Hiked with my husband Scott which is always fun. I hadn't checked out the trail beforehand so I didn't know what to expect. I only knew that we were doing this peak because others closer to home were closed due to COVID-19. All I heard was, “We can get apple pie in Julian afterwards,” and I was fully committed!

I was somewhat put-off  by the paved “trail.” It did not feel like hiking. I like dirt. To me, this was a road upon which we were walking. But the climb in elevation reminded me that we were indeed ascending a peak. Still, due to the even path and short distance, I kind of felt like we were cheating with respect to completing a “challenge.”

Beyond that, the scenery was varied and lovely. It was clear there had been a fire in recent years and the contrast between dead trees and new vegetation was strikingly beautiful.

When we got to the top, I was distracted by the communication towers in the middle of nature until I heard the most beautiful voices singing!!  Here we are at the top after walking along hot asphalt and now looking at a nonliving structure and I hear “How Great Thou Art” being sung in Russian AND 3-part harmony. That coupled with the beautiful scenic view below rendered me speechless and misty-eyed. I was humbled and no longer begrudging an asphalt road.  We could see all the way to Mexico!!

Super great day, including the apple pie at the end!