My son and I hiked Mission Peak in Fremont California. Wasn't sure he could make the long, sometimes steep climb to the top in the dry, hot weather.

He proved me wrong and did just fine!
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The white fields in the distance are evaporated salt marshes. That's all salt!

Distance: 6.25 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2100 ft
Hike Time: 4 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trail Condition: Well maintained trail
HikeType: Out and Back

Some highlights of our hike:
We saw a Peregrine Falcon blast out from around a peak, surprise its prey, and clutch it to the ground with its effective hunting talons. The Falcon was amazing.
It sat calmly waiting for the prey to die.
I was sure the prey was a ground squirrel, but that type of animal is not usually the Peregrine's main choice. Peregrine's usually go after other...