WHY  I’LL NEVER BE A GREAT MOUNTAINEER

Scott Regberg
Mirror contributing writer

   I don’t like getting up really early in the morning, which is one reason I’ll never be a great mountaineer.
   I can’t tell you how many times members of our hiking group have said "let’s do Mount Wilson this Saturday," or some other cool peak. It sounds great until you start calculating the logistics. Invariably, it means getting up at 4 or 5 in the morning, driving in the morning darkness, and then carrying 30 pounds or so in perhaps the most physically challenging exercise in a few years, all with sleep deprivation.
   The hiking part is OK; it’s the doing it groggy-eyed that I don’t like.
   Nevertheless, I have mustered several full day treks, including the Strawberry Hill Mountaineering Route. The drive up was no problem because I slept in the back seat. It only required two liters of water and layered clothing so the back-pack was reasonable. The trail offered an interesting variety of long and winding fireroads, some steep class three climbing, minor snow patches and unbelievable views. 
   It was a great hike. It was exhausting. My flat-feet were angrily protesting, but I’d do it again, sometime. Just don’t ask when.
   Which is why I regularly find out about great day hikes the week after. Hiking leader Jerry H. knows that if it means meeting at the trail at the crack of dawn I wouldn’t be there.
   Of course, I’m not alone in my respect for reasonable sleep-in time. Marty, one of our old regulars, is arguably lazier than I am. (And he will argue about that last sentence). On the off chance that we both hear about a big hike, he’ll usually say "I’ll do it if Scott will." Safe way to hedge his commitment.
   Fearless readers who are interested in free Monday and Wednesday night hikes should contact Scott Regberg at (310) 475-5735.