived at the trailhead at 6am on a Sunday. By 6:30, it was full. I found out later, I took a different trail than some others. I was on the Winter Creek trail. No wonder I never saw a waterfall. Well, I have no complaints. It was nice and shaded. The bugs weren’t bad, but I also didn’t take any breaks going up. I think if I stood still, they’d bother me. Some up and down, so save energy for the way back. The trail was quite narrow and there was a landslide, so some (fun) scrambling was required in the last 2 miles. Once I saw the TV towers, I knew I was close, but it was warm, so it still felt like a long way to go. Very steep areas and a lot of climbing in a short distance, btw. But then suddenly, I go from being totally secluded, overlooking LA and the ocean and the world, it feels like, to hearing voices and cars and bam – you’re at the Observatory. I really enjoyed seeing the 100-inch telescope (much more impressive than the name made it sound like to me), and the museum and everything else. I loved that it was all free. The signs are wayyyyy in the back (but I guess that’s because I took a different way up). At Echo Rock, end of the road, in case anyone is having trouble finding them. It was nice to have the option of eating at the cafe, and having restrooms. I had a fun time at the top and the way back wasn’t too bad. I just kept saying, “you’re close the finish line!” From July to November…. all the peaks. I’m so thrilled! I started the challenge to help get me to a better mindset and I can say, the feeling I have now is one of accomplishment and success. That helps a lot. Now, what’s next?