New Year's Day - Black Mountain Reflection

On New Year’s Day, like most people, I tend to reflect upon the past year and on the year ahead and this year was no different. Another tradition is to get outside. In previous years, I hiked Woodson Mountain, went fishing at Lake Poway, and in 2009 I took a day trip to the snow in Idyllwild.

This year, we went to Hilltop Community Park in Rancho Penasquitos. It is a park that I have been going to lately because my daughter likes to play there. While there, I decided to make a quick trip up Black Mountain with the PD and TN.

I had a bit of the flu a couple of days leading up to New Years Day, but I felt fine this day. The weather was incredible, compared to the rest of the country. I was happy to encounter a lot of people on the trail, and changed my usual "hello" to "Happy New Year."

I was so impressed by a woman who was obviously training for something intense by running up and down Black Mountain 3 times for a total of around 20 miles that I applauded her as she lapped me a second time.

We made it to the top and enjoyed the view and the wonderful sunshine. This peak is a repeat, not adding to my total peaks on my list, but it is close to my house and always a good climb.

Sitting at the top and looking east, I could recognize many of the peaks that I have climbed since my last time up here. Once I am done with my 100 peaks, I won't be able to go anywhere in the county without looking at the ridge line and knowing what it's like up there.

And that's one of the main reasons I am doing this. I am just curious about what it's like on top of every mountain.

The PD and TN looking over PQ

I am not really superstitious, but there is a belief in Vietnamese culture that if you have bad luck on New Year’s Day, it will carry with you throughout the year. I've taken that over the years and changed it into my own: Whatever I do on New Years Day, I will be doing throughout the year.

Summiting a mountain in gorgeous weather to enjoy a wonderful view is something I wouldn't mind doing many times over in 2010.

Happy New Year.