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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/12/2016
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We took advantage of the June Gloom to summit El Cajon Mountain yesterday.
Man that is one hard hike! 
12+ miles round trip with numerous uphills on the way back which kind of mess with your head. Took us 4 hours there and back which was pretty good if you read some other accounts of this hike.
Will have to do this one again before our Mount Whitney trip in September.
edited by surfponto on 6/12/2016
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rockhopper Posts: 668
6/12/2016
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Congratulations! That is one tough hike. Only 2 of 3 of us made the whole trip to the top of El Cajon Mtn and back. Our friends feet hurt so bad after about 3 miles in that he had to turn back. My Brother and I were too fired up and said "See ya later" and continued on to the summit.
Did you start at Wild Cat Canyon?
Looks like you will be in great condition for your Whitney trip.
btw I posted some more Sierra pics in my post below for your motivation :-)
edited by rockhopper on 6/12/2016
edited by rockhopper on 6/12/2016
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/12/2016
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Yep Wildcat canyon.
We will plan on doing this again, as long as it is overcast.
After doing this Whitney is starting to scare me 
rockhopper wrote:
Congratulations! That is one tough hike. Only 2 of 3 of us made the whole trip to the top of El Cajon Mtn and back. Our friends feet hurt so bad after about 3 miles in that he had to turn back. My Brother and I were too fired up and said "See ya later" and continued on to the summit.
Did you start at Wild Cat Canyon?
Looks like you will be in great condition for your Whitney trip.
btw I posted some more Sierra pics in my post below for your motivation :-)
edited by rockhopper on 6/12/2016
edited by rockhopper on 6/12/2016
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ziphius Posts: 911
6/12/2016
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Bob, missed you by one day, just got back from the trail today. You chose the right day, the sun came out in full force up there today. I ran into a guy with a big pack at the summit who was training for Mt. Rainier. 4 hours round trip is a good clip.
edited by ziphius on 6/12/2016
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
6/12/2016
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I almost pulled off and went there Sat also, decided to head to the Cuyamacas instead...still have my permits though..!!
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/13/2016
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My wife wanted to kill me for going out at a fast pace. We both really regretted it on the way back.
I am trying to break in new hiking boots so of course ended up with a huge blister 
ziphius wrote:
Bob, missed you by one day, just got back from the trail today. You chose the right day, the sun came out in full force up there today. I ran into a guy with a big pack at the summit who was training for Mt. Rainier. 4 hours round trip is a good clip.
edited by ziphius on 6/12/2016
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/13/2016
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We should plan to do this again.
I probably need a few weeks so Mary will forget about how hard it was than we will drag her back up there 
dsefcik wrote:
I almost pulled off and went there Sat also, decided to head to the Cuyamacas instead...still have my permits though..!!
edited by surfponto on 6/13/2016
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
6/13/2016
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surfponto wrote:
We should plan to do this again.
I probably need a few weeks so Mary will forget about how hard it was than we will drag her back up there I remember August as always being a good time to hike it...
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/13/2016
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Let's plan on doing it 
dsefcik wrote:
surfponto wrote:
We should plan to do this again.
I probably need a few weeks so Mary will forget about how hard it was than we will drag her back up there I remember August as always being a good time to hike it...
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ImpatientHiker Posts: 41
6/13/2016
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4 hours round trip ain't bad! A night hike during a full moon would be nice this time of year with a great view of the lights Of Tijuana & San Diego. If you guys want to step up the adventure factor a bit, I'd be happy to finally meet you and lead you through a full moon point to point from El Monte Park (near the El Capitan reservoir dam) to El Cajon Mtn peak to Wildcat Cyn Rd. I'm guessing it'd take you maybe 30 mins to an hour more than your out & back from Wildcat.
-Robert
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ziphius Posts: 911
6/13/2016
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ImpatientHiker wrote:
4 hours round trip ain't bad! A night hike during a full moon would be nice this time of year with a great view of the lights Of Tijuana & San Diego. If you guys want to step up the adventure factor a bit, I'd be happy to finally meet you and lead you through a full moon point to point from El Monte Park (near the El Capitan reservoir dam) to El Cajon Mtn peak to Wildcat Cyn Rd. I'm guessing it'd take you maybe 30 mins to an hour more than your out & back from Wildcat.
