Category: hike

Did something very cool a couple of weekends ago. Marie and Ron invited us to participate in the Fight for Air Climb. This is a fundraiser for the American Lung Association.  A chance for people who CAN breath to show their support for people that can’t.

On this rainy saturday morning, we made our way to the Bank of America building in downtown San Francisco.  The tallest building in the city. Fifty two stories tall. Eleven hundred and ninety-six stairs!

Got there early morning and parked in the underground garage. All quiet in the garage and the elevator ride up to the lobby.  When the elevator door opened to the lobby, it was like being transported to another world. PEOPLE!!!  Because of the rain, a thousand people milled about. It was LOUD and there was plenty of ENERGY in the room! Some people were standing in line to register, some in line to climb, others just taking it all in. There were many different teams participating.  We even saw a FUCK CANCER team!!  Many groups of firefighters were on hand to do the climb in full gear!   We checked in, got our number bibs and looked for “team Marie”. We found Ron and Marie and their buds Mike and Renee, and we were ready. Jumped into line and slowly made our way to the stairwell that would be our route to the top. At the base of the stairs we passed the official timer table (we were all wearing chips) and away we went. It was a staggered start so it wasn’t like the stairway was full of people.  Our group slowly spread out.

Of course, every floor in the stairwell is marked, so after the fourth floor, I decided I was going to keep my head down and not look at the floor numbers. Keep a steady pace, and breath. Around every 10 floors there was a “safety station” where they had a couple of cheer leaders, water person, and occasional para-medic. Slowly (very slowly it seemed) we made our way up up up.  I was passed a couple of times by people that were really trying hard. I was mostly all by myself for the most part. Considering it was pandemonium down below. I had figured the stairwells would be crowded with people, but the staggered starts made all the difference.

Somewhere near the top you could hear the celebration above you. THE FINISH!! I think I was delusional because towards the end I thought there were fifty-four stories, so when we got to fifty-two and we were done, I WAS HAPPY!!!

It was a party up top. The top floor of the B of  A building used to be the “Carnelian Room”, a fancy shmancy restaurant where the barons of finance used to dine. Today its a “renovation in progress” and place for all the climbers to celebrate.  After hitting crossing the finish line to the cheers of well wishers, its on to the party!! All sorts of finish line snacks. Muffins and fruit, pastry and coffee, all sorts of good stuff, to enjoy while looking at a million dollar view of the city. When you are at the top of the tallest building in San Francisco, looking down on the pyramid, you know you are way up there! TOP OF THE WORLD MA!!!

If you are anywhere in the bay area on a clear day and you have a view of the city, The B of A can be seen. We can see it when we hike mission peak or even out the creek trail on a bike ride. Only difference is that today when I look at the behemoth, that monolith, that building that touches the sky, I can know that I climbed that beast.

 Just a side note – Barb did the climb in 20:49. Jim did the climb in 18:43. WOOT!!

Memorial weekend, the traditional start of SUMMER!!!   We finally got some decent weather around these parts and we were able to get out and take advantage.  Saturday morning bike ride with the boys was a great way to kick start the weekend.   Mission Peak hike yesterday, and it about kicked our ass! Sometimes its harder than others, and this time was hard.  But as hard as it was, we still made it to the top.  There was a guy up top who had tied an American flag to the pole that marks the “unofficial” top of Mission Peak.  People were having their pictures taken.  Very good and very cool. His plan was to leave the flag up there for a couple of days, then come back and get it. But for now, he was just enjoying the morning on the peak taking pictures for all kinds of people who wanted a cool remembrance of their hike to the top of Mission Peak.. When I asked him to take our picture, he asked me if I was in the Marines ( I was wearing my USMC t-shirt), I told him that my daughter was a Marine. OOO-RAH!!

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.

Check out all the pics by clicking here

Took Wednesday off this week and headed up to Winters to go hiking with Matt Flaherty.  Matt had said there is a real nice hike up Lake Berryessa way, so we decided to check it out.  Barb and I arrived at the ranch around 11:30 , hooked up with Matt and his girlfriend Deb and headed over to Cold Canyon.

