Top of the mountain

My February birthday plans of a hike to the summit of Mount Diablo were cut short when a winter storm complete with rain, hail and snow cut my hike short. I still wanted to make a climb to the top of the mountain and finally on Mother’s Day I made the 14 mile trip to the top.

I really had hopes of being alone and letting the day pass quietly. The first Mother’s Day since the passing of my mom was going to be tough and I decided a hike to reflect and focus on the beauty around me was in order. With the sun still below the canyon walls I set out for the top.

It’s the little things I find most beautiful on these hikes, the first glimpse of sunrise in the trees, the delicate sight of a dandelion on the trail and the rugged beauty of the weather-worn trees stretched out against the sun. I didn’t take too many pictures as I tried to set a quick pace. I reached the summit in just under three hours crossing through a section of Mount Diablo ravaged by last year’s Morgan Fire. Juniper Trail bears the scars of the flames path across the mountain leaving an alien landscape of ash and burned limbs.

My first summit hike of the year was good opportunity to reflect on my loss and the changes that follow. The mountain has always been a place I have gone to ease my sorrow and find my bearings in troubled times. The journey to the top of the mountain is a quick trip but I always cherish.