This was my sixth hike of the challenge.  I was planning to make it a day hike but since the days are shorter, I decided to make it solo backpacking trip.  I'm so glad I did. I took my time and I got to enjoy a beautiful  sunset, got to relax, get a great night of sleep and hike back in time to catch the 49ers game on Sunday. 

I started my hike right at 7:30 from the Del Valle West Beach Parking lot.  It was a crisp morning but perfect hiking  weather.  The uphill was difficult and since I had additional gear from my overnight stay at Maggie's Half Acre my pace was a bit slower.  I got to my campsite around 2:30.  I set up camp and relaxed until around 4:30 and then I started to hike the additional mile or so to Rose Peak.  I had the peak all to myself and I was treated to a beautiful sunset.   Unfortunately  my cell battery ran out right before sunset but I managed to take some good pics right before.  

The next morning I got up around 6:30 am and got breakfast ready while picking up.  I hit the trail again at around 7:30 and got back to my car just after 12:40.  

This was definitely for me the hardest hike I completed  but a great hike to close the challenge and the year. 

Oh, one last thing.  Did anyone else have the song “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” by Poison stuck in their head?  Or was it just me.  🙂