tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48416305654107585912024-03-13T15:45:30.795-07:00Adventure Los AngelesScribbled on the first page of his notebook were the words, "These are the memories that will make me a wealthy man."JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-23706100989003672062020-05-09T08:47:00.000-07:002020-05-09T08:47:34.384-07:00Not Retired. Just moved.<div style="text-align: center;">
Been a while. Haven't stopped adventures, haven't stopped moving forward. However, there are better places to see all these things now. Below are locations I am updating a bit more frequently with our outdoor exploits.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/adventurela/?hl=en" target="_blank">adventurela</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Website: <a href="http://jeremyboggs.com/">jeremyboggs.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">TRVRS Outdoors: <a href="http://trvrsoutdoors.com/">trvrsoutdoors.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Youtube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/Boggs12345/videos?view=0&sort=p&shelf_id=3" target="_blank">Boggs12345</a></span></div>
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Here's a glimpse of what has been going on. Last adventure before COVID took hold of the West Coast.</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-19232338197491824352017-12-08T22:13:00.000-08:002018-03-07T23:38:03.736-08:00Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail - Los Padres Natl Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A much lesser know trail is tucked away deep in the eastern Los Padres National Forest that gives hikers a truly dynamic hiking experience. Low lying chaparral zones, Native American pictographs, tall pines forest in alpine zones & what appears to be heavy bear habitat in rolling canyons. Since the 2017/2018 <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Fire" target="_blank">Thomas Fire</a>, one of California's largest in history, this trail has been closed, so double check before you go.</div>
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I had been trying to get a trip together to hike the entire 19-ish mile length of the Gene Marshall Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail for some time now. There are some logistics that make the set up a bit cumbersome, but not outrageous. The car shuttle is the worst of them. Connecting the Reyes Creek Trailhead and the very popular Piedra Blanca Trailhead is about an hour drive between them, both several hours from Los Angeles proper. Another factor to consider are portions of the trail can reach elevations that will get snow in the winter & the water situation can be tricky in certain seasons. Check here for <a href="http://www.hikelospadres.com/gene-marshall-piedra-blanca-trail.html" target="_blank">updated water reports</a>. </div>
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Now to the hiking. We chose to leave the first car at Reyes Creek and then drive around to Piedra Blanca trailhead. This meant one big climb mid hike on day one, with lots of rolling downhill terrain on day two. Leaving the cars behind now, turning left at the trail sign that points MOST everyone to Willet & Sespe hot springs felt good to finally get on portion of this trail I hadn't hiked before. </div>
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Weaving through the large sandstone monoliths that can be seen from all around we kept a sharp eye for the famous pictographs that are quite accessible from what I had read previously. We lost our way a bit and missed finding these, but got to do some fun scrambling all over the boulders. Back on the trail, we headed east towards the huge cliffs that make up Pine Mountain. </div>
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Along the trail we found a lot more water than expected in Piedra Blanca creek, passing the first two camps, Twin Forks & Piedra Blanca, ideal for those wishing for a short overnight. Getting further now into the North Fork towering canyon walls began to rise up, giving a very dramatic look. </div>
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Rambling left and right, crossing over the river a few times we finally were at the base of our climb to the mountain pass that guarded a much anticipated pine forest. Couple miles with 2,000ft of gain were ahead of us, but we took it mellow & were on top within no time. Moments were quite steep, but steady for the most part. Best to do later in the day b/c the western ridge shaded us from the hot sun.</div>
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Now at the apex of our elevation gain for the trip we wandered around following the path looking for our camp. We had decided to use Pine Mountain Lodge Camp b/c it seemed to have the most reliable water source of all the camps. We would learn the next day a few of the camps further on the trail also had access to a bit of water. It was early December and not a time know for burgeoning creeks. </div>
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After setting up our essentials we headed out of camp on an easy use trail for about five minutes to find the water source. Flowing, cold & serene. Upon returning to camp we had a visitor. First person we had seen since the parking lot that morning. A woman was there and proceeded to explain she had slipped and broken her wrist not more than forty minutes ago on trail?! Still quite calm, her wrist was very swollen & wouldn't move. We helped her fashion a sling, get a warmer layer on & move food from inside her pack to the front. It was 4:30pm and would be dark very soon. She had about seven miles back to her car & explained last time she was out in this area she got lost. A bit concerned we double checked the map with her to make certain she knew the direction she needed to go & all the little details of the route. Off she went and we just hoped all was going to be ok. Full disclosure, we found a Facebook post after our hike that she had safely gotten to her car & to a hospital around 2am. Good to know after the fact.</div>
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Back to our evening at Pine Mountain Lodge Camp, nothing out of the ordinary the rest of the night, but that was the only person we would see the entire trip. Just the way we like it next to the metropolis that is Los Angeles.</div>
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The next morning we slowly packed camp and set out for the remaining 11 miles or so we had to reach the Reyes Creek trailhead. The scenery all along these first miles was some of the best of the entire trip. Canyons, pines & peaks were all around. We'd reach these low saddles that afforded wonderful views, then dropped down into lightly used canyons. </div>
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Reaching Three Mile Camp we found water again, but it was frozen over! This would have been a very cold night if we had continued down to this location for sleep. Still continuing downhill for the most part, now through heavy burn areas. All these miles & the next portion were the most signs of bear I have ever seen in Southern California. Scat, claw marks, paw prints & fur at one point all gave proof we were not the only ones to be using this trail. </div>
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One of the only two confusing parts of the trail was near Haddock Camp. Our trail bends around a knoll, while a peak trail crosses the creek and leads up the mountain side. Make sure you are on the right trail at this point. </div>
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Still more downhill with punctuated climbs brought us to more saddles with outstanding views. Taking breaks from time to time just to sit in the quite beauty of this seldom traveled place was a great reward.</div>
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Finally down much lower our trail was in a new canyon that revealed an even greater bear presence. At times more sandstone walls rose high above, begging to be explored. Fall foliage littered the ground thickly while we strolled among barren forest. We took our last break at Beartrap Camp, very ideal for a quick weekend get away with water close by and just far enough from the car it takes a bit of effort to get there. </div>
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Once leaving Bearcamp there is a water crossing that brings one to switchbacks that are seen on the map, but for some reason hard to locate the beginning of them in person. We had separated a bit and all three of us had trouble starting the climb, but once on the trail VERY easy to follow. Cresting a fairly large hill, massive pine forests climbed the mountains to the west of use, while the high desert can be seen way in the distance.</div>
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Joining my companions again miles later at the last trail camp (Upper Reyes), we made the last ascent to a saddle & all cruised the last few miles to the trailhead. It felt great to finally see this slice of the Los Padres after so many other trips in the lowland chaparral that this National Forest is so infamous for. I highly recommend this trip once the forest service opens it up again.</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-17834344303237031192017-09-15T08:09:00.000-07:002018-01-22T09:56:15.838-08:00North Lake to Pine Creek via Piute, Puppet & Royce Pass - Eastern Sierra Mts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Piute Pass center back |</span></div>
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Californians have it good. Without question. The weather, the land, the access to adventure is endless. Don't get me wrong, every state has it's amazing beauty, but the Range of Light, the Big Sur coast, the crags in Death Valley & up to the dense old growth forests of NorCal... seriously all here to explore. Let's see what's beyond the trail.</div>
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For sometime now I wanted to take my backpacking skills to the next level & plan a short multi-day trip that would take some confident friends off trail to unique places in the Sierra we had only looked at before. Spending a few weeks of research, I had put together a combo of options that untimely led us to a fine little route above & below treeline for a few days.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/252088556?color=ffffff&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe></div>
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Parking at the North Lake Piute Pass trailhead we had a solid group that would slowly diminish over the following days due to city obligations. Ultimately three would be left to finish out the last days. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Rough outline of what we did |</span><br />
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Off we all went up to the first pass on trail. Gorgeous, steady & never truly grueling we all topped out with earned insane views into Humphrey's Basin by mid afternoon. The trail took us down to an exposed but sizable horse camp below the pass.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Over the pass |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Part of Humphrey's Basin |</span><br />
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The next morning two friends had to get back to the city so they hopped back over Piute Pass while the rest of us set out to find Desolation Lake. Missing the obvious spur trail that everyone else seemed to write about was not really a problem, we just wandered around upstream till be found the outlet leading the right way. Another hour of hiking brought us to the massive & barren Desolation Lake.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_AIjWPdDl9ft7BbARtcYVfy17ufgj-wrMa24lGhuh-X-YQk9WEr1OpJg0YvrEGXH3TdvAGjIPVes66XbAMCV6d6w97p_WqVzN2FDFCdhX25JYtQwE-jxh2ed-lJVjcTyWJrHv4UdO2U/s1600/DSC00034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_AIjWPdDl9ft7BbARtcYVfy17ufgj-wrMa24lGhuh-X-YQk9WEr1OpJg0YvrEGXH3TdvAGjIPVes66XbAMCV6d6w97p_WqVzN2FDFCdhX25JYtQwE-jxh2ed-lJVjcTyWJrHv4UdO2U/s320/DSC00034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lower Desolation Lake |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSIJMiiyKzvEkCpsQGbSm4jGkrC77zjfkoyD5nTHH6beYV_lItbgQk-9dptzxhWuqnfDWygOmvleUDWde1k_klR6VYDX23resGTdsAC01DDi7gJFvLXJmY4WlPI_NwZ7ywLE0gEn6X3E/s1600/DSC00044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSIJMiiyKzvEkCpsQGbSm4jGkrC77zjfkoyD5nTHH6beYV_lItbgQk-9dptzxhWuqnfDWygOmvleUDWde1k_klR6VYDX23resGTdsAC01DDi7gJFvLXJmY4WlPI_NwZ7ywLE0gEn6X3E/s320/DSC00044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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At this point two more members were going to spend the night here & then take two days heading back out the way we entered the Sierra. Gorgeous & expansive were the surrounds while we all snacked together.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Glacier Divide |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LOno1BR4f6gxZOyi7sXgB22uGrWnRi5UHeJtNp5zIKTRT_jRVPQ1JzZa-zjwoEciL5xjhFIglv1xQ6V4a1n_dtupwx1apwnl9gS_x3myxzW7TNTutk4TSv_lyYmi-V9lEQAXdSyiuUk/s1600/DSC00047-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LOno1BR4f6gxZOyi7sXgB22uGrWnRi5UHeJtNp5zIKTRT_jRVPQ1JzZa-zjwoEciL5xjhFIglv1xQ6V4a1n_dtupwx1apwnl9gS_x3myxzW7TNTutk4TSv_lyYmi-V9lEQAXdSyiuUk/s320/DSC00047-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMTo7r0I1C545iUGkhK9WgfFsouICFxnXMZFluYFymd00xpBOPrHK6cOFbEPXQXqEb4TRskbfJaUo9bDW1LSZMY63PkcupQTXubuSox3DcvRJegV7U0p3JKslR6d03iU8cF5rNqS9pD4/s1600/DSC00052-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMTo7r0I1C545iUGkhK9WgfFsouICFxnXMZFluYFymd00xpBOPrHK6cOFbEPXQXqEb4TRskbfJaUo9bDW1LSZMY63PkcupQTXubuSox3DcvRJegV7U0p3JKslR6d03iU8cF5rNqS9pD4/s320/DSC00052-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mt. Humphrey - 13,151ft |</span></div>
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The last three of us that were to continue on were eyeballing Puppet Pass/Carol Col in the distance that seemed to be holding some snow in places. It was early September & last winters snow still held in places. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sierra-High-Route-Traversing-Timberline/dp/0898865069" target="_blank">Roper </a>& <a href="https://www.amazon.com/High-Sierra-Peaks-Passes-Trails/dp/0898869714/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=2JMQJ63Z0G478CQMD229" target="_blank">Secor</a> have great descriptions of this area & are pretty spot on for approach ideas. Another extremely valuable resource is <a href="http://www.highsierratopix.com/" target="_blank">High Sierra Topix</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiK_rvSTyDm_9ia7G_Xc63eMLMAoJcNlkETzyFBCjzEfkiB5jw3_mFxLwoKwRAuPzflwPHOvDVT1WAajH3V3ft88q628dY8PbLhLAgbIUXaPyLo2Ya_h0Lakyx60lZYGeLBLWYhQl3xE/s1600/DSC00057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNiK_rvSTyDm_9ia7G_Xc63eMLMAoJcNlkETzyFBCjzEfkiB5jw3_mFxLwoKwRAuPzflwPHOvDVT1WAajH3V3ft88q628dY8PbLhLAgbIUXaPyLo2Ya_h0Lakyx60lZYGeLBLWYhQl3xE/s320/DSC00057.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Puppet Pass. Just on the right shoulder |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrto9DYXbgXECQPANupeOzL2w-t-uLROjtKzqT-BjG79t6tUbPZc_G4rSeX3Z9-mNvIKUI6jaPjfAsiopPJVGjgpsFn-6LuY0L63xhyuioIn6E3Fqs3ZZ6n0P8ModJqRQn8LyV82Q3Wo/s1600/DSC00060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrto9DYXbgXECQPANupeOzL2w-t-uLROjtKzqT-BjG79t6tUbPZc_G4rSeX3Z9-mNvIKUI6jaPjfAsiopPJVGjgpsFn-6LuY0L63xhyuioIn6E3Fqs3ZZ6n0P8ModJqRQn8LyV82Q3Wo/s320/DSC00060.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Down Puppet Pass - Roget, Blanc & Lorraine Lake |</span><br />
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We picked our way through the inclined slabs that make up much of the Sierra above tree line. With a keen eye these natural ramps can take a hiker almost anywhere they want in the mountains here. Topping out we strolled to the shoulder of an unnamed granite spire on the cusp of our next massive basin. Hunting across the top of the off trail pass we never did find the plaque that commemorate someone named Carol that unfortunately <a href="http://highsierratopix.com/community/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=5512" target="_blank">passed away up here</a>, but we did find the jump off point to scramble down into the basin. Never too difficult with care, this was perfect class three terrain between 11 & 12 thousand feet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPK2NA4ndzIccSaRqgnxerndh9RijgNkkIWToAI7ChTRwKcVPFNEJAn9LNZfHy4OFhvYijqrPVjkMki4gFe7h7h_TSOWEoq0sksbuYZTsM-GNFb323VQ8ofYnoEDoa0g9NuXLe7s_M7k/s1600/DSC00078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPK2NA4ndzIccSaRqgnxerndh9RijgNkkIWToAI7ChTRwKcVPFNEJAn9LNZfHy4OFhvYijqrPVjkMki4gFe7h7h_TSOWEoq0sksbuYZTsM-GNFb323VQ8ofYnoEDoa0g9NuXLe7s_M7k/s320/DSC00078.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Pilot Knob - 12,245ft |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh_CyKjydqMqKd7ReEJfjrqKG_t7z4P1rDeJ1Jes-ek6e2Kk-rrm_2MB549pqeTLrnjHqcyL9TQJjstNQgVz4JjU7KAKXwA8AKabyKq_P6uMSzvY2eZegu7M9NJNSVP6YUrfwUU40f2w/s1600/DSC00081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJh_CyKjydqMqKd7ReEJfjrqKG_t7z4P1rDeJ1Jes-ek6e2Kk-rrm_2MB549pqeTLrnjHqcyL9TQJjstNQgVz4JjU7KAKXwA8AKabyKq_P6uMSzvY2eZegu7M9NJNSVP6YUrfwUU40f2w/s320/DSC00081.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking at French Canyon, Pine Creek Pass & beyond |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YG20c_EZHviB0L90TIPlp2_vV9erXL9clAArnfXem5Dt-TluVcpWyJhbCzhngrqln6OAh34YA_rq6Zxls32heNmqluEByf8LsnVY51IiPq2m-FieHSpp_jpqhRGmIq1UTZEdzdIj_Dc/s1600/DSC00086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-YG20c_EZHviB0L90TIPlp2_vV9erXL9clAArnfXem5Dt-TluVcpWyJhbCzhngrqln6OAh34YA_rq6Zxls32heNmqluEByf8LsnVY51IiPq2m-FieHSpp_jpqhRGmIq1UTZEdzdIj_Dc/s320/DSC00086.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r1nCkfwZx92f3pmLMP3k_ZV83UcO4fZtwe_HZ3j9jY1_57Cv_pk5NhA1LpUOdYXIwnJ9rqKTG3ppjaw8JDY3_ZoHthyphenhyphen1N4nHf7ngDWEJbNHG5cXXDpMNiMeP5tzaU2zWocfBl9T2qMU/s1600/DSC00092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1r1nCkfwZx92f3pmLMP3k_ZV83UcO4fZtwe_HZ3j9jY1_57Cv_pk5NhA1LpUOdYXIwnJ9rqKTG3ppjaw8JDY3_ZoHthyphenhyphen1N4nHf7ngDWEJbNHG5cXXDpMNiMeP5tzaU2zWocfBl9T2qMU/s320/DSC00092.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Moon Lake. Merrian & Royce Peak in distance |</span><br />
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Views stretched for miles & miles in all directions. We could see across French Canyon to the Royce Lakes area we were aiming for tomorrow morning. An absolutely massive waterfall was spilling over the cliffs that only amplified the beauty. Still hiking off trail we picked our way through snow fields, passed cliff bands & down to Moon Lake. This was our original goal for camp, but it was still only two in the afternoon. After a decent rest we shouldered our packs & set off to find the main trail down in French Canyon. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-YQzeNb2vTHgez-VijgEF7gyq1XAI_JVMxAr2cD2dVDRCn_11TwOKP1WGtnnerviIz4xyTRFsRi82QHYb5lxuSLqcIjk1v3puW8TKlOm6NpiFFWRK-mwNG6-Ac6CCQ2NboSuZ1aUEYw/s1600/DSC00139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-YQzeNb2vTHgez-VijgEF7gyq1XAI_JVMxAr2cD2dVDRCn_11TwOKP1WGtnnerviIz4xyTRFsRi82QHYb5lxuSLqcIjk1v3puW8TKlOm6NpiFFWRK-mwNG6-Ac6CCQ2NboSuZ1aUEYw/s320/DSC00139.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Four Gables Sunset |</span><br />
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Back lower in the trees & on trail, we put a little dent into the morning's miles before resting. After browsing the possible camp sites all along the trail in the canyon, we settled on a knoll overlooking much of the upper peaks. A small rain patch blew over, but didn't soak us much. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Alpine - Merrian & Royce Peak |</span></div>
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The next morning we had trail uphill for an hour or so up until we reached the tarn at Pine Creek Pass. From here we set off for the next off trail section up towards the alpine environs. Without much trouble a steady climb was had away from the pass & along perfect green tundra. Giving way to a moonscape of stunning beauty. </div>
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Taking shelter behind whatever boulders were the largest, we admired the grandeur of it all. Merrian & Royce Peak (13,253ft) right above us. Pushing further towards lake 11,725 a large boulder scramble ensued along the southern shore. It wasn't terribly hard, just careful movements. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Kevin with Feather Peak |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lake 11,725 |</span><br />
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Our objective was to round the entire lake & use Granite Park Pass to move into the next drainage. More boulders, boulders, boulders. Then a disheartening sight. Quite a bit of snow was still hanging around in the path of our approach. Kevin even gave it a good look from above, seen in a photo below. We sat for a snack & talked options. Without foot traction devices or snow tools it would be sketchy at best, without knowing what the decent looks like as well. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Other side Lake 11,725 |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Granite Park Pass left of center with snow in gully.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Kevin is tiny in the very upper right checking out</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> the rest of the snow & angle (click to enlarge). On the other </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">side is a </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">thousand </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">foot descent that we can't see too. |</span><br />
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We opted to back track thirty minutes or so & access Royce Pass. This would take us down into a different canyon, but ultimately leading in the direction we needed to go the next day. Though maybe not the technical thrill that Granite Park was going to be, Royce Pass made up for in sheer beauty. An easy hike off trail down waterfall laden shelves of granite were ideal after all the large boulder tramping above.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Royce Pass looking into Pine Creek |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking back up at Royce Pass |</span><br />
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After an hour or so of this terrain. we veered off to find Golden Lake for our last night out in the Eastern Sierra. We all grabbed a super gold dip into the lake & enjoyed whiskey topped off with a golden sunset garnish.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Golden Lake |</span><br />
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Packing our bags for the last morning, a 3,000 foot decent into Pink Creek was needed to find the car. We spent about a hour off trail in the trees & along the slabs, eventually crossing the main trail down the canyon. Cruising now, lake after lake passed by with views to the high places we had been days before. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Honeymoon Lake. Royce Pass left of center |</span><br />
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Knowing now, Pine Creek would be a tough hike uphill, but down was a steady push with cool sights. Larges cascades at times roared just below. Opening up to beautifully blasted switchbacks lower down. Also treated my historical nerd side seeing an early 1900's era mining operation. Crazy to envision the multi-tiered ore tunnels dug high on these cliffs at the Brownstone Mine.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Look close, multi-tiered shafts |</span><br />
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Landing finally in the dirt parking lot at the Pine Creek trailhead we all felt really great about our first off trail romp in the Sierra. Till next summer season, the maps will be out & helping envision future wonderful trip outdoors.</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-8188740784327802262017-09-01T14:00:00.000-07:002018-01-09T14:09:45.473-08:00California Wanderings - Rafting, Backpacking & Sightseeing<div style="text-align: center;">
My list of adventures & places to see is growing at a never ending rate. Maybe some of you readers have found this page looking for some of your goals</div>
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Like any good city escape we are leaving Los Angeles in the late afternoon, only to arrive north of Sacramento along the American River well after dark. The rafting company, over the phone, didn't recommend this b/c they mentioned it would be hard to set up our camp. Seemed odd, but upon arriving we saw that their camping was huge lawns that were more an "any free place was a campsite" style. Alas, we made the best excited for our rafting trip in the morning.</div>
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It had been years since I had been rafting & this was Melissa's first time. We stole glances of the rapids below on the bus ride through the rolling golden California hills. After settling in with all the gear & meeting our guide we were off in the morning sun.</div>
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With only one other couple in the boat it was a wonderful morning of paddling & splashing through the Class 3 rapids. We rode a few rapids backwards for kicks & tried to surf one standing up to no avail. Around lunch time we had floated roughly ten miles & stopped for lunch. Beer & BBQ. Not too shabby.</div>
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Hopping back in the boats, another nine or so miles were ahead of us. At times the American River would narrow & be comprised of large rocks walls, while at other times, large sandy banks invited a quiet rest on their shores. Topping off the fun experience, we passed the site of the second large gold discovery that kicked off the 1849 gold rush. </div>
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That evening the camp cleared out & we had the place almost to ourselves, the river passing the time just below camp with a warm meal on the stove. No need for a care in the world.</div>
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Melissa & I have a deep love for the mining era of California history & couldn't leave Coloma without exploring their wonderful state park that lays tribute to some of the more important discoveries. Like any tale in history, both good & bad came from the gold influx of wealth seekers. All on display.</div>
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Back on the road we stuck to small highways that wandered through the foothills of California. Aiming now to drive the north rim of Yosemite on Hwy 120, we paid our fees with the hoards & picked up our backcountry permit for the fun that would begin soon.</div>
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Stopping at various tourist sites along the way, snapping photos & doing the usual Yosemite stuff. At one of the 'day use' areas we packed our backpack for a three day hike we were about to set off on. Eventually with the fading hours of the day, we drove to our trailhead & hiked off to get the obligatory mile away from the highway to legally camp. Melissa found a wonderful flat spot amongst the huge pine forest & we called it a day.</div>
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The next morning a ranger stopped by to make sure we had our bear canister/permits, then we were on the move. Our goal is to sleep out on North Dome, an idea I had read about many years ago & always wanted to give a shot. The views in photos always attracted me. </div>
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We had the option to do the hike as a lollipop style which was nice to not have to backtrack too much. Wildflowers were in full bloom & the creeks were crystal clear. We met a few backpackers doing various trips & many day hikers that made the long drive up to this section of the park. None took away from the experience of finally getting out on this long awaited trip.</div>
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After several hours we made the final climb up to Indian Ridge. Topping out we were staring directly at the iconic rock monolith that is Half Dome. Almost so close we could reach out & touch it. Hiking now on open bald granite shelves, the views all the way down into Yosemite Valley are superb. </div>
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We stumble down steeply to the beginning portion of North Dome to find a protected place to set up our camp. Not a soul around. We have plenty of time before the magic hour of the day & we spend it lounging. </div>
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Light & color begin to transform our surroundings. Walking up to the edge of North Dome, all of Yosemite is laid out below us. Wonderful to be here with my special lady. Just as the cold wind creeps through our warm layers, sleeping bags become the answer after a hot meal.</div>
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I wake early on our backpacking trips & usually spend the first hour taking photos & enjoy the world around coming to life. Coffee boiling on the pot can always bring Melissa out of the down covered warmth. Normal backpacking chores ensue as we clear our makeshift home from the earth. We are hiking with one stop left on trail, Indian Arch. Perched high on the north rim of Yosemite, the unusual rock formation looks over large swaths of high country. After playing around in, on & near the arch we hit the final miles back to the car.</div>
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Feeling wonderful back in the car with plush backrests, we head East on Hwy 120 towards the Owens Valley. No big hurry now, we stop in Lee Vining for the most delicious city meal in a while. Putting more miles behind us we land ourselves in the small historical town of Bridgeport.</div>
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Quaint & beautiful, Bridgeport has a bit different vibe than all the old highway towns south of Mammoth. We kick around town; grab food, down some drinks & wander every street in one afternoon. There is an outstanding museum in this town with history from all California eras.</div>
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The next day we grab an easy tent site outside Bridgeport & head for the hills. Our objective is to check out the famous mining town of Bodie. A popular tourist attraction, for good reason, this 1800's era town has been well preserved & feels the part. Absolutely worth a visit if you have an afternoon or a couple hours to kill. I tried to imagine the harsh winters in this open treeless area below zero degrees. Tough living.</div>
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<i>(From Wikipedia)</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bodie began as a mining camp of little note, following the discovery of gold in 1859 by a group of prospectors, including W.S. Bodey. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In 1876, the Standard Company discovered a profitable deposit of gold-b</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">earing</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> ore,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> which transformed Bodie from an isolated</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> mining camp </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">comprising a few prospectors and company employees to a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">boomtown.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">By 1879, Bodie had a population of approximately 5,000–7,000 people</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">and around 2,000 buildings.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 11.2px; white-space: nowrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Bodie boomed from late 1877 through mid– to late 1880.</span></div>
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The last couple days of our Summer vacation were a much slower pace. Our sights were set on relaxing. Cruising on beautiful sections of Hwy 120, heading east towards Nevada. Pulling into the tiny town of Benton our reservations were for their <a href="http://bentonhotsprings.org/" target="_blank">private hot springs resort</a>. After milling about, the sun began to set on glorious Boundary Peak while we started to dip into our own perfect hot oasis.</div>
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After soaking our bones till content, we pulled out of Benton and headed for Bishop. We have close friend that lives just north of town & has the entire Sierra at his door step. After spending the day catching up & the usual things you do with old friends we planned for a day on the lake. Heading up to South Lake, we hoped into some rental kayaks and mashed across the lake. Still in mid September we couldn't shake the mosquito on land so we had beers & snacks while floating in the middle of the lake below snow capped peaks. Not a bad way to wrap up this Calfornia road trip.<br />
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-27740444503860124952017-07-01T21:31:00.000-07:002018-04-12T18:41:46.913-07:00Sespe Creek Loop - Los Padres Natl Forest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Leaving the trail head at sunrise on a day that would touch in the mid 90's was the best we could do to cover the 8 miles of open land before anything that resembled shade would come available. Cruising on the upper rolling hills of Los Padres National Forest the terrain was mellow with loads of plants slowly creeping onto the trail. We passed a few Scouts hiking out & two other ultralight hikers that had come from Piedra Blanca trail head. Nice work.</div>
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After several sunny hours passing fantastically shaped sandstone rock formations, we grew closer to a huge cut in the mountains. Losing altitude switchback after switchback all four of us grew anxious for the shade & water the creek held below.</div>
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Resting up at an old trail camp, complete with broken down NPS ice can stove, we all looked forward to jumping off trail soon. Fast forward an hour of pretty standard SoCal chaparral canyon walking, we came to a definitive bend in the trail & canyon we were following. Thus the fun begins...</div>
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A narrow gateway of massive boulders & towering cliffs was our entrance to what would be roughly the next two days of travel. Weaving side to side, rock shelf to the next, we finally emerged out into a wide stream bed with all that cacophony behind us.</div>
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The terrible heat of the day never really caught up to us, a strong breeze blew upstream that carried the cool surface of the water almost to your face. Everyone sort of chose their own best path forward now. After about a mile our major tributary creek merged with the longest continuously flowing river in Southern California.</div>
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Now we were traveling down a much wider & deeper canyon, mountains all around guarded any exit. After many twists in the fractured canyon walls, miles of boulder strew riverbed we pulled up camp on a small sandy beach near the river. The usual frisbee, lounge, beer, nap & stories ensued till the stars took over our attention that night. Especially dazzling with little too no moon that eve.</div>
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The next morning coffee was brewing around 6am & things were getting packed away in the dry bags. We shouldered our living essentials & set off in the same direction, down canyon. Within minutes we came to the first bend in the river that took up the entire floor of the canyon. Slowly wading through the early morning still waters deep in this wild place was the thrill of a lifetime.</div>
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Moving into much more rugged & rocky sections of the gorge navigation became consistently full on climbing moves. Smooth sandstone pathways would emerge, leading to another connecting set of boulders & more scrambling. Perfectly untouched in the morning calm, our reflections passed swiftly down canyon.</div>
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Every twenty minutes a turn in the canyon would reveal huge cuts in the cliff of stacked layed rock. Geology like no other canyon I had seen up close. Other portions of the LPNF had these type of mountains/formations, but nothing I had walked right up to & touched. </div>
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Moving further down the canyon we encountered larger & larger boulders that had at one time fallen from the sheer cliffs above. Pulling up to stop on a prominent flat rock, we snacked & sat in total awe of the place our feet had brought us too. Spires of sandstone just out of reach overlooked pools of pure flowing water. Morning light still sinking into deep corners of the canyon. </div>
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Preparing our things for another dip in the water. We have come to a full on swim with our gear. Tiddying up our stuff, Sam plunges in with his cuben/dyneema pack, waterproof no problem. Three of us follow suit with our various versions of keeping our things dry, I used a 50L cheap silnylon dry sack. The sandstone spires are looming directly overhead now. I float slowly on my back in the water between the narrow canyon walls, everything is right in the world.</div>
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Still hours of rock hopping are in front of us & a few more chances to dip into the water. The record high rainfall has really done a wonder from the whole river. Large sections are waist deep or more & are a welcome temperature from the outside heat. </div>
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During the early afternoon, we reached the largest obstructing pool yet that embodied the whole canyon floor. Some sediment remaining allowed for semi-dry travel to a point. Another swim was in order. Everything was so perfect out, it felt great to jump in. It would be easy to spend several days relaxing along the river anywhere in this lower portion. </div>
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Still more hours of gorgeous off trail travel ensued, in the water, on the rocks, climbing the sandstone & bushwhacking river banks. The boulders somehow became larger than anything previous in the trip, taking on all shapes & textures. This place was putting on a real show for us. The path in the river had become a mix of take the plunge OR climb some serious small house sized rocks.</div>
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After navigating some of the more difficult moments around the large rock arrays, we sat exhausted high on a sandy plateau. Positioning ourselves best to take advantage of the minimal shade in the afternoon heat. All agreeing that 4pm would be our "pack up" time. </div>
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One last full body dunk in the river & filter loads of water for the hot exit out of the canyon were the last tasks before setting out into the unknown. We started & lost what we could only know was the trail because our GPS told us so (we had other methods of navigation as well, never fear). Obliterated & non-existent come to mind when thinking of this "trail". After loosing our way for a bit less than two hours, we all had a new definition of what bushwhacking meant. Keep thinking<a href="https://www.backcountry.com/explore/type-ii-fun" target="_blank"> Type 2 fun</a>. </div>
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Still miles from the car we thankfully re-locate the game trail. Now only a few hundred feet above the river, even with the aggressive effort we just put in. Nevertheless, several hours of busting through walls of vegetation uphill commence. Swearing, silent cursing, visual consternation are all found here. A couple well needed rest breaks later up the cliff side bring us to the upper rolling plateau that we were familiar with. The inkling of night had begun to take over when the circuitous path dropped us at our car a bit before 9pm that Sunday eve.</div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0Los Padres National Forest, Goleta, CA 93117, USA34.7419849 -119.6818236000000334.7419849 -119.68182360000003 34.7419849 -119.68182360000003tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-39668236710180713822017-06-08T20:39:00.000-07:002017-10-10T20:50:06.888-07:00Mt. Gould Backcountry Snowboard - Eastern Sierra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/237362249?color=ffffff&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="550"></iframe></div>
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Last year's splitboarding <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2016/12/hotlum-wintun-ridge-mt-shasta.html" target="_blank">trip on Mt. Shasta</a> was an eye opening introduction to what could be done in the winter/spring backcountry for me. It sparked a desire to begin developing my "at best" mediocre SoCal snowboard skills into something that wouldn't get me killed riding in the Eastern Sierra. Enter Ben & Darryl. Two fine friends that are versed in the snowy seasons more than I, helping to teach & encourage. Earlier this year Ben & I <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2017/01/snowboard-wright-mountain-east-basin.html" target="_blank">rode an interesting</a> area near Wright Mt (8,505ft) in the San Gabriel Moutains.</div>
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On this weekend we are heading out of Onion Valley towards Mt. Gould (13,012ft). Ben has done this peak before from other approaches & winter solo. Needless to say, he's in tune with this area of the range. Hiking just before dawn we are on snow within twenty minutes. Since I'm still the rookie, I have to snowshoe, while carrying my board. Those other dudes broke out their splitboards & began skinning switchbacks up the first grade.</div>
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As anyone who has hiked the Sierra before, there are always shelves/benches of glacial drainage's that step up & up until higher in the alpine basin cirques. At times the snow covering made for easier travel & other times "sun cups" of death would wear us out. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRL-vPdfYfBMT0TGUALE9d_UvyAmn4cqLIuusXwIRz3Lobbjh2e9Xs226IOQizm-rUs1t1qbFuoks2ZItD_FAGDVp8HPaIPLjjvUHHVhBst00beQo0P2KAeVAOR2cL3iLy0s6lJwZ_hY/s1600/DSC09400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRL-vPdfYfBMT0TGUALE9d_UvyAmn4cqLIuusXwIRz3Lobbjh2e9Xs226IOQizm-rUs1t1qbFuoks2ZItD_FAGDVp8HPaIPLjjvUHHVhBst00beQo0P2KAeVAOR2cL3iLy0s6lJwZ_hY/s320/DSC09400.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Dropping our overnight gear just before heading up towards Golden Trout Lakes helped the travel greatly. Still well before 9am, grabbing days packs, we were headed towards Mt. Gould proper. The sun became warmer than could be imagined & a mid mountain run brought us back to camp at a descent time. Expansive wide open terrain that I had only hiked an hour before flashed passed with easy on the snow. My first dumpy rookie run in the Sierra felt great.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92cm1oJoyQVsnlOPLCGrwoJ4OJqIcJwMOoJv-O3CyBXcmsN1QklZ3jxY5TGuT_70fBp_w37GphgPhUr_70HyOE9pl_K9VzNNzxu73Td2LzHeCsbhOIjh_IpDevCXhpK1HU_m1JJMl6Rc/s1600/DSC09404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg92cm1oJoyQVsnlOPLCGrwoJ4OJqIcJwMOoJv-O3CyBXcmsN1QklZ3jxY5TGuT_70fBp_w37GphgPhUr_70HyOE9pl_K9VzNNzxu73Td2LzHeCsbhOIjh_IpDevCXhpK1HU_m1JJMl6Rc/s320/DSC09404.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaqO5w0YvTIMQSNMa5QZ7-SBpWkTKUfn3csm9ztLxcJ_Luc_oo-1ro0bIJ2dwZ_w_ksePn_EWEeA-o1hOPC69JDU0RDcG7NRsIJ1g-21HI6lzDl6258w_ivHQIByO8JCAb5P1sejXkPU/s1600/DSC09412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwaqO5w0YvTIMQSNMa5QZ7-SBpWkTKUfn3csm9ztLxcJ_Luc_oo-1ro0bIJ2dwZ_w_ksePn_EWEeA-o1hOPC69JDU0RDcG7NRsIJ1g-21HI6lzDl6258w_ivHQIByO8JCAb5P1sejXkPU/s320/DSC09412.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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That afternoon the heat only increased. Minimal layers & comfortable shade was the only way to pass the afternoon. Shadows finally touched both sides of the canyon walls & the stoves flamed to life. Our bivy above 10,000ft looking down to the Owens Valley was really something special. Almost didn't stay awake long enough to see the stars.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbMZ-zMxf2Xvfi-8wTIbhnF0yzJKN0pkZi-BWRb5gtbK9puz2F9XpWRtbiF3coZvKT3eVRAF3BHDOyFymptbLF6hMrMXEfn0_xY2UmalAFny4IYY_nTJ4t5oxDP6DROggnvOyQRjMenk/s1600/DSC09440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbMZ-zMxf2Xvfi-8wTIbhnF0yzJKN0pkZi-BWRb5gtbK9puz2F9XpWRtbiF3coZvKT3eVRAF3BHDOyFymptbLF6hMrMXEfn0_xY2UmalAFny4IYY_nTJ4t5oxDP6DROggnvOyQRjMenk/s320/DSC09440.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Alarms at 5am meant another shot at Mt. Gould. Ben & Darryl set off up through the first section to the lake. I made another rookie mistake, leaving my hat & sunglasses at the base camp during the morning light. Opting for a different part of the mountain to ride while those two got after the summit was the next best plan. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5xJo_7fGynHqnTdflmuixOwk-x-nU1RgsybqJ1LDhupAmwUfsmHCrgrkmEp9OgF4GGKWRfi4YRtWHZcWTZdLRp0O6AekoD8oT08hLCxNcKLIG6ySirOlVzGxXu7TU-Jz3flxVwzheY4/s1600/20170604_091727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5xJo_7fGynHqnTdflmuixOwk-x-nU1RgsybqJ1LDhupAmwUfsmHCrgrkmEp9OgF4GGKWRfi4YRtWHZcWTZdLRp0O6AekoD8oT08hLCxNcKLIG6ySirOlVzGxXu7TU-Jz3flxVwzheY4/s320/20170604_091727.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM0An3VfvV9JhzST9Qog0sY_BE0_MYLxm6anSgg71H0YWRjL6DkObsgcE9ItY47WFSVaSRhvZ3HqFHBJBL8Ipvrn-XkevGjfMpUhOOa-0UHF5zzbYFKV00OKEts4ClygNriDyte1DUGY/s1600/19054972_10209708139685845_7486973288841741273_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBM0An3VfvV9JhzST9Qog0sY_BE0_MYLxm6anSgg71H0YWRjL6DkObsgcE9ItY47WFSVaSRhvZ3HqFHBJBL8Ipvrn-XkevGjfMpUhOOa-0UHF5zzbYFKV00OKEts4ClygNriDyte1DUGY/s320/19054972_10209708139685845_7486973288841741273_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back in the alpine cirque now, scrambling on rocks above Golden Trout Lake, I could snap photos of those guys climbing into the East Bowl. Once out of sight we stayed in touch on walkie talkie. I climbed up the East Face for quite a ways to a prominent outcropping. Took a good rest & rood some more amazing wide open slopes all the way to the basin's edge. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69-fXW3SyaOkU3YGWd16KlA6eulN03LTn3vrxw4TSWDMw8fAE2neDFYeNeft-2Re458xSay-UPdfwu9BeNHID3VkPMXURgdMauGdZUR9sJ4yo8pkmHl2PziRdPsUBZubv_0IwAinX9mk/s1600/18953221_10209708140285860_9022622706485444942_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69-fXW3SyaOkU3YGWd16KlA6eulN03LTn3vrxw4TSWDMw8fAE2neDFYeNeft-2Re458xSay-UPdfwu9BeNHID3VkPMXURgdMauGdZUR9sJ4yo8pkmHl2PziRdPsUBZubv_0IwAinX9mk/s320/18953221_10209708140285860_9022622706485444942_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Re-positioning myself in the cirque, I caught a glimpse of Ben get his first turns, starting just beneath the summit block! After him, Darryl carved gorgeous sweeping arcs high on Gould's ridge. I had made a slog up to a large outcropping on the opposing granite wall. Strapping in, rode much better than the day before, down connection section after section until reaching the point where our two parties would cross. After slapping high fives, we three rode the last fifteen minutes to camp.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptNc4_tPO80NgaRdMAaxa5D0wn0bLu2SMRIJk1dT1PoKZGJ2AY91OURdHvp4zdoeYGKXYg7LVC_9P9e7w1-EySDWRRhPYXZJcI5olF90Nhsl5S6yRm0nX1KTNvY2d6kzf2vR5wREEGJ4/s1600/20170604_111420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgptNc4_tPO80NgaRdMAaxa5D0wn0bLu2SMRIJk1dT1PoKZGJ2AY91OURdHvp4zdoeYGKXYg7LVC_9P9e7w1-EySDWRRhPYXZJcI5olF90Nhsl5S6yRm0nX1KTNvY2d6kzf2vR5wREEGJ4/s320/20170604_111420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cheers went around to their summit! We rallied all the gear & aimed to find the van before the heat got too extreme on the snow. I'll always remember this one visual moment riding back down the glacial shelves; the guys were ahead, outlined perfectly against the valley, high rock walls lining both sides of the chute & all was right with the world.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRc98v1vgVP8jQbE1i2_Rbb29u0b60flKEhT9Rlt-lsmTPxVecWxDeTW9RdRNJ-Rco2_D5XIDQ6S3qS_Tv8YQOlLt0vz_pEmAN2kZR-opCYknMo3KGkr9A487KQX8ymu9gyLZz6ZWXQs/s1600/19025073_10209708140485865_5840495436363958183_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieRc98v1vgVP8jQbE1i2_Rbb29u0b60flKEhT9Rlt-lsmTPxVecWxDeTW9RdRNJ-Rco2_D5XIDQ6S3qS_Tv8YQOlLt0vz_pEmAN2kZR-opCYknMo3KGkr9A487KQX8ymu9gyLZz6ZWXQs/s320/19025073_10209708140485865_5840495436363958183_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com3Onion Valley Campground, Independence, CA 93526, USA36.7717573 -118.3408992999999911.249722799999997 -159.6494933 62.293791799999994 -77.03230529999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-25799638750157539472017-03-28T07:46:00.002-07:002017-03-28T07:46:26.342-07:00Lost Coast Trail - Northern & Southern Sections<div style="text-align: center;">
It was difficult to begin writing about this story. How to communicate what the landscape looked like? How the ocean smell early in the morning from a sleeping bag feels. Or how ruthless the vertical cut of the southern trail really is? It was difficult to begin to describe this story... because I wasn't there. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="309" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/210382530?color=ffffff" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="550"></iframe></div>
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Nevertheless! Mi amigos are amazing & I'm so proud I put together a video from their backpacking trip to share with everyone. The stories of the grueling sand stretches & gorgeous soft sunsets made for outstanding stories over beers.</div>
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When they hiked the Lost Coast Trail had recently opened a brand new southern terminus at Usal Beach & they tagged it! What follows is a mix of photos from their trip <i>mostly </i>in chronological order (from a guy that wasn't there).</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-54560928828244808162017-01-09T08:33:00.001-08:002017-01-10T18:41:38.559-08:00Snowboard Wright Mountain North/East Basin - San Gabriel Mts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| On PCT, getting close to our goal in back |</span><br />
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It was October 2016 & a small group of us were heading up towards Wright Mountain, the first of three peaks on our North Backbone Trail hike. Just before the summit, there is a place with hundred mile views in all directions to the desert & mountain ranges far beyond. This was the moment Ben turned to us & said we should snowboard off this peak when winter comes...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Roughly our route (drawn in) |</span><br />
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Fast forward to New Years 2017. Snow had fallen twice in almost the same week & that meant a decent amount of coverage for us locally. While Ben was taxiing down a runway in Colorado, I was driving south on the 395 from Bishop with my girlfriend, somehow trying to pull this off the very next morning. Alas, the sun rose, fairly rested, we were driving out to Wrightwood under grey skies.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Straight up the ridge |</span><br />
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Ben had scouted a neighborhood for us to leave the "exit" car since were not going to be ending near our start point. Shuffling all the gear to the other car we headed for the ever popular Acorn Trail. Since you can't park at the actual trailhead here, we dropped our boards at the top, drove back down & made the icy & slippery ascent of the private road.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Acorn Trail |</span><br />
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Right from the beginning there was lots of snow & perfect conditions. Ben would break trail & skin with his splitboard for portions of the ascent, while I postholed behind, getting my winter legs in shape. The setting was magnificent all around as we gained elevation on the ridge, at times catching a glimpse of the open basin we were shooting for.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Pausing to look at the basin |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| About to Send It! |</span><br />
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After a few hours we started to crest Blue Ridge proper and get much
closer to the PCT junction. This meant a majority of the climbing was
done. After some food fuel & a cold beer we headed towards Wright Mountain. With five minutes of level travel we marveled at Pine Mountain. Asolutely covered in snow & Ben couldn't
help but wonder what it would be like to ride it's northern aspects.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Final look at the basin before ascending |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Acorn Trail & PCT Junction |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQ8x_Ui5847ZzeLJ3QgmGtPLwAYl0ijUmFYA6-qqUeAzP89dbbGKuSkDy1LYMH_0Zs6FEUSFHvvWKmfS5BqAxJ7pWArI_FDz-9EIEilWfRAfmIOOmuZtPn7ufwLidFRLvLv4ijAFGIo/s1600/DSC08746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPwQ8x_Ui5847ZzeLJ3QgmGtPLwAYl0ijUmFYA6-qqUeAzP89dbbGKuSkDy1LYMH_0Zs6FEUSFHvvWKmfS5BqAxJ7pWArI_FDz-9EIEilWfRAfmIOOmuZtPn7ufwLidFRLvLv4ijAFGIo/s320/DSC08746.jpg" width="224" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Pine Mountain - 9,648ft |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Windy! |</span><br />
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The last half hour to the top of the basin was much more energy consuming than expected. The open terrain combined with the excessive chaparral made for hip deep trudging on the final push. Mt. Baden-Powell was looking exceptional from our vantage point far across the East Fork.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Deep snow, beautiful views |</span><br />
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After some great encouraging words from Ben, I was strapped in & sitting on the edge of Wright's eastern basin looking all the way down to the town of Wrightwood. I pushed off with a slow start & an adrenaline fueled finish pulled it off. I don't have much backcountry snowboard experience under my belt & this trip was helping me get just what I needed. After I was set down below, Ben skinned up to the rockier chutes & got all set up. He radioed me & was off, carving in & out, between & through all the rock escarpments. The stoke was high! He had totally called this exact moment 2 months earlier.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking back up after run |</span><br />
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Coming to a rest we both high fived & looked back up at our lines. I was elated to have a friend push me to go the extra mile & get out of my comfort zone. The snow in the lower portions of the basin looked thin to continue, but would be exhilarating come the right time. Next, the ice axes came out & we side-hilled into the canyon on the southern edge of the basin. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Obstacles |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_EXj6SWLZVx34L8QI3H9I9EsxS6UWe6qk1SmaPIB13dnUswsb98tjNCX_L7JBZNugY8hcIYfh-_jl_rIN7LmlOgiEwk_m_C_wFiR-t_lQ1FBPZxhyphenhyphenZc2iGQau9wjsJwWjrxYc-pZOPs/s1600/20170102_155227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX_EXj6SWLZVx34L8QI3H9I9EsxS6UWe6qk1SmaPIB13dnUswsb98tjNCX_L7JBZNugY8hcIYfh-_jl_rIN7LmlOgiEwk_m_C_wFiR-t_lQ1FBPZxhyphenhyphenZc2iGQau9wjsJwWjrxYc-pZOPs/s320/20170102_155227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Transition to hike in main canyon |</span><br />
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Once in the right canyon, we began to twist & carve through the maze of pines that would funnel us down into the main drainage safely. With great SoCal snow we made good pace leap frogging each other, hooting & hollering the whole way. Eventually, according to plan, we popped out on the massive boulders lining the main river bed with the sun just beginning to dim its light. I never would have thought back on that October morning I'd truly be standing in the same place, hip deep about to drop into that crazy bowl. This was a good way to start a new year of adventures.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Hiking out |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUGrfQ6Pi8StGJlAwaouUXVd0QtfJg9BuGYTeBo3CsoiBbHgnEcBhxRycnT_MnhXX2gdCLyyTmdiCNlvCHziPqFop6NlOH5MoVaSfFiBGO5VjXTet1xeUBGcBdoZwTPzGfOavVQZzDsk/s1600/20170102_162141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUGrfQ6Pi8StGJlAwaouUXVd0QtfJg9BuGYTeBo3CsoiBbHgnEcBhxRycnT_MnhXX2gdCLyyTmdiCNlvCHziPqFop6NlOH5MoVaSfFiBGO5VjXTet1xeUBGcBdoZwTPzGfOavVQZzDsk/s320/20170102_162141.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking back at the face we rode |</span><br />
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-43257117771764568492016-12-16T08:24:00.000-08:002016-12-16T08:24:26.366-08:00Hotlum Wintun Ridge - Mt Shasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mt. Shasta - 14,179ft |</span></div>
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In Spring of 2016... it was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I got to try splitboarding for the first time. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mt. Shasta - 14,179ft |</span></div>
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But in all seriousness our group of friends had a blast! It was a great learning experience for myself tagging along with more experienced winter outdoor compadres. Ben had conceived this trip to Mt. Shasta several years back & after falling through once before was extra stoked to get up North.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Hiking the road |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8T989QamuN4B2bUJndP5_mvLqUZIPNFnXYe-ab7c6glTcheSIkfRk4uXHv4Slj400_Nj-HYWjojSdob-WsmHLqAeh6gmnyTeE99Zz0_Olv3acDZH8Z852-f9oy3AkcF2b0GLqUoiqIk/s1600/SAM_0200.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8T989QamuN4B2bUJndP5_mvLqUZIPNFnXYe-ab7c6glTcheSIkfRk4uXHv4Slj400_Nj-HYWjojSdob-WsmHLqAeh6gmnyTeE99Zz0_Olv3acDZH8Z852-f9oy3AkcF2b0GLqUoiqIk/s320/SAM_0200.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| New deer legs |</span></div>
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Driving for many hours into the night from Los Angeles directly to the town of Shasta resulted in need for sleep, but excitement. Within the hour (2am), two more friends arrived from San Francisco to make the endeavor five strong.</div>
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After coffee & some rental gear we took in our first sights of the massive volcanic summit. Decidedly huge! Ben choose the <a href="http://www.summitpost.org/hotlum-wintun-ridge/165904" target="_blank">Hotlum-Wintun Ridge</a> route for a couple good reasons, way less crowds than Avalanche Gulch & the massive snowboard decent he had planned from the summit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkSWqzoHLxeSQGNBhYmdVRMyCTU-Z6ingTL7SKFtDqMmikihF5r_yOyx43Wkjw68gIVMYJbT5xkoFwTRibDhF3eAXMzLlgOKoiysk6Po1OK-nWijm7Quvike2Ec7LaqXzYXr6M0HCIg4/s1600/DSC07265.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkSWqzoHLxeSQGNBhYmdVRMyCTU-Z6ingTL7SKFtDqMmikihF5r_yOyx43Wkjw68gIVMYJbT5xkoFwTRibDhF3eAXMzLlgOKoiysk6Po1OK-nWijm7Quvike2Ec7LaqXzYXr6M0HCIg4/s320/DSC07265.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Favorite shot of the trip |</span></div>
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After driving as far on the well maintained (no joke) dirt road as snow would let us, we began to pack. Setting off to find enough snow to begin skinning we marched up the road quietly. As I had mentioned this was my first time & I felt like it showed. The gents from San Francisco were exemplary, one being a heavy British Columbia skier & the other having summited Shasta the same route the previous year.</div>
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Without going into too many embarrassing details, as the day grew longer it became clear that this would turn into a learning experience trip versus a summit bid for myself. My dear friend Daryl opted to join me for some big slope riding in the ten thousand foot range.</div>
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The next morning our separate groups had separate goals &
everyone's day was great. Daryl & I skinned to an upper ridge
& I got a bit more comfortable being out on skis. Finally after
all this time, we clipped into our snowboards & road the most
beautiful wide open mountain slopes I've ever experienced. <br />
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We would come to learn that Ben & our friends made it much higher on the mountain. Eventually Ben would break for the summit & conquer Shasta after planning this trip all those years ago. Well deserved!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEiGUQN4gwpKO8S0TmN8O5lsyW3fkwsHxgDaH3Dcn2CGAG9JvanksGBbMajFjUnDKXEU4B1eK7URXxI9Cte2Yl0-xx4dsfzMfx5QgjMWvKUKTJuYTYbSBzFlmnIfK9FuWFSTIHo6W4fc/s1600/SAM_0107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyEiGUQN4gwpKO8S0TmN8O5lsyW3fkwsHxgDaH3Dcn2CGAG9JvanksGBbMajFjUnDKXEU4B1eK7URXxI9Cte2Yl0-xx4dsfzMfx5QgjMWvKUKTJuYTYbSBzFlmnIfK9FuWFSTIHo6W4fc/s320/SAM_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| People going to the summit |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mndtRBI3kY09zge6tTt2b1lu_XbrBnZXvuXDXrJRiAt8GdeV3zuaJY_g6hYEqRzWTwWPEI1_fB-Jo369axwLmwI1qKKN-4agIsrnUrJZDolzjrfTkv-UB_z9q7iJH0uWfPmP7Yafd38/s1600/13308352_10155531753126959_3136011383753462168_o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mndtRBI3kY09zge6tTt2b1lu_XbrBnZXvuXDXrJRiAt8GdeV3zuaJY_g6hYEqRzWTwWPEI1_fB-Jo369axwLmwI1qKKN-4agIsrnUrJZDolzjrfTkv-UB_z9q7iJH0uWfPmP7Yafd38/s320/13308352_10155531753126959_3136011383753462168_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Ben's summit photo! |</span></div>
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There really was nothing like carving huge sweeping turns with not a soul in sight. I'd spent my whole life riding at SoCal mountain resorts & I had fallen hard for this experience. Riding right into camp at the bottom of the slope topped it all off. </div>
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I had seen it coming the day before, my beginner size load of crap in my pack was going to give me issues snowboarding out to the car, which is notoriously difficult on return from this route. Alas, with some laughs & again, some awesome friends, we all tossed back a beer at the van without too much navigation issues. </div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-84199993882853655812016-12-11T21:27:00.002-08:002016-12-11T21:27:27.499-08:00Upper Devils Canyon - San Gabriel Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc36WxtcmGqRlbNn5YfoJCK1aGJU-gpZ3PjtcSWIZ5oCH6rjPQ4vmELNSPMlrfF5B6Z-6tKIiWS7nd3H-BlZfooiydR-3UkW5PfebRNCHET-wjcMzDyAEEqu2d_pd8e1g0xCrvGiQY21k/s1600/DSC08433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc36WxtcmGqRlbNn5YfoJCK1aGJU-gpZ3PjtcSWIZ5oCH6rjPQ4vmELNSPMlrfF5B6Z-6tKIiWS7nd3H-BlZfooiydR-3UkW5PfebRNCHET-wjcMzDyAEEqu2d_pd8e1g0xCrvGiQY21k/s320/DSC08433.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> | Drawn for visual aid |</span></div>
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Saturday morning Collin & I drove separate cars up the Angeles Crest Highway, night time peeling back to reveal the colors of dawn. Leaving one car at the Devils Canyon trailhead, we hopped in his SUV & kept moving higher in elevation to the Mt. Waterman trail. Morning sun not helping the low thirty degree temps outside yet.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading to Twin Peaks |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| East Twin |</span></div>
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Our plan was to explore the upper section of Devils Canyon, dropping in from Twin Peak Saddle high in the pines & finding the exit trail out of the canyon the next day. Winds where whipping around the icy slopes we first hiked. The melt, freeze, melt, freeze effect that is classic & dangerous in SoCal was in full effect.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Bear print |</span></div>
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After a few miles we were on the main switchbacks heading to Twin Peaks Saddle. It was fantastic to be out in the brisk morning air with the first bit of winter here in SoCal. Arriving at our first major objective, we ran into a couple other hikers I had just met earlier in the month on a <a href="http://www.trvrsapparel.com/" target="_blank">TRVRS Apparel</a> Group Hike. Check out <a href="http://www.trvrsapparel.com/blogs/so-cal-trip-reports/south-mount-hawkins-ridge-traverse" target="_blank">that crazy trip here</a>, S. Hawkins Traverse via Rattlesnake Peak!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Good views |</span></div>
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Wishing them well on a their snowy ascent of East Twin Peak, we double checked our maps & stepped off the trail into Devils Canyon. The last writing I could find of this place was from 1999, we would learn it had changed a bit.</div>
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Snow lined the canyon bottom as we rambled through the pines, animal scat was present always & within about three minutes we started to see bear prints in the snow. Very cool. Staying mostly in the main creek or just to the right/north of it on the upper slopes worked well enough. There was a use trail of the faintest regard at times.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Anyway you choose |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Push through |</span></div>
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After about an hour or so of gorgeous walking we came to the top of a waterfall, marked on the USGS topo maps. It was easy to tell this was coming because the canyon becomes more narrow & choked full with bigger & bigger boulders. There is a passable ledge on the left of the falls that leads to a scree slope. Putting us below the main falls, but still in the middle of the large canyon cascade. Moving across the falls to the right, down & then again over to the left across the falls one more time landed us in the most dense fall foliage you could ever wish for.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking back up canyon |</span></div>
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Post holing years of backcountry vegetation now, the snow had long since gone above the 5,400 foot mark. The next four hours would become the navigation/bushwack challenge that our friends know the San Gabriel delivers all so well. One good note, the beginning of winter allowed for the Alders to have lost most of their leaves, allowing our sight to go much further than would be possible come Spring time.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Canyons are getting wider now |</span></div>
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Along with the mostly hip to shoulder high plant insanity, the number of fallen trees was becoming laughable. The trip had become a cross-fit-esque maneuver over, under, balance, crawl, focus type of "hike". Still is great spirits & enjoying the solitude a place like this affords just outside Los Angeles.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Which way? |</span></div>
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After a few more hours the grade of the canyon slowed & became much wider. Both a good sign, but allowing for much more vegetation to grow. We used some embankments on the south side of the canyon to weave up & down just above all that mess. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking down Devils Canyon |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Beautiful |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Water source |</span></div>
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Overall, water was available in the middle of the canyon & for a few moments lower down in large very still pools (seen above). Eventually a nice flat spot on the south side of the canyon revealed itself to us & we called it home for the night. Good meal, few beers packed in & a quiet nights rest in the canyon.</div>
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The next morning we spent about forty minutes hiking down canyon on a growing use trail that had appeared. This being a good sign b/c we needed to find the main trail out of the canyon. With a watchful eye & some decent map skills it wasn't much trouble to find the ridge that signified the trail was near. </div>
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Now moving on a wonderful path up out of Devils Canyon we could enjoy the simple joy of hiking. A hawk spent an extra moment or two eyeing us from a few different perches before deciding he couldn't take us down. The signal to the end of all weekend backpacking trips in the San Gabriels is when you can hear the motorcycles again. The parking lot must be close. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Getting closer to the exit canyon |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| On trail again |</span></div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-7929557129800287752016-10-14T08:23:00.002-07:002017-03-29T22:34:13.952-07:00Tahoe Rim Trail - 10 Days Around Lake Tahoe<div style="text-align: center;">
Just as many of our other adventures have started, the Tahoe Rim Trail was just an idea thrown out over some good beer at one time or another. Flash forward, leaving Los Angeles at 5:30pm north on the 14, we would eventually arrive at Mt. Rose campground just above Lake Tahoe a bit past 3am. Tomorrow would be the beginning of our 165 mile thru hike around the largest alpine lake in the United States.</div>
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(Roughly 14 Miles - September 1) <br />
With no other cars and no other people at the Tahoe Meadows parking lot, four good friends set out on another long trail. Everyone's energy was high and the first views of the lake all afternoon helped tremendously to shrug off yesterdays long haul. Carrying the extra water for the dryer eastern sections didn't seem quite so bad yet. After lunch a curtain of trees rolled away to reveal Marlette Lake, perched high above it's massive brethren, Lake Tahoe. The winds had been blowing all day and that evening was no different at Marlette Campground. The massive hand pump well was quite outstanding & a welcome treat to drink from.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Still smelling good - the beginning |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Marlette Lake popping out |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| On the rim |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| The well at Marlette Camp |</span><br />
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(Roughly 17.5 Miles - September 2) </div>
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Our second day was a lot of up and down across the eastern rim. The morning miles were like a dream, getting one last look at Marlette Lake from above, then cruising across high alpine meadows with views into tomorrows sections. Mid morning was consumed with downhill all the way to Spooner Lake. The pros outweigh the cons at this location, but not by much. We watched eagles fish & also got to tank up on mediocre water ourselves, not without a mud pedicure first (photo below). That afternoon we climbed towards South Camp Peak & some grand views along the rim of the mountains. We could see all of the trail & landscape we still had to hike. Coming across what is quite possibly the best bench I had ever sat on, we took an awkward group photo (below as well). That evening dry camping was planned so we just kept hiking till we found a bit of flat ground four guys could fit. That turned up just before sunset.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Gossamer Gear Murmur on the TRT |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtzfrUzLUfwMXSKUeJ2RzyaKKdslubZS0tLksviPQYVbGAP3wARMW_UBSCl3W4iYK1VuZRzTLM4Aaaf7zgMb2sXulcnXPs2jX96_YAYyC6C7F692jREsnd9cHy4cz6f9klA4_s7kEw3o/s1600/DSC07422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgtzfrUzLUfwMXSKUeJ2RzyaKKdslubZS0tLksviPQYVbGAP3wARMW_UBSCl3W4iYK1VuZRzTLM4Aaaf7zgMb2sXulcnXPs2jX96_YAYyC6C7F692jREsnd9cHy4cz6f9klA4_s7kEw3o/s320/DSC07422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| High above Marlette Lake with Lake Tahoe in the back |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXESItdTblbN4TnXAi3NzBIrcw7fQecpXbqdhLnmsO4YxioYHl0EnbW_SIL5Bg94h-vVDo58zcqVPr3aNbDknWU84e8CSKSF1yNuKsG5VSoHOmz_I5u09PYwRV9GbJzg4yZBqvkTJW6Ms/s1600/DSC07427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXESItdTblbN4TnXAi3NzBIrcw7fQecpXbqdhLnmsO4YxioYHl0EnbW_SIL5Bg94h-vVDo58zcqVPr3aNbDknWU84e8CSKSF1yNuKsG5VSoHOmz_I5u09PYwRV9GbJzg4yZBqvkTJW6Ms/s320/DSC07427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Spooner Lake lunch |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnlYnTv0GoJBNcycHaxazM1MxMI_gvN_pJGmnjJ9wZmxDPaW3aHsmleQ5p9YOAa0f3EIxy-X9b78ET7JCDwEifX0SV9JO5eW8PTtg9nJOMaSQdGGSNQWdf2chzFZnA7X4rTGYiKf6kgk/s1600/DSC07437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnlYnTv0GoJBNcycHaxazM1MxMI_gvN_pJGmnjJ9wZmxDPaW3aHsmleQ5p9YOAa0f3EIxy-X9b78ET7JCDwEifX0SV9JO5eW8PTtg9nJOMaSQdGGSNQWdf2chzFZnA7X4rTGYiKf6kgk/s320/DSC07437.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| We really need the water |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYYuIA4cn2prsxHiSp7CWmt3QxCLEo0Erabwh8dsp9vKo4SICnZEyYAOYrBm6P9vTA450LjFclywLodIfw8SIHrQtqFKmt1RGZ6YxMGLeLcHYVgZMH9YxnwuR62UYPtDyA1EKTXi6kDs/s1600/DSC07433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHYYuIA4cn2prsxHiSp7CWmt3QxCLEo0Erabwh8dsp9vKo4SICnZEyYAOYrBm6P9vTA450LjFclywLodIfw8SIHrQtqFKmt1RGZ6YxMGLeLcHYVgZMH9YxnwuR62UYPtDyA1EKTXi6kDs/s320/DSC07433.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Water filtering pedicure |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J5O16FUxc2ngVldH-sHd1d6aVnrNAXMymOwplRsj4bdbztvwEh02oUWvh8Wd82DS3bgWyXNYDRzKmhHK5VeMPoN7pKs67PU2o2s44Lk6E-2TVFiDu_YJluRHDw3X_Cqp-N-ME1AHM64/s1600/DSC07441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4J5O16FUxc2ngVldH-sHd1d6aVnrNAXMymOwplRsj4bdbztvwEh02oUWvh8Wd82DS3bgWyXNYDRzKmhHK5VeMPoN7pKs67PU2o2s44Lk6E-2TVFiDu_YJluRHDw3X_Cqp-N-ME1AHM64/s320/DSC07441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| On the rim again |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHU1M_eqtLFvAggFdaKvbk-Dongs0gMhuykDDmCRnIZlukosH_jsvUbUqvlxqkMgsLFpTX9H6INxG7znfFu9Eue17NbPn6pNDBfj4GNvv0VBJkT7K-mVn3m9ZNp4L00Bo7p6ozU9KqUk/s1600/DSC07444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHU1M_eqtLFvAggFdaKvbk-Dongs0gMhuykDDmCRnIZlukosH_jsvUbUqvlxqkMgsLFpTX9H6INxG7znfFu9Eue17NbPn6pNDBfj4GNvv0VBJkT7K-mVn3m9ZNp4L00Bo7p6ozU9KqUk/s320/DSC07444.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| The odd colored shoes were on sale |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O1syrbMASWTkfxXEnNUYc9WelRgjzFeJRfyitXFwPDMg1Yq0IAyuj7zmzwHeYEmoP9aHVZv9CWHu_3u5E8JK11-1oMrYhHHLb5kiK0SW9m3dOebVSbQPsalcsAYVfefbbPEhV_N6Ew4/s1600/DSC07453.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1O1syrbMASWTkfxXEnNUYc9WelRgjzFeJRfyitXFwPDMg1Yq0IAyuj7zmzwHeYEmoP9aHVZv9CWHu_3u5E8JK11-1oMrYhHHLb5kiK0SW9m3dOebVSbQPsalcsAYVfefbbPEhