Irvine trail summit run

I set out this morning for a climb up the Irvine Trail to the antenna summit, skipping the usual lookout to explore the adjoining peaks instead. The air was crisp, with water running lightly in the creek and frost reported further up the island. Along the way, I met a group of hikers and their dogs, trading greetings as we all worked our way up the steep grade, sometimes running, sometimes hiking. The climb was steady, filled with reflections about work, missed timesheets, and the rhythm of trail running itself — knowing when to push and when to ease off. Reaching the old antenna, soon to be replaced, I paused for photos and a final look before heading down the South Ridge Trail, signing off from the summit of Mount Douglas on a bright Tuesday morning.