On a clear day, you can see forever. That’s what the musical claimed way back in 1965. Apparently they had been to the top of Mt. Konocti. I had the chance to enjoy the view of forever this week, and it is as breathtaking and spectacular as I had heard.
Mt. Konocti County Park opened last fall, and we’ve had a few guests make the trek and tell us how wonderful it is. So when I got an invitation to accompany a county co-worker to the top, I jumped on the chance!
Expect a good workout. The trail to Wright Peak is 3 miles, and part of it is decidedly steep. And don’t forget, you have to turn around and get down from the top, too. The elevation increase over those 3 miles is over 1,600 feet. In the interest of time, I skipped the historic side-trip and the super-steep and slippery path to Howard Peak, which means I’ll have to go back. Soon, I hope. There is a fire tower at the top of Wright Peak, which fascinates me in a way I don’t entirely understand. Maybe it’s like Tony and his love for lighthouses; I just have a thing for fire towers. I’ll call ahead before my next trip; if a docent is available, I want to climb up in that tower!
One day my destination will be Buckingham Peak. Why? Because it’s above the Black Forest and I want to see if it reminds me of our time in the Black Forest of Germany! Of course, that peak is also covered in cell towers. Probably not so much like my romantic memories of the cobblestone streets and walled cities of Germany… However, I’ve also heard that there are some side paths that lead to even more spectacular views that that of the peaks.
I thought the “trails” would be narrow, overgrown foot paths where I would get skittish about snakes and who-knows-what jumping out to attack me (some of you know about my silly fear of “badgers”). My concerns were unfounded. Most of the route is a dirt road that is passable by vehicles, a few of which were seen with maintenance crews. Next time I get up there, there will be restrooms!
If you’d like to read more, visit the Konocti Trails website.