It's not a successful climb unless you enjoy the journey.

Last weekend:

View from the top of the mountain where we camped at Blue Jay Campground, overlooking Lake Elsinore. (the only picture I took all weekend :-)

This weekend, I took the much-needed opportunity to relax at home (after working on Saturday, that is). I went on a solo hike this morning at Pinnacles National Park, recently changed to national park status from national monument status earlier this year, making it the nation's youngest national park! I hiked from one side of the park to the other (there are two entrances, east and west, that aren't connected by any roads) on a big loop, enjoyed the volcanic rock creations for which the park is named, and explored the Balconies Cave. 

Admittedly, I did spend the first mile or so hoping I wouldn't get pounced on by a mountain lion, but it was otherwise a very relaxing (but still sweaty and moderately strenuous) hike. 

About 5 miles in, I was steadily walking along behind an older man, in awe over a) how skinny his legs were, and b) how QUICKLY he could walk! I was actually trotting down the hill at times to prevent falling down, and I still wasn't gaining any ground on him! I did end up finally catching up to him at a crossroads in the trail, and we shared some nice conversation for the last 3.5 miles of the hike.