The Shull Ascent
Been up Mission Peak dozens of times over the years, but there is nothing like the first time. The first time we hiked Mission Peak, Barb and I went home and slept for hours and were sore for a week! Went with first timers Al and Deb on Saturday morning. Al, who came up short in his last quest for the peak back in 2003, vowed to conquer the 2500 ft behemoth on this cool summer morning.
Turned out to be a great hike! We took 5 hours to do the round trip and spent the time enjoying each others company and the wonderful day. Fortunately for Al and Deb, I was able to fill the time with a history of all our hikes with all our friends. Pointing out different points of interest along the way. To encourage Al, I pointed out each spot where other (himself included) people had been “forced to turn back” during previous hikes with us. Passing each of these monuments seemed to give Al the intestinal fortitude he needed to push on. The only place I didn’t get a picture of was “Diane’s spot.” Nobody wanted to stop since they were on a roll and had the peak in site.
Eventually we came out of the clouds and into the sun, and completed our trek to the peak under a glorious summer sky. Please check out the photos of the hike.
Little did Staci know that when she was 19 years old and accepting a summer baby sitting gig from us, that we would still be in her life 11 years later and on the “A” list when it came to a party invite on her birthday.
Barb spent her birthday on the south shore of Lake Tahoe. Started the day with a Starbucks soy latte and an 8am hot tub soak. Lazy day around the resort then walked down to Heavenly Village for some window shopping. Caught the new Die Hard movie then had dinner at Fire and Ice in Heavenly Village. Walked back to the resort and finished the night with another hot tub soak. Love you babe!
If it did, we didn’t notice it on Sunday. Its always a special day when you can go on a ride with a buddy. Al and I have been talking about doing a ride for a while. I’ve heard all his “beach cruiser” stories from his days on the southern California coast, but never have been able to get out on the trails up here. Either way, met at 10am on Sunday for the inaugural Shull Ride. 
Nice little 10 miler on the Alameda Creek Trail, down to the mouth of Niles Canyon and back. Stopped at the Sequoia bridge on the way back and took this picture of Al, with Alameda Creek and Mission Peak in the background. Nice job Shull. Someone told me that if I ever got Shull on the bike that Hell would freeze over. Who knows? Maybe it did.
Ever wonder what your pet is doing while you are at work? While I’m working Niya likes to sunbath on the deck. Here is a picture of her catching some rays last week.
