We hiked Cuyamaca Peak.

It’s been on my to-hike list for a while and written on my note wall for Caleb to see more recently. We grabbed the dogs and some pink lemonade and made the drive out, about an hour to a campground near the trailhead. Paid the eight dollar day-use fee and made our way through the buildings in the grass to the paved road that would take us along the 6.7 mile round-trip hike to the summit.

I take a picture and while catching my breath pretend it’s Piggy that’s slowing me down. Caleb let Sparky off his leash so the dog would stop pulling him uphill, then started throwing a stick downhill. I would’ve let the game continue, but the dogs looked hot and their water was in the car. It’s windy at the top and there are other dogs with owners that want their picture taken. We pass each other on the way down, playing leap-frog.

Did we even have breakfast? Shouldn’t we have lunch? We are close to Julian, famous for its apple pies, but decide to drive home. We will just sit on the couch for a moment, rest our legs, and figure out our next move – NAP! All four of us passed out for two hours. The hike had worn us out – more than I thought. Would I suffer through the burnt trees, white rocks, and rolling hills again?

Of course I would.

It’s beautiful, good for my health, and makes me happy. Exercise like this gives me an excuse to eat like I do and to sleep in. I’m not complaining. I’m grateful to spend a holiday Monday (Presidents Day) with my husband, when he could easily have duty and be at work overnight. I’m glad I’m still able to walk this steep terrain (elevation gain of 1,500 feet); and see the Pacific Ocean, Anza-Borrego Desert, and Table Top Mountain; and smell the growing fir and pine trees; and feel the wind on my sun-kissed face.

The older I get, the more I realize that death can happen in an instant, that bad things happen to good people, and that a life of bad habits can catch up with you. I learn that our hearts, eyes, lungs, and legs get weak. It gets harder to travel when you can’t hear or hold your piss. That people get cancer, have strokes, and break bones. It’s mountains like this that will keep me going – as long as Caleb is there to push the wheel chair.

I hope everyone is enjoying their day, their week, their month – regardless of sprinkling rain, falling snow or sand storms, and making the most of this year – as much as their wallet, mind, and body will allow.