This was the perfect day for our hike up " old gray back". It was very cool as we left San Clemente at 4:15 a.m. , after a short stop in Rancho to pick up Steve Carey, we made our way to trailhead for Vivian Creek. Six hardy souls left the parking lot at 6:30 just as the sun was breaking over the valley. Head lights and windbreakers only lasted a few moments as we quickly began climbing steeply uphill, as the vista's opened up below. The views were so beautiful, we just kept powering up for more. Each switchback bringing a new surprise as the sun came up and chased the shadows across the surrounding peaks. The weather held cool and crisp, ideal for a long hike. We held a fair pace for the first half of our accent, stopping occasionally for snacks, photos, and just to enjoy the changing views. Water was still flowing at all three water crossings, keeping everything nice and green.
Somewhere around mile six we were bless with a most excellent diversion from our grind. This guy came in from overhead moving fast toward the ridge, dropping down below our horizon. Someone declared " either he is really good, or he is in trouble." He was really good, catching air and shooting up above the ridge. Passing directly over us, he made his way across the valley where he turned into another ridge. All this happening near 10,000 of elevation, fantastic!
Moving on we found the climbing steep again, which was taking it's toll on one of our crew. Splitting up, Steve Netherby and myself stayed back to help Al complete his dream of bagging Gorgy. I concocted a mixture of Camelback elixir and Usana Rev 3 energy drink, which Al drank right down. I also drank one up as well. I am proud to say the entire team made summit by 12:30 (some sooner). On the top we ran into Jeff Hester, a former member of the Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club as well. It is always good to have friends in high places.
I was determined to reach trailhead by sundown, not wishing to wear headlamps going steeply downward for safety reasons. We moved slower than I feared, at one point waiting 15 or 20 minutes for Al, my internal clock ticking away. I then positioned myself behind him and began gently pushing him. At one point we stopped to resupply water, Steve C pulled his boots off in record tome and jammed them into the ice cold stream, nice. With shadows growing longer, and a chill to the air we reached the last downhill. Still pushing for trails end, now from the front pulling the group along( really just Al ), we hit the riverbed at the valley bottom as the sun was starting it's final descent. Reaching the parking lot as darkness settled into Forest Home, we all thought of our own homes. How blessed we are to live at the beach and still be able to summit a true challenge in our backyard.
Thanks to Steve Netherby for the first three photos, thanks also to Terry and Diana, Steve Carey and Al for making this an unforgettable experience.
Lastly, I would like to share about Al. He was wanted to summit San G. for many years, and was turned back twice before. He could have done much more conditioning with us to prepare, as well as more with his nutrition. Yet he was able to realize one of his dreams. This hike was a huge success and we all have total respect for his abilities on the trail.
The Outdoor Fitness Adventure Club would like to invite anyone regardless of their fitness level to join us for a hike. One hour or twelve hours spent in nature, we all come away better for the experience.
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