GT is on Their Way to the Top with The 9th Annual Walk on Blue Mountain

The skies were gray but the weather was perfect as a myriad of community members, neighboring residents, and even various city officials gathered at the corner of Honey Hills Drive and Palm Avenue for the 9th Annual Walk on Grand Terrace’s Blue Mountain. The hike officially began at 8 a.m. for the early birds that wanted to start their exercise bright and early before others. The lengthy hike is a little over four miles long and is considered a somewhat difficult course considering the steep hills and pathways it takes to get to the top. This didn’t stop the hundreds of community members ranging from all ages participating in this year’s event. Friends of the Blue Mountain’s Dennis Kidd was greeting each community member as they were about to embark on the journey. “We have a good turn out this year,” he added. San Bernardino resident Jeanne Trebon and Redlands resident Drew Correia visited their neighbor city, the pair were one of the first to reach the top. They started their nearly four-mile journey right at 8 a.m. "We've been trying to hike on the weekends," Trebon said. "And this one is only open one day a year so we didn't want to miss it." However, everyone had the opportunity to start their hike no later than 10:45 that morning. As for participants Rebekah Pastorella and Annie Coning, they started their journey a little later and brought a furry friend with them: their dog pitbull sharpie mix named Django. Most hikers that morning were prepared for the walk ahead of them. It was a different story for Colton resident Elaine Rodriguez. While out for her morning run, Rodriguez passed by the crowd that the annual March on Blue Mountain was bringing in and she stopped by to see what was happening in her own backyard. “I just thought, why not hike up this mountain instead of just doing my usual run,” Rodriguez explained. “I’ve hiked this mountain before and now I’m remembering how difficult it was.” Rodriguez is no stranger to hiking mountains. The San Bernardino Valley College student whom also works at Goodwill, loves to exercise, be adventurous, including going on hikes on her spare time. However, she mentioned that she hasn’t gone on a hike; therefore the Blue Mountain March was a pleasant surprise. “This hike is so beautiful; they shouldn’t have it open to the public just once a year,” she added. “I’ve hiked several other mountains in the area and this one is really fun to do.” Throughout the hike, there were various checkpoints that offered water and a quick break before continuing the steep hills. As one passed the first check point, a group of Grand Terrace High School (GTHS) students cheered the hikers on, motivating them to keep going while passing out water bottles. The group was volunteering at the event, as they were from various clubs at GTHS including Interact Club, National Honors Society, and more. The students’ positivity was contagious as it kept everyone moving up the mountain. “We’re here to encourage everyone,” GTHS student Jomarie Taloza said.