We lucked out and picked a beautiful day to hike.  Matt and Deb led the way up the shady single track trail that skirted both sides of the creek. Even had to rock hop across the creek at one point. It was a gradual climb up into the canyon. Matt mentioned that the creek was totally seasonal and that in a few weeks it would be bone dry. But today it was flowing good.   After awhile we came upon what Matt called “the foundation”. It was the foundation of  the first house in the area. Long since torn down, all that remained was low rock walls and, well, the foundation!  This is where we took a break and turned around. The original  plan was to do the 5-mile loop, but from this point on it would be a steeeeeeep climb up up up to the top of the mountain to where you could see Lake Berryessa. We decided to save that for next time.  But today we just enjoyed a nice easy hike and each other’s company. I’m glad to be able to spend time with young Matt Flaherty. He is a great guy, has grown into an outstanding young adult, and has a smoking hot girlfriend to boot.  HAHA!!   We’ve got to know Deb  these last few visits to the ranch, and we like her a lot.  

Went for our normal saturday morning ride yesterday. Out the Alameda Creek Trail to the bay. Beautiful morning. Sun shining, birds singing. Polite and friendly people on the trail (except for the one jerk on a road bike who got pissed at Downing for not moving over fast enough).   What made yesterday especially special (aside from the great weather) was  the fact that the spring equinox was upon us. The day when winter transitions into spring,  when big old Mr Sun moves to OUR side of the equator. Made it through another winter! Proud to say that we stayed pretty consistent with the rides and only missed a handful due to crappy weather. But now….  Spring is in the air!  Days are getting longer, flowers are blooming, trees are budding.  The canadian snow geese are paring up.   I even see the ravens flying around with nest building materials.   The ACTUAL time that the Spring equinox happened was at 10:32am.  By that time we were sipping coffee back at Starbucks after a 20 mile ride. Took a couple of pics to document the day.  Shot of young John Downing at mile marker 11,  as well as a pic from the end of the trail looking back as the sun comes up over the old salt ponds,  Coyote Hills and the Mission Peak Range way back there.  

Thanks to Vandenbusch, Downing and Camello (Joe) for keeping me riding this year. Its an every Saturday thing, and once in a while we can squeeze one in during the week.  High tide (blue moon tonight!) and plenty of piece and quiet at the end of the trail this morning. The view was fantastic looking back at Fremont, Coyote Hills and Mission Peak.

We made our way up Mission Peak yesterday for the first time in a long time.  Just Barb and I.  It had been 6 months since our Half Dome hike, and other than some Creek Trail walks, we had basically hung up our hiking shoes for a while. Well, it was time to get hiking again, and what better way to start than on a glorious California spring morning.  The sun was shining and birds were singing.  The hills have never been greener!  As green as green can be, but greener! 

 We geared up at the Ohlone trail head and started on our way around 10:30. We  chugged our way up Chalk Hill and to the seasonal pond.  On and up through the shady single track that skirts Mill Creek Road. This is my favorite part of the hike.  Quiet, peaceful and beautiful. And not too hard of a climb.   We emerged from the cover of the trees and begin to wind our way up the fire road that leads to the base of the peak.  Since this is our first hike in a while, we were taking our time, taking plenty of breaks and keeping hydrated.  When we weren’t sucking wind, we were talking,  mostly about how we are trying to keep things positive (good vibes!) in our lives during these tough times that our country, and all of us, are facing.   We talked about  good things. Our kids, our dogs, our friends and fam. And us.

When we made that final turn and the peak came into view in the distance, I was amazed at all the people I could see up there. As we got closer, it was clear that many MANY others had the same idea as us. A big bunch on the peak, and dozens snaking their way up or down the rocky, final, 250 feet to the top.  The only difference between them and us is, that most everyone else hikes up from the Stanford Avenue trail head.  A much tougher, less beautiful hike.

After hiking close to two hours, we were on the summit. Along with about 100 other people! Must’ve been a couple of scout troops and a few family reunions up there! Never have I seen so many people on the peak. Fortunately for us,  our favorite rock was not occupied, so we took a break, enjoyed the view, ate some fruit, and rested up before our trip  down.

