I embarked on my first solo hike at 5:30AM after group camping with other six pack  who I met at the campground. Rather than feeling courageous and taking advantage of the empty trails I became concerned about mountain lions, bears and mosquitos. I was relieved to see other hikers shortly after, one who became a new friend!

The cool morning weather was perfect! I took a photo of the sun rays glowing up the pine cones on the path. Bright but not sunny all the way to the peak when my phone with my downloaded map was about to shut off. A fellow hiker I met on the trails graciously charged up my phone for the descent.

Towards the top there were some trails that were not clear paths. It also became gray, cloudy and a little gusty at the boulders on the peak. But as I descended the sun came out and it was nice and warm.

Descending over four hours required mental and emotional fortitude. Friends I made today on the trail climbed down with me, commiserating over our screaming knees, joints and necks and counting down the miles remaining until at last we had conquered Mount San Jacinto.