Neahkahnie

	As we begin our hike, the moods are festive and spirits are high. However, they quickly learn that we have quite a ways to go. I will admit up front though, these two did great. The initial phase of the hike started in a dense fog that helped us to appreciate the solitude on the trail. It also helped to keep us cool as we worked our way to the top.
Still with smiles on their faces, but some of the enthusiasm is starting to wear off. What started off as peace signs and good times will soon turn into leg cramps and middle fingers. Just kidding. Their legs didn't cramp. As we get higher, the fog starts to thin. As expected, we would climb above the fog before too long.
	The views quickly turned into amazing sights. Through the trees we were able to see other mountains and a sea of fog that we were once in. The white to the lower left is fog...underneath it lay the Pacific Ocean.
This seems like a good place to take a break. We are above the fog, and the temperatures are climbing. The layers come off, and the hopes of reaching the top soon become plentiful.
	Near the top, we were met with a great view over the fog. Again, below the clouds is the Pacific Ocean, or at least an inlet of water. The only sounds we had were boat horns and the occasional engine. But the view of the surrounding mountains reaching for daylight is simply amazing.
We reach the top!!!! From the top we could see a great ways, but not the ocean. It remains beneath the blanket of clouds and fog. At the top, under blue skies and a blazing sun, the temperatures were significantly higher than when we started. As hoped for, Mom and Steve agree that the view was worth the climb. Thank goodness...otherwise Christmas would have been lean for me!