Reyes Peak, Haddock Mountain

12 October 1991

By: David Michels

Leaders: David Michels & Charlie Knapke

Reyes Peak and Haddock (pronounced "Hay Doc") Mountain are located in beautiful pine-covered country north of Ojai. It took us two hours and twenty minutes to drive the 97 miles to the trailhead from the Woodland Hills carpool point, including a short stop for coffee and a split break.

We made the short, steep climb up to Reyes Peak and were rewarded with superb views in all directions. This peak, according to Jim Blakely, Executive Director of the Los Padres Interpretive Association, was named after J. D. Reyes. Reyes served as a ranger in the Los Padres National Forest, beginning in 1898, for 30 years - a record! His family's historical Cuyama Valley homestead, Reyes Adobe, is located north of the peak just off the road to Lockwood Valley.

After taking pictures and signing in, we headed eastward from Reyes on a partially obscured path to join the main trail to Haddock Mountain minus one participant, Ruth Armentrout, who wasn't feeling well and opted to return to the cars. On the way to Haddock, we were entertained by SPS list-finisher, Dave Dykeman, who spotted large animal tracks and told some "beary" interesting stories. No doubt these tales motivated newcomers Suzanne Charlston and Andrew Williams to set a hot pace enabling us to quickly attain Haddock. Andrew, incidentally, is captain of our national takraw (foot volleyball) team and represented the USA in Thailand last year. He says he's looking forward to more HPS outings - I'm sure we can keep him in good shape for takraw.

We had a pleasant lunch at Haddock and an enjoyable hike back to our cars. My thanks to the participants and co-leader, Charlie Knapke, for making this trip, my provisional lead, one I shall warmly remember.