McPherson Peak, Peak Mountain, Fox Mountain #1

14-15 November 1970

By: Al Campbell

JONES FAMILY DAY - CHARLIE JONES MAKES 200, LAURA 100
Leader: Al Campbell
Asst.: Bruce Collier

Beautiful weather, day, people, country and trip! On Saturday morning, at 8:30 a.m. 28 hearty souls took off for McPherson Peak. All arrived at the lookout shortly before noon. Three decided to stay at that point while the other 25 went over to Peak Mountain where we had lunch. Arrived back in camp (Aliso Park Campground) in the late afternoon. Lo and behold - awaiting us was beer, cider and, later in the evening, hot toddies! This was a preliminary celebration for the next day's trip to the top of Fox Mountain where we were to celebrate a 100 and 200 peaker. Rather than carry the libations to the top of Fox Mountain, Laura Jones (8 years old) celebrated her 100th peak and her father Charles Jones, celebrated his 200th peak.

In the evening, around the campfire, Frank Demers conducted a songfest and played his guitar. The next morning (Sunday), amidst groans and sighs, 21 people were rudely awakened and left the campground at 7:00 a.m. After a slight delay, because the assistant leader forgot to fill up his car with gas, we finally took off for Fox Mountain at 8:30 a.m. Again, it was a beautiful day and not too hot. All 21 made the peak, Laura Jones and her father officially celebrated their 100th and 200th peak. All arrived back at the cars about 1:30 p.m. Several die-hards split to see if they could capture Cuyama Peak and Reyes Peak on the way home. The balance took off for an early arrival home.