surprise on Cerro Alto

Sunday , January 22 at approximately 4:30 pm , while talking to a regular hiker near the summit of Cerro Alto , I heard a voice call Grandpa , I looked down the trail to see my grandson Matt and his wife Megan coming up the trail . My heart exploded as this is the first time I have seen them here on my mountain .

a few weeks ago I hiked with Matt 's brother and my great grandson ( 7 years old ) Noah and we made it to the summit 1600 ft elevation gain , how proud I was !!

Last year I backpacked the Sierras with Matt , another milestone in my life .

My Son Luis an veteran ultimarathon runner finished his 10 th 100 mile " Hurt Race in Hawaii " . Things can't get better in a old mans life !! Note that my son Luis is a well sponsored vet of the ultra trail racing scene !

Cerro Alto lcated between Atascadero and Morro Bay Calif .

Cerro Alto Therapy For The Soul

Cerro Alto , a daily hike for myself and often I take a route less often traveled . The lonely quite trail very often offers me a better place to think and meditate . I often wonder if other hikers feel as I do about seeking a quiet place to hike . Fortunately I sometimes do meet such people while hiking and this month of January I have been so lucky . Pictured here is such a person , her name is Lisa and she is here visiting from Seattle . She has in a short period of time hiked several of our local mountains and often taken the less traveled trail . She is strong , confident and most of all seems to have a positive outlook on life .!

I have also recently met a young man on the trail who was visiting our area and has found the mountain an inspirational place . His name is Adam . I enjoyed a short hike and conversation with him and learned he is a writer . This morning I am reading a book he wrote and am finding it very interesting as his adventures often parallel some of my past adventures ! The name of his book is " Where Angels Deserve To Die " I find reading his book very much like conversing with him on the trail. I only wish I had shot a photo of him to share .

For those of you not familiar with Cerro Alto , it is located between Morro Bay and Atascadero Ca. The trail seen here is a fire road , seldom traveled , just below the peak and south of same .

Cerro Alto New Year Celebration

What better way to start the year ?? Four generations at the top ! Thats me at the top and my Great Grand son Noah up front , grandson Mark Anthony on my left and grandpa Mark ( my son in law ) in red.
Happy New Year !!

Note Cerro Alto is located between Morro bay and Atascadero Ca. , elevation is 2600 ft , the hike is 1600 ft and 3 miles up . My great grand son is 7 years old !
Good Job Noah !!