Iron Mountain Hike
At 0730 hours, Saturday, 12 April 2008, the following personnel reported for the Iron Mountain hike at Highway 67 and Poway Road:
Cadets
C/2Lt Peter Kler
C/2Lt Joseph Connolly
C/2Lt Douglas Saavedra
C/2Lt Chandra Murphy
Cadet Joseph Culver
Cadet Caleb Duescher
Cadet Andrew Elsken
Cadet Hannah Olson
Cadet Emily Duescher
Cadet Daniel Gorin
Cadet Jesse O’Keefe
Cadet Patrick Culver
Cadet Reece Coulter
Cadet Rebecca Olson
Cadet Scott Lynch
Cadet Sean Coulter
Cadet Nathan Duescher
Cadet Spencer Beaulieu
Cadet Harrison Coyne
Cadet Nathan Blackburne
Senior Members
LtCol Ben Aaron
Capt David Saavedra
Lt Jeff Cable
Lt David MacGregor (Sq. 47)
Lt Russell Wesley
SM Michael Tam
Cadet Sponsor William McFarland
One month prior to this hike, 1Lt Russell Wesley met with C/2Lts Peter Kler and Joseph Connolly to plan this hike. After reviewing the options, Cadets Kler and Connolly scouted a few hiking trails and decided on the Iron Mountain trail as the best choice. Although this hike was planned as a social event, it was also designed to “weld” the squadron together.
At 0815 hours after Capt. David Saavedra gave the OK to Cadet Commander C/2Lt Kler to commence the hike. Cadet Kler began with a safety brief by informing the cadets about hydration, wildlife, trail hazards, and hiking techniques.
At 0820 hours all personnel moved out and began embarking on the trail led by C/2Lt Joseph Connolly with C/SSgt. Joseph Culver at the six o’clock position looking for possible stragglers and safety. The mountain trail was invigorating with the morning heat beating down on everyone already. The weather was summer like with the sky clear as a bell, a slight breeze kept the squadron somewhat cool. Upon reaching the summit, the crystal clear skies rewarded the hikers with some of the best vistas anywhere in Southern California. Snacks and water were distributed while the squadron rested prior to descending.
With everyone attired in black T-shirts, BDU pants, light back packs, canteens and/or camel backs, and a “sea” of Squadron 144 covers, many civilians along the trail were heard to exclaim, “What is a 144?” Some of the cadets had an opportunity to proudly proclaim their explanation to these fellow hikers and inform them about America’s best kept secret: The Civil Air Patrol.
Climbing down the mountain’s trail was quicker but slightly hotter as the sun rose higher in the sky. Tired feet, creaky bones, time disparagement, and physical endurance waned; the senior members continued their downward crawl admirably!
The cadets laughed and enjoyed hiking down the mountain while renewing and strengthening friendships along the way.
This six mile hike ended where it started, at the trail head at about 1100 hours. A quick head count was made with everyone present and accounted for.
Special thanks to 1Lt Russell Wesley for spearheading this event, and Cadet 2Lts Peter Kler and Joseph Connolly for scouting and selecting this trail. This has been the second hike for Squadron 144 with a third hopefully planned later this summer.
Respectfully submitted,
Captain David Saavedra
