It has been awhile since I had done the Gaviota Peak hiking loop. This was the 1st time I did the loop in a clockwise direction. (kids will have to Google clockwise). It is only 6.5 miles, but it is a very tough 6.5 miles. The coming back down part is just as hard, and much more dangerous than the going up part.
In years past, I went up the Pacific side with the great views, and then climbed the rocky very steep path to the top. Going up the inland service road side was different. Maybe it is age related, but that is a very steep grade that has no level / rest areas. I had to stop several times; like many times. This road, like many others, has spots where you are sure you can see the top, but when you get there, you just get another view of what looks like the top; but isn’t.
Coming down the rocky path from the top is also different. When climbing up, it is hard to fall up. Coming down, it is very easy to fall down. With my balance issues, I really depend on my hiking sticks; without them, I would not be hiking.
When we finally got to the top, Dave surprised me with 2 beers he had brought. I surprised Dave with the 2 beers I had brought. We still only had 1 each.
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