It feels good to make it to the peak. An accomplishment with a reward that only those who have scaled it’s heights can appreciate.  It still amazes me that you can stand a top Mission Peak and look towards the west, and see from San Francisco to San Jose, Oakland to Milpitas, and all the civilization that inhabits those lands. Then turn around, look east, and see nothing but wilderness.  Not much civilization at all. It probably looks very much like what the Ohlone saw all those generations ago.  Its beautiful.  Amazing. Wonderful.

Spring has already sprung. In addition to the amazing bright shade of green that carpets the rolling hills, poppies are popping up everywhere, even out of solid rock!  Yellow and purple wildflowers were everywhere. We picked the perfect day for a hike. 

One  definition of crucible is :  a severe, searching test or trial.

Kate begins her Crucible at 1am tomorrow morning. 

The Crucible is 54-hours long.  It is a physically and mentally challenging event that involves food and sleep deprivation and the completion of various obstacles to negotiate, all within a simulated combat environment. Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot during the event.  There are 36 stations and 29 problem solving exercises that tests the recruits both individually and as a team. Kate will only have 3 MREs (meals, ready to eat) and minimal sleep ( 8 hours) over the course of the event.  ( I hope they know what they are in for!  When Kate is hungry AND tired, WATCH OUT! )  In addition, each recruit will carry 45 pounds of equipment in addition to regular gear and rifle. 

So Kate will be getting some abbreviated sleep tonight and then starts busting butt until Saturday Morning.   The hardest thing she has ever done, will be done in the next three days.  As a parent, the last 11 weeks have been difficult, and exciting. The next three days will be very….difficult and exciting!!!  I was looking for something inspirational to send Kate. There are some “crucible prayers” out there in Googleland, but nothing good enough for my baby. So I went ahead and penned my own Crucible Prayer:

 Almighty God, you have walked with my recruit all these days.  You have been with her during those first uncertain days, and gave her some sense of peace and understanding amongst the chaos. You stood with her on those yellow footprints, and have  been with her for every pushup,  jumping jack, and more. You sat by her and encouraged her  at the rifle range. You were there during the challenge of  combat conditioning and confidence course, and gave her the strength and confidence to succeed. You walked by her side every step.  Along the way,  she has grown, in many ways. In every way. Thank you for being with her when we could not,  for our bond is ultimately through you.

 You have brought us all to this point, where we ask again for your unconditional love and support, as our recruit embarks on her Crucible.  Her challenge is our challenge, and we pray that you continue to walk by her side. To be her support. To lift her up. Give her the confidence to encourage others,  for no recruit can accomplish this task alone.   Our hope is your will.

Went out for a rare sunset ride yesterday. Packed the headlamp that I used for the Half Dome hike and met with Steve at 4pm. Out the Creek trail to Coyote Hills. Up the ever so steep and long  “dirt heart attack.”   A true ballbuster.  Hit the top of Red Hill Trail right as the sun was sinking behind the coastal range.   Down the hill and out the last 2 miles to the edge of the bay. BEAUTIFUL out there.  Short break then back home with running lights the whole way. Very dark by the time I pulled into the driveway at 6pm.

We  got in the last of our Half Dome preps today with a power walk  up  Mission Peak.  Just Barbie and me.   Hit the trail close to 9am and never looked back.  We were both using “trekking poles”  (Barb bought a new pair)  and both sporting new hiking boots. Barb still trying to find the perfect fit returned her 3rd pair for exchange (yay REI!!)   One thing that Rick Deutsch mentioned at the Half Dome Pep Talk last week that the downhill from Half Dome  is what gets most people.  “You have to have a bigger toe box so your toes don’t take a beating”  A light bulb moment for me!  No wonder why I was always so sore after those Mission Peak downhills. No wonder my “dogs were barkin” after every hike.  I NEEDED A BIGGER BOOT!!!! Well Gall dung and pass the potatoes. I bought a bigger boot and and really worked well for me. The dogs were still barking but not as loud!  We made decent time up to the peak, shared a pb&j and a couple of apples. And took a self portrait.  Back down the  way we came, testing out the poles on the downhill. They were a life saver. Like a billy goat on the way up and like spider man on the way down. That and the new boots not hurting the feet made for a great hike. Thats not to say it wasn’t a tough one. They are all tough.

 Ten days to Half Dome.

BRING IT!