Mission Peak: Training for Mt. Shasta
In the spring of 2005, Mission Peak became my go-to training ground as I prepared for an exciting mid-July mountaineering adventure up Mpunt Shasta. My friend Dave Jacob, a seasoned outdoorsman and former colleague of mine, was organizing the expedition, and I wanted to make sure I was in top shape. Between April and May, I tackled the steep trails of Mission Peak in Fremont, California, numerous times, often with a loaded pack to simulate the weight I’d need to carry up Mt. Shasta.
Most of these training hikes were with my friend Wendy, who made every trip enjoyable with her cheerful attitude and adventurous spirit. Wendy, like Dave and me, was a mechanical engineer and had previously worked with Dave at KLA Tencor. She also was preparing for the same Mt. Shasta adventure, so she carried a loaded pack on nearly every climb, too. While I filled my pack with about 32 pounds of lead weights (and eventually bumped it up to 42 pounds as I got stronger), Wendy had her own creative approach to weight training. Her pack was loaded with bottles of champagne! Needless to say, her unique “gear” often sparked laughter on the trail, especially when we imagined the celebrations waiting at the summit.
The hikes themselves were stunning, especially in the spring when the foothills were lush and green, a rare treat for this part of California. The rolling hills seemed alive, vibrant under the spring sun, and provided the perfect backdrop for our grueling ascents. The steep trails of Mission Peak—combined with the heavy packs we carried—offered the ideal training for the challenges of Mt. Shasta’s icy slopes and altitude.
Not every hike was with Wendy, though. On one particular Saturday, I joined friends Adrian, Evelyn, and Sharon for a lighter, more leisurely trek. Without a pack weighing me down, the hike felt almost effortless, and we took the time to enjoy the scenery. To our delight, we saw several hang gliders launching from the peak and soaring gracefully through the sky. Watching them glide over the green hills and open valleys was mesmerizing—a reminder of how Mission Peak offers more than just a workout; it’s a place to soak in nature’s beauty.
Each hike up Mission Peak felt like an accomplishment. The demanding climbs, especially with a heavy pack, mimicked the effort required for a major mountain like Shasta. By the time May rolled into June, I felt stronger, more confident, and ready for the challenge ahead. But just as important, these hikes were filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the kind of moments that make outdoor adventures so meaningful. Whether I was sweating under the weight of a lead-filled pack or chuckling at Wendy’s champagne “cargo,” Mission Peak gave me more than just strength—it gave me memories to carry into the high mountains.
Little did I know, those spring training hikes would be as unforgettable as the adventure they were preparing me for.
