Oh, Mt. Sizer…..where do I start? The journey up to your “peak” was a challenge before I even set foot on you. I was assiailed by impatient honks by Bay Area drivers as I conquered my fear of driving alone in your traffic. I even put myself out there and agreed to meet a complete stranger from my Six Pack of Peaks Facebook post to accompany me in surmounting you.

Once I finally touched ground on your inviting soil, I felt myself breathe again. A lone figure greeted me as I pulled in, my mystery companion. I was put at ease as we chatted along the way for I discovered a kindred spirit. She shared her trekking poles with me to aid me across our second stream crossing. Such items I deemed for old folks, but have since purchased my own pair and now deem a helpful aid for all ages.

Your “Shortcut” to your summit was a formidable foe, whose defeat felt like a mighty win as I hammered down my meat and cheese on Boudins sourdough sandwich. Though, the final journey to your summit delivered a heavy blow. Are we here? I’m not sure, my buddy and I said as we walked in circles around your supposed summit. With no sign, but a grassy area to show, we felt jilted. Where was your peak we worked to conquer?

Your dirt tracks and patchy trees offered no consolation to your disappointing top, but your ridges afforded some beautiful views as we left your flat summit behind. We ne’re saw the sight of Jackass, but ‘twas for the best.

Your beauty, Sizer, revealed in the most unlikely of places, Poverty Flats. The rocky stream side and grassy meadows was a picaresque stopping point for these weary travelers. Refreshed and renewed, we carried on through our final push up your last mountainside. It was there we ran into other travelers, a surprising sight after a day of solitude.

With the visitors center in view, we thought the journey over until we saw the stairs. Are you serious!??!? I chided an invisible Jeff. We came all this way and you’re going to make us finish with stairs? Ugh….

Our blessed cars came into view and our journey was over. 8 hours and 17ish miles later, we completed our task. My longest hike to date, and a new friend made, Mt. Sizer, thank you. It’s been a bittersweet pleasure.