Will just begin by stating I have Lupus and the number one rule for Lupus patients is to stay out of the bloody sun. Despite that (or maybe because of that) my husband and I decided to brilliantly begin this challenge with the final and most difficult hike in the San Diego Six-Pack. We figured if we waited much longer the heat and sun would be worse and we would never complete it unless we wanted to do a night hike. Those climbs were something special alright. I probably bellowed, “I am not a flower!” to the insistent bee stalkers (and no, I didn't wear any scents), and found the abandoned jeep at mile five quite interesting. Honestly, I was fine up until that final half-mile scramble up over boulders, loose gravel, and brush that clung to you as if it never wanted you to leave. I am not ashamed to admit that's when I had my first mini-breakdown. My husband said we could stop there, but we were so close, I'd would have been angrier at not making it to the summit. With lots of cussing, we made it all the way up. And then, the return. Oh, the return. I found those descents far more challenging than the ascents. I was actually glad for the grueling climbs on the way back over going down. That's also when the sun finally became too much for me and I began to ache and become ill from it. I almost called uncle, but I would be damned if I had to call the rangers to rescue me because that meant my disease getting the better of me and f-that. Through whining, tears, more foul language, and one foot at a time, we made our way back to the end. I am ecstatic we managed to complete it. Surprisingly, I'm not even sore today. I am, however, paying for the sun exposure.

It's a rewarding hike/challenge, be sure to start early, wear shoes with strong traction, bring poles, sunscreen, lots of snacks, and even more hydration. Next time, I'm bringing a parasol or walking in the darkness ????