I was a little nervous of hiking on Friday the 13th, but I have a tight schedule and this was the only day that would work, so I took my chance..and it turned out to be an awesome day. I am really trying to add navigation to my hiking skills, so on this trip I came prepared with compass and map to practice these skills.

It was a beautiful day to spend in the mountains. The sky was blue and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. The wild flowers were so bright in color and everything just seems so gorgeous. I was very happy to be able to spend this day in my favorite place…the forest!

Due to the Palm Springs tram being closed today the mountain was empty, I only saw a few people all day. So the summit was very different from the other times I have been here. I was able to sit up on the summit rock and eat my lunch all by myself.

This is was one of the longest day hikes I've done this year, 19 miles. I started early, but I don't like hiking in the dark because I have terrible night vision, especially a trail I don't know well. After checking in with the ranger station, I went for breakfast at the local grocery and got a treat of an egg and bacon bagel. mmmmm! good hiking fuel, eh! so then I was off…Official start 7:46.

I started at Deer Springs Trail head and followed The Hiking Guys directions which were spot on for this trail! I also followed my All Trails GPS to make sure I was going the right way…mistakes happen and they suck! In fact, on my way up after taking a snack break in the shadow of Marion Mountain, I crossed paths with two young ladies coming down. So I asked them if they summited, and they responded, no, we are heading to the summit.. after a few minutes I left them as they figured out there mistake. I did meet up with them at the top!

This climb is definitly a challenging one not only for the length but the elevation gain is huge! So basically up, up, up, and down, down, down!

The was a few opportunities for fresh water, which I love, so I dumped my city water and filled up!

This was my 6th peak of the this challenge and I have to say, at first I didn't put much into the idea of paying to hike…but oddly it was motivating and I'm glad I did it!

I hope to do another challenge in the future, and because of my job, I am a flight attendant and I can fly for free, I might try to do another challenge in other state someday!

Hope to see you all at the Challengers Dinner and on the trail!

Moxie!