Mother came for a 2 1/2 week visit over the Christmas holidays. We went for a hike early Saturday morning out in Sunol. Chip took the dogs to Lake Elizabeth so we went without the girls. We set a pretty good clip along the road. We veered off the trail for the “secret spot” and continued along the small trail along Alameda Creek. With the recent rains the trail was blocked and we could not ford the stream.

There was a questionable trail up a pretty steep bank (about 3 stories of height). I say “We will have to turn around.” As a I turn around, Mother had already started climbing. I moved up behind her with the camera and tripod. About 2/3 of the way up, the climb became very steep. Mother had to climb along on her hands and knees. I had to guide her and eventually move ahead and pull her up. We did make it to the top but it did take a toll. After a while to recover, Mother decided she may want to try it again!