Where the Earth Touches the Sky

Set out before the day warmed up, hiking Mount Diablo on a cold Friday morning with my sister for a full 15 miles. The climb tested us, especially in the final stretch, but the challenge made the summit feel earned. At the top, we broke through the fog into warm sunshine, looking down on a valley completely swallowed by clouds. We refueled with a sandwich and a can of Coke from the gift shop, soaking in the views and the satisfaction of a hard-earned finish.