Barb and I hiked Mission Peak this morning. First time in a while. The reason we were hiking today was because Father Mat was having mass on the peak. He announced it a month ago and we were looking forward to it. Although the group was starting from Stanford Ave, we decided to go our normal Ohlone trail head, and meet them up top. We picked a great morning for a hike. We hit the trail a little before 8am, made our way up chalk hill, passed the FD415 sign, and paid homage to Al Shull there. Then it was on to the seasonal pond. Still some water in there but not for long I figure.
The shady single track that skirts Mill Creek road is always a favorite of mine. As we popped out of the shade and made our way up the fire road towards the peak, we saw wild turkeys, and even 4 deer grazing up on the hill in the distance. As we were nearing the peanut tree, Barb and I were wondering if we were going to beat Father Mat to the top. Of course not! As we trudged up the last few steps, we saw Father and a small group over near the rocks that surround the peak. About 14 people there for a very special mass. Father started by having everyone introduce themselves AND say how many time they had been to the top of Mission Peak. There was a couple who were there for the first time. Some had made it the top a handful of times. When it was Barb’s turn she very proudly said that we had hiked Mission Peak around 100 times. YEAH BABY!! WOOHOO!!!!!
It was windy on the peak, and a little chilly too. Father had already set the altar up so we were ready to go. It was a nice mass. Short, sweet, and in the most beautiful surroundings that we could ask for. We were set up so that we were facing Father Mat and looking out over the Sunol Regional Wilderness. Rolling green hills and cotton candy clouds against the blue. It was special.
After mass it was time for visiting and a short snack before everyone said goodbye and parted ways. We made our way back down the Ohlone side, said hello to a couple horses hanging out near the trail head and we were done. Home and into the hot tub and all is well in the world.
Thanks to Father Mat for making this Mission Peak hike one to remember.
