Three Peaks of Mt Diablo - 2003 Nov 15

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Nov. 15 Mt. Diablo & Eagle Pk. Sat 4E. A fairly strenuous romp; about
17 miles/4800 feet of elevation gain, some steep trails. 8:30 a.m.
start at Mitchell Canyon trailhead to Eagle Pk., continue to summit &
return via Scenic Falls trail. Rain does NOT cancel. Carpool at
Mission Blvd. & 680 P&R 7:30 a.m. Must call leaders if you have not
hiked with the group before. Nancy Fitzsimmons; Chris Prendergast.
We drove in the rain and started hiking in the drizzle, expecting worse to come.
Despite the drizzle, we got to the top of Eagle Peak, I think - it was impossible to be sure.
Pleading a cold coming on, Nancy and Tom left us at the mercy of Chris' boundless ambitions and went up a less strenuous route, they thought. But who could be sure in this weather?
After a soggy "lunch" under the spreading bay trees of the campground, we slogged on to the summit in dark but unrainy clouds. There we surprised Nancy and Tom, who had arrived only shortly before us, and woke up the volunteer on duty in the visitor center, where quilting art was on display.
We then began our traverse toward North Peak, passing juicy looking juniper berries... and entering into sunlight.
We left Nancy and Tom again for the last time at the gap as we staggered up the steep road to North Peak. Wind blowing over the ridge condensed into mist on the leeward side.
We descended a Waterfall Trail past no waterfalls and eventually came out in the flat lands.
As the sun set on distant peaks and subdivisions, we stuffed ourselves with the refreshments that Nancy had thoughtfully cached for us.