Girl on a mission!

First summit of the Nor Cal 6 Peak Challenge. Parking lot (40 spaces) already full by 7:30 AM (holiday weekend – Valentines Day) overflow areas were full too. Found parking  ½ mile away. Finally, get going at 8:10 AM. Going up on Peak Meadow & Horse Heaven Trail there were only a handful of people, mostly masked. Scenery going up was nice, pastoral with herds of cattle, even glimpsed a rainbow in the horizon. After reaching the peak, the hike went downhill and not just the trail. Going down Hidden Valley Trail at 10:15 AM was an obstacle course, having to dodge a never-ending stream of hikers coming up – like going against 101 rush hour traffic on a Friday holiday evening. And many not wearing their mask. This is probably a one and done hike – I apologize to anyone if this is one of your favorite hikes. The trail itself was mostly a thick goopy muddy fire road with small sections of single track, relentlessly going straight up for 3 miles and then down for 3. Grade was often hovering around 25%. Glad I brought the poles!