In 2019, a fellow 100 Peak Challenger, Gail Welch, needed to summit this peak. So, I decided to trade routes with her. I will take her out and up Pinyon (more of a car need than a trail route issue), and she would guide me up The Thimble. My Subaru Outback had no trouble on the dirt roads to the trailhead, just a touch of care here and there…
Unlike the first time, we stuck to the ridge for the ascent from the base. This was the right choice as Derek and I had suspected. The only challenge was the 20+ mile an hour winds. Thankfully, the wind was not kicking up any dust.
We made the summit without any issues, signed the register, and headed back down. That was Gail’s 95th peak!
I am an avid peak bagger, sometimes backpacker, and former sea kayaker living in San Diego. In 2019, I became the third person to complete the San Diego 100 Peak Challenge. Not stopping with that accomplishment, I set my sights on the harder San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list, which I completed in 2021. In addition, I have conquered several Six-Pack of Peaks challenges (SoCal, San Diego, Central Coast, and Arizona-Winter). Beyond attempting the San Diego Sierra Club 100 Peak list a second time, I am looking forward to exploring new summits and new adventures across the southwest.