The Idiot and Stanford classmate Marilyn Moore on the Sycamore Crest Trail above Avila, CA.

The view north towards fog-enshrouded Avila, CA, from the Sycamore Crest Trail.

The view south beyond Pismo Beach, CA, from the Sycamore Crest Trail.

Giving a bow to the SLO Buddhist Church on the Bob Jones Trail near Avila, CA.

The maskless Idiot and Stanford classmate Marilyn Moore toss their hiking caps in the air on the Sycamore Crest Trail.

The Idiot takes the first steps on the Point Sal Trail near Guadalupe, CA.

Le parking lot du jour in a gorgeous green valley is the launching pad for the Point Sal Trail.

The Point Sal Trail goes through the northern part of the missile-launching Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The Idiot makes the 13-mile round trip hike on the Point Sal trail with Columbia Journalism School classmate Jeff Wheelwright.

Looking south from the Point Sal Trail at the expansive Vandenberg Air Force Base.

Looking south from the Point Sal Trail at empty beaches in the Vandenberg Air Force Base.

The Idiot nearing the tip of the Point Sal Trail. (Photo: Jeff Wheelwright)

The Idiot’s beach du jour on the Point Sal Trail.

Looking north at the Pacific Ocean from the Point Sal Trail.

L’eau du jour in the Pacific Ocean at the tip of the Point Sal Trail.

The maskless Idiot and Columbia Journalism School classmate Jeff Wheelwright toss their hiking caps in the air on the Point Sal Trail.

Describing the 13-mile hike on the Point Sal Trail to Baby Gaga, The Idiot’s 3.5-year-old granddaughter, at the kiwi ranch they rented in Nipomo, CA.

Describing the 13-mile hike on the Point Sal Trail to Baby Gogo, The Idiot’s 11-month-old grandson, at the kiwi ranch they rented in Nipomo, CA.

The panoramic photo that Baby Gaga and Baby Gogo liked best from the Point Sal Trail stroll. (Photo: Jeff Wheelwright)