Friday’s group hike was rather interesting. Unlike the Hash trails, we normally don’t have a predetermined course plotted, just a general sense of the area we want to explore. Sometimes this leads to unanticipated results, usually not in a good way. Trailblazing through bushes, briars, and brambles, an unexpected dead-end, a steeper, and longer climb than desired–we had all that and more during yesterday’s journey. And oh yeah, for the first time in my hiking career I participated in tearing down a fence that had us trapped with no way forward, and going back down where we had just suffered an exhaustingly steep climb was not an option. And for the record, once we passed through we re-erected the fence. No harm, no foul!
There was a reward for all of our struggles though–one of the nicest views I’ve enjoyed on any of our hikes. The picture above is one take on that. What made the view unique was that from our vantage point it was all-encompassing. We could the bay and the surrounding mountains which is pretty standard. The clear skies yesterday also allowed us to see the more distant mountains and beyond. We could even see the ocean out San Antonio way. It made the earlier struggles almost worth it.
To the photos then:
We began our trek by hiking the length of the My Bitch trail. Comparatively easy, but not without peril. In the sections with tall thatch grass, you can’t see where your feet are landing. In one spot there was nothing but the grass. Scott took a tumble down a steep slope but was able to grab a banana tree to avert disaster.Doing the laundry in a creek bed. I was glad I was able to reward the hard-working mamas with some cookies for their kids. Some of that tall grass I mentioned.I’ve got another angle on Easter mountain coming up…Near the end of My Bitch, we paused for a group shot.Now, what do we do? Climb up, you say? Sure, why not? What could go wrong?This was the easy part. Once the going got tough, the phone/camera stayed in my pocket and I focused on the task at hand.Well, of course when there was a spectacular view like this one of the full moon, I’d make an exception.In the woods.At the conclusion of our climb and on the other side of the mysteriously downed fence, we came upon this nice little hut.I must say, the thought of sitting out on the porch and enjoying a cold beer or two at the end of the day seemed quite pleasing. Then I remembered what it would take to get the beer up there. Hmm.But with a view like this, it just might be worth the effort. And actually that trail you see in this photo is the proper way up and down the mountain. Much, much easier than the way we climbed.Another angle on the view. That’s Easter mountain on the right...The usual suspects.There was even a treehouse up there.Getting back to my roots on the way down the mountain.And this concludes today’s hiking post.
I’m still stewing in my juices on the subject that I alluded to in yesterday’s post. I’ll try and tackle that one tomorrow. I need to do some more beer-fueled contemplation. Going to be drinking with a friend on Baloy Beach later this afternoon. That will be a good start to my Saturday night.
6 thoughts on “Look out below”
“Scott took a tumble down a steep slope but was able to grab a banana tree to avert disaster.”
I was really hoping the next picture would show Scott all sprawled and broken at the bottom of the slope, but it alas—it was not to be. I assume there’s some hiker’s code of honor whereby no one takes pictures of others’ pratfalls.
HaHa, no such code exists! We actually often have the cameras at the ready when disaster appears imminent. Remember the photo of Martin (18 Kilo Ass) crossing that rickety bamboo bridge? All the cameras were at the ready, just in case. Alas, by the time I reached the scene of Scott’s fall he had already been dragged back up.
Wow – that pic of you standing next to the tree gives a good perspective on how big it is.
“Scott took a tumble down a steep slope but was able to grab a banana tree to avert disaster.”
I was really hoping the next picture would show Scott all sprawled and broken at the bottom of the slope, but it alas—it was not to be. I assume there’s some hiker’s code of honor whereby no one takes pictures of others’ pratfalls.
HaHa, no such code exists! We actually often have the cameras at the ready when disaster appears imminent. Remember the photo of Martin (18 Kilo Ass) crossing that rickety bamboo bridge? All the cameras were at the ready, just in case. Alas, by the time I reached the scene of Scott’s fall he had already been dragged back up.
Wow – that pic of you standing next to the tree gives a good perspective on how big it is.
John, could you email me the password. Thanks
Did you get my email?
Did you get my email?