It’s hard to believe, but local hiking legend Ed Lubin is turning 80. If you know Ed, you’ll have to read that number several times for it to sink in. Ed’s distinctive light and jaunty gait is the stride of a man perhaps two generations younger. Moreover, his seemingly indefatigable endurance puts most of us younger folks to shame. In the hiking world, I’ll always be a duffer next to Ed.??
If you’ve ever hiked the popular Sierra Club Friday Night Hike on the Paseo Miramar trail to the Parker Mesa Overlook, then you know who Ed is. The spokesperson, leader and often “sweep,” helping newcomers and slower pokes along. Over the years, hundreds, if not thousands, of folks have been introduced to our local trails because of Ed Lubin’s efforts.
Some 10 or 15 years ago, when a small group of us decided to regularly hike on Wednesday nights, Ed and a band of merry daredevils would try out a trail on a Monday night and then baby us along the same route on the following Wednesday evening. Eventually, the Wednesday folks got up to speed and we blended the two groups into a Monday-Wednesday night ritual that continued for years.??
Ed is also an accomplished mountaineer, having hiked over 275 official peaks in a wide variety of terrains. He has also been extraordinarily generous in sharing his technical knowledge. The first time I ever dangled from a rope and shouted “belay-up!” Ed was on top of the peak with my life and limbs in his hands.
So, happy 80th birthday Ed Lubin, and thank you from the many hikers that you’ve introduced to a whole rich world of nature. ??
Ed and his fans will be celebrating his birthday on Friday night, July 27, on the trail of Paseo Miramar. The hike begins, as usual, at 6:45 p.m. and the festivities will be at the Overlook.
