My actual B-day hike to Mt. Williamson

My birthday fell on a weekday. Sean offered to drive up the ACH and take me somewhere for my my special day to see the sunset. Since we had a late start, it would be a short hike. We decided to drive to Mt. Islip Saddle and summit Mt. Williamson. 

I hadn't been there since the Bobcat fire so it was pretty devastating to see. The trail sign that pointed out the South Fork trail was completely demolished. However the PCT sign was still intact. 

We headed up the PCT trail. Burnt trees and debris covered most of the trail. It was very sad to look at but at the same time interesting to be able to still follow the trail up to the summit. 

It was very cold, I believe temps were in the 40's but we were prepared. The route was pleasant. A few fall colors and wildflowers were a good sign of re-growth. 

As we were approaching the summit we met a few PCT'ers that started their jourrney late in the season descending the trail. 

We continued on without seing another soul in sight. We arrived at summit just before sunset. By then it was freezing cold but Sean surprised me with Hot chocolate to keep us warm as we watched the beautiful sunset.

BALDY SUMMIT # 17

On Wednesday, me and a few friends hiked to Mt. Baldy. We started at 7 am and ascended the very steep Register Ridge trail. A favorite of mine because it is the shortest route up to Baldy but you are climbing over 2000 feet in less than 3 miles.  an excellent workout and challenge for some. 

The day was perfect! The weather was cool and the clouds were amazing! I found over a dozen heart rocks but only kept two of them. I have quite a collection so I didn't really need anymore.

Once we reached the backbone trail. we took a nice break under my favorite tree. We then proceeded to hike the final push to the summit when all of a sudden I spotted a beautiful Big Horn sheep in the distance. I was in awe! this was the very first time I had seen Big Horn sheep near the Baldy summit. 

I was so thrilled and just stood there gazing at this majestic creature. I soon forgot where I was and what my mission was for the day. My friends and I just stopped in the middle of the trail. We were so focused on getting the best shot possible. We must have spent 20 minutes or so just trying to take the perfect photo.

After the 20 minute delay, the sheep  started to descend the ridge and we happily went on our way. Once we reached the summit there were only a few hikers at the top. It started to get windy so we sat by the rock walls that shielded us from the wind. 

I could not believe the glorious day I had on Mt. Baldy. The clouds were amazing and stunning! They put on quite a show for us and along with the blue skies, they made my photos look spectacular!

This was the best day I ever had on Mt. Baldy being my 17 summit. I will never, ever forget this day. What a treat to see Big Horn sheep and have such a picturesque day. 

After spending more than an hour on the summit, we descended the Devil's Backbone trail and continued on the boring road to the parking lot. 

 

MT ISLIP RIDGE ROUTE- EISPIRATEN 16TH ANNIVERSARY

 On saturday night we drove up to Crystal Lake to camp before the big hike on Sunday. Jeff joined us and also camped for the night. It was a cool night a bit more chilly than the last time we camped a few weeks ago. Lucky for us we grabbed a spot at the same campsite. 

As we were chilling by the fire we heard the sounds of a mountain lion growling in the distance. It was a bit freightening for me as this was the first time I ever heard a mountain lion. 

anyways, the next morning we met another friend and caravanned to Crystal Lake. 

we walked along the road for a bit then started on the lost ridge trail. I had never hiked this route and it was very nice. I gradual uphill and maintained trail. We continued on to Deer Flats where we took a break before continuing on to Big Cienega then finally to the summit of Mt. Islip.

At the peak we admired the views and chef Jeff cooked Grilled Cheese sandwiches for us which seems to be a tradition now. We all contributed by bringing our own ingredients to add to the mix. 

After spending over an hour on the peak we headed down the Islip Ridge. This was another new trail that I had never descended. It was very nice and pleasant at first until the final 2 or 3 miles to the Lake. 

Along the way we could see the damage from the Bobcat fire which burned above Crystal Lake.  A few knocked down and burnt trees along the way but the trail was still visible. 

I didn't enjoy the last few miles of this trail down to the lake. It was mostly exposed and very rocky along with narrow overgrown areas. 

However, I must admit the views of the lake from this side were very nice. Maybe it was the time of day but the lake glistened and the shadows of the trees on the lake made it feel like I was in the Sierras. 

It was a perfect day for celebrating the San Gabriel Forum's 16th anniversary, 

Stats: 10 miles, 2750' gain