This hike was very challenging, but the views along the trail were awesome and kept pushing me forward. A couple of miles into the hike, I could see the antennas on Mount Wilson, taunting me and challenging me to make it to the top. Halfway up the mountain I stopped at Orchard Camp and took a break. When I was on the toll road near the top, I completely missed the trail turnoff to the right and ended up taking the long way around to the left. Once I got to the top, I made sure to check out the telescopes and museum, even though my feet were sore, and I just wanted to sit down. After that, I hit up Echo Rock for a picture with the Mount Wilson sign. Off in the distance I could see the snow-covered Mount Baldy and Cucamonga Peak. I pointed and said, “I'm coming for you next!” I took a break at the Cosmic Cafe and ate my lunch. Hiking down was hard on the knees, but it began to rain and I could hear thunder off in the distance, which kept me moving forward. I could barely walk once I got home but felt much better the next day. I'll be ready for the next peak!