Rain & Mudd

Today was one of those days that determination was the only thing going to get me out for a hike. I started at about 1130 w/ a steady shower coming down. Lake Chabot was the place(close to home). Threw the pack on at the Proctor trailhead started up Proctor. The trail is a steady climb gaining about 200' in a 1/2 mile w/ views of Willow Park Golf Course and the surrounding hills. I pop out of cover of the trees on Proctor and ponder my next move(continue on or back to the car?). We press on down Ten hills, Cameron & across the Wooden Bridge. The creek is very full & I think Willow P ark GC is on its way to being flooded if the rain continues for a few more weeks like this. I actually see another person on the trail hiking. I kinda overjoyed in a way, because who else would be nuts enough to be out here. He's wearing a poncho and I have an umbrella, which he asks about. I him told its not the best for hiking but I want to keep the pack dry.

I continue along the Honker Bay trail and each step I take in the mud is like ice skating. My feet just slip from side to side. While doing this I have to pay close attention to where I'm stepping. The California Newts are out in force. I turned the umbrella upside down and had one start to climb up, but stop the mischief. I'm not 10 anymore and have to let the little guy mosey along. Starting up the climb of Honker the mud is super slippery. I have hike up in the tall grass, which isn't much better. I reach almost the top, the rain has subsided, but the wind is wiping the Eucalyptus trees just furiously. Its a very powerful feeling nature doing its thing, but in the same sense as I look around at all the huge downed limbs, its telling me to get my ass moving!

I make my way thru the campground start down Huck's trail(this is fun on a bike). I get the umbrella out again - the rain is back and w/ force. Back Honker w/ ice skating style mud & continue on to the bridge up Cameron & back down Proctor to the car. 61/4miles in the rain & mud. Feeling good, kinda a sense of accomplishment. You know we don't melt in the rain, maybe a little cold, but its fun.