With our eyes on the prize, and Half Dome only 23 days away, we trekked up Mission Peak again on Saturday morning. Picked up team Downing and we were on the trail by 8:20AM. 
Oh how I love those overcast mornings, especially when we have to hike up Chalk Hill (or as some call it “the stair master”). Barb was trying out yet another pair of hiking shoes. We were each loaded down with 3 liter (100 ounce) camel-backs. How much does 3 liters weigh? Over 6.6 pounds. It was a good hike. We stayed cool, stayed hydrated and took plenty of breaks along the way. 
Took a few pics of us with Mt Diablo in the background sticking out over the clouds 35 miles away. Up top we took in the 360 degree views, had a snack and headed back down the back side of Mission Peak. This is a longer and less steep descent that takes you down the south slope then around the back side. 
The path less traveled. It was obvious on this morning because we ran into a coyote who was looking for brunch. We first spotted him going over a rise, then spotted him again as we came around the bend. He kept his distance and always had his eye on us.
Be sure to check out “Michelle’s moment” on thejimsjoint channel over at YouTube