-Robert
While the moonlight hike idea sounds like fun, it does flout the rules regarding when folks are allowed on that trail, which also passes through a shared roadway of the Blue Sky Ranch near Wildcat Canyon Road. I'd hate to give any of the rangers or Blue Sky Ranch itself any reason to further limit access (or revoke it) because we can't follow the rules. I already see a lot of cars parked outside of the Wildcat canyon gate prior to 7 am, which is the official 'opening time' for the Wildcat Canyon trailhead. I'm not trying to be a killjoy here, I have a vested interest in keeping that trail open for many years. It is my go-to hike, I've done the round-trip to the summit 75 times and would like to get to 100 soon. If enough people continue to ignore the rules, especially near the Blue Sky Ranch and the landowners decide enough is enough, then we're all hurt. Again, I'm all for radical moonlight scrambles myself, but not there. [ and Bob / Daren, if you guys want any company on another El Cajon Mtn. mission, let me know! ] Jim
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+1
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/14/2016
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Sounds interesting.
Once this blister heals (stupid boots) I will give it some thought
ImpatientHiker wrote:
4 hours round trip ain't bad! A night hike during a full moon would be nice this time of year with a great view of the lights Of Tijuana & San Diego. If you guys want to step up the adventure factor a bit, I'd be happy to finally meet you and lead you through a full moon point to point from El Monte Park (near the El Capitan reservoir dam) to El Cajon Mtn peak to Wildcat Cyn Rd. I'm guessing it'd take you maybe 30 mins to an hour more than your out & back from Wildcat.
-Robert
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/14/2016
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I was wondering about that.
They do seem pretty strict as to when you need to be off the trail.
Bob
ziphius wrote:
ImpatientHiker wrote:
4 hours round trip ain't bad! A night hike during a full moon would be nice this time of year with a great view of the lights Of Tijuana & San Diego. If you guys want to step up the adventure factor a bit, I'd be happy to finally meet you and lead you through a full moon point to point from El Monte Park (near the El Capitan reservoir dam) to El Cajon Mtn peak to Wildcat Cyn Rd. I'm guessing it'd take you maybe 30 mins to an hour more than your out & back from Wildcat.
-Robert
While the moonlight hike idea sounds like fun, it does flout the rules regarding when folks are allowed on that trail, which also passes through a shared roadway of the Blue Sky Ranch near Wildcat Canyon Road. I'd hate to give any of the rangers or Blue Sky Ranch itself any reason to further limit access (or revoke it) because we can't follow the rules. I already see a lot of cars parked outside of the Wildcat canyon gate prior to 7 am, which is the official 'opening time' for the Wildcat Canyon trailhead. I'm not trying to be a killjoy here, I have a vested interest in keeping that trail open for many years. It is my go-to hike, I've done the round-trip to the summit 75 times and would like to get to 100 soon. If enough people continue to ignore the rules, especially near the Blue Sky Ranch and the landowners decide enough is enough, then we're all hurt. Again, I'm all for radical moonlight scrambles myself, but not there. [ and Bob / Daren, if you guys want any company on another El Cajon Mtn. mission, let me know! ] Jim
edited by surfponto on 6/14/2016
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ImpatientHiker Posts: 41
6/14/2016
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Jim, I also want to see our trails remain open & new ones allowed for all of us (including my kids)and I try to be an active participant in that regard. San Miguel is a prime example of rule flouting helping to close off incredible trails, possibly permanently. I was under the impression that only the parking lot had closed hours as I usually ride my bike there but a search of the county's website shows you are correct. Thanks for cluing me in.
The sunset closure rule for Laguna & Cuyamaca Mtn parking has always irked me because it means that it is effectively against the law to watch a sunset from any of OUR peaks as you'd have to reach your vehicle by sunset.
-Robert
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ziphius Posts: 911
6/14/2016
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ImpatientHiker wrote:
Jim, I also want to see our trails remain open & new ones allowed for all of us (including my kids)and I try to be an active participant in that regard. San Miguel is a prime example of rule flouting helping to close off incredible trails, possibly permanently. I was under the impression that only the parking lot had closed hours as I usually ride my bike there but a search of the county's website shows you are correct. Thanks for cluing me in.
The sunset closure rule for Laguna & Cuyamaca Mtn parking has always irked me because it means that it is effectively against the law to watch a sunset from any of OUR peaks as you'd have to reach your vehicle by sunset.
-Robert
Thanks for the follow-up Robert. I actually ran into a couple that had camped near the summit of El Cajon Mtn one morning. I'm not sure if they were aware of the rules and I didn't feel compelled to preach to them on the spot. I've spoken with the rangers a few times about the 'situation' on El Cajon Mountain in recent years. What I mean by 'situation' is that since the advent of meet-up groups and Yelp hiking reviews ("toughest hike in San Diego County!") the trail has become swarmed with knuckleheads and the unprepared. The rangers / Sheriff's Dept. conducts about a rescue per week I'm told, some of those at night, mainly because folks underestimate the trail, leave too late, aren't fit, or a combo of all three. It's a hard enough hike during the day, heh? I agree that the rules are sometimes too restrictive. We live in a crowded world now and I know personally that I prefer to go hiking at oddball hours too (Iron Mountain used to be quiet at 11 pm, but no more - if you build a parking lot, they will come!). As far as freedom in the backcountry is concerned, I feel like I was born 200 years too late.
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tommy750 Posts: 1049
6/15/2016
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dsefcik wrote:
surfponto wrote:
We should plan to do this again.
I probably need a few weeks so Mary will forget about how hard it was than we will drag her back up there I remember August as always being a good time to hike it...
El Cajon is closed in August because of the extreme heat. Showed up years ago in August with my now fiancée packing two liters each and made it to the four mile saddle before realizing we'd made a huge mistake. Was 93 that day and well over 100 in some spots. We laid in a ditch in the shade till late afternoon when my very annoyed older brother (contacted by phone) showed up packing the sweetest water I've ever drank. Still read the UT and sneer at the idiots getting airlifted off El Cajon but realize I was almost one of them.
That's a really good time up and back, Bob. Need to get out there and hike it again!
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
6/15/2016
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right, august is a good time to hike it...
i guess my smart ass didn't translate well in writing...thought the signs there were obvious.
tommy750 wrote:
[El Cajon is closed in August because of the extreme heat.
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/15/2016
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Yeah I figured summer was not the best time to do it
dsefcik wrote:
right, august is a good time to hike it...
i guess my smart ass didn't translate well in writing...thought the signs there were obvious.
tommy750 wrote:
[El Cajon is closed in August because of the extreme heat.
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
6/15/2016
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Good story Tom
tommy750 wrote:
dsefcik wrote:
surfponto wrote:
We should plan to do this again.
I probably need a few weeks so Mary will forget about how hard it was than we will drag her back up there I remember August as always being a good time to hike it...
El Cajon is closed in August because of the extreme heat. Showed up years ago in August with my now fiancée packing two liters each and made it to the four mile saddle before realizing we'd made a huge mistake. Was 93 that day and well over 100 in some spots. We laid in a ditch in the shade till late afternoon when my very annoyed older brother (contacted by phone) showed up packing the sweetest water I've ever drank. Still read the UT and sneer at the idiots getting airlifted off El Cajon but realize I was almost one of them.
That's a really good time up and back, Bob. Need to get out there and hike it again!
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ziphius Posts: 911
6/15/2016
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tommy750 wrote:
El Cajon is closed in August because of the extreme heat. Showed up years ago in August with my now fiancée packing two liters each and made it to the four mile saddle before realizing we'd made a huge mistake. Was 93 that day and well over 100 in some spots. We laid in a ditch in the shade till late afternoon when my very annoyed older brother (contacted by phone) showed up packing the sweetest water I've ever drank. Still read the UT and sneer at the idiots getting airlifted off El Cajon but realize I was almost one of them.
Wow, she stayed with you all those years after that near-disaster? Anybody, no matter how fit, can get into trouble on that hill. The August closure never made sense to me, on average it is hotter in September, but probably fewer folks attempting it. I've done it a couple / few times in 95 degree weather, I always use an old Go-Lite hiking umbrella for those trips. Carrying it doesn't make you look tough, but it shaves 15 degrees of heat off of your experience.
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tommy750 Posts: 1049
6/15/2016
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Think I missed that PE class in grade school where the teacher said drink more water when playing dodge ball in the heat but El Cajon helped me sort that out!
Daren, figured you were kidding, but since everyone was talking about the rule breakers, thought I'd throw in my worst breakin the law hiking anecdote
Jim, my fiancee has permanently crossed El Cajon off her hiking list and not infrequently reminds me of it
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tekewin Posts: 368
7/27/2016
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Nice report!
On my first trip to El Cajon, it was August and it was closed. A ranger turned me away. I went back and did the main trail in November that year.
This May, I made my second ascent up the south arete from El Monte road. Definitely more adventurous with a lot of strong class 3. There is a good use trail that fades away about half way up. You won't have any crowds to deal with though if you go that way. South arete full report.
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/28/2016
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Bagged the peak for the 80th time today. My daughter made a sign for me:
edited by ziphius on 12/29/2016
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Britain Posts: 602
12/29/2016
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Thats a tough hike. Lots of up and downs. 80th time? Wow.
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rockhopper Posts: 668
12/30/2016
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Ziphius must hold the record for that climb. 80! Congrats! I did it once years ago. It's a long round trip hike. One guy out of three of us dropped out on the way up.
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
12/30/2016
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80 times. Geesh I said I would never do it a second time :-)
Congrats that is awesome.
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/30/2016
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surfponto wrote:
Geesh I said I would never do it a second time :-)
I said the same thing after my first trip in 2002. Didn't do the 2nd trip until 2007. Then in late 2010, I started doing it on a regular basis.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
12/31/2016
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I have 4 or 5 trips under my belt...nice work, going for 100??
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ziphius Posts: 911
12/31/2016
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dsefcik wrote:
I have 4 or 5 trips under my belt...nice work, going for 100??
Yep, going for 100. I never carried the weight you did up that peak though.
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ziphius Posts: 911
3/7/2017
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Back in February, I met up with the parks department and a videographer who did a story / video on my quest to hike this 100 times (and then some). They did a nice job on it.
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tommy750 Posts: 1049
3/8/2017
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Impressive video, Ziphius. Let the forum know when you do #100. If you ever consider something like per mile sponsors for your favorite charity, I'm in.
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
3/9/2017
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Very cool !!
ziphius wrote:
Back in February, I met up with the parks department and a videographer who did a story / video on my quest to hike this 100 times (and then some). They did a nice job on it.
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Rocko1 Posts: 597
5/7/2017
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Any guess as to when the best time to do this with the least amount of crowds?
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rockhopper Posts: 668
5/7/2017
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Midweek. Go early to beat the heat during the climb.
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+1
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ziphius Posts: 911
4/24/2018
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100th ascent today. No mishaps in 100 trips up and down the mountain, even in 90-degree heat.
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
4/24/2018
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ziphius wrote:
100th ascent today. No mishaps in 100 trips up and down the mountain, even in 90-degree heat. 
Congratulations, well done...!!
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
4/25/2018
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Good job! Not an easy one.
We are planning on doing it again to prepare for our 3rd Mt. Whitney trip
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ziphius Posts: 911
4/25/2018
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Bob, I take it that Whitney is worthwhile even with the crowds, since you are going for a 3rd ascent! I've never done it and am thinking about Langley instead.
surfponto wrote:
Good job! Not an easy one.
We are planning on doing it again to prepare for our 3rd Mt. Whitney trip
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surfponto Administrator Posts: 1364
4/25/2018
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Last couple times it hasn't been bad at all.
This year I plan on leaving at midnight as opposed to 2am like the two previous years.
This will be the last time unless of course we do the John Muir trail which is on Mary's list :-)
ziphius wrote:
Bob, I take it that Whitney is worthwhile even with the crowds, since you are going for a 3rd ascent! I've never done it and am thinking about Langley instead.
surfponto wrote:
Good job! Not an easy one.
We are planning on doing it again to prepare for our 3rd Mt. Whitney trip
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dsefcik Administrator Posts: 2622
4/25/2018
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ziphius wrote:
Bob, I take it that Whitney is worthwhile even with the crowds, since you are going for a 3rd ascent! I've never done it and am thinking about Langley instead.
I like Langley and I like the routes available to ascend it. I have done it several times. You can see Whitney from Langley..
Tom and I even saw several herd of BHS a couple years ago up there.
Bob, glad you are planning another trip up, the Sierras are great.
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rockhopper Posts: 668
4/26/2018
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Congrats on 100 summits. Wow! Quite a accomplishment.
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tekewin Posts: 368
4/30/2018
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100 tough summits! Great achievement.
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