January 28, 2012 – Islay Hill (2x)
Jane was shopping when Chris did Islay Hill alone the previous November, so we did this easy but scenic little hike together on a beautiful January day. The colors of farmland in Edna Valley to the east weren’t quite as vibrant as they had been in the fall, but the air was crystal clear. It had rained a little the day before, and some of the steeper sections at the start were a little slippery, but we got through that easily enough, transitioning to the gentle climb up and around Islay Hill’s west side. We made it to the top in something under 30 minutes, and the views were beautiful. There is a short telephone pole at the summit, presumably for the climber to get slightly better views above the brush, so we both climbed it to say that we had truly gotten to the high point. After taking a few pictures, we headed back down the trail – a great little hike suitable for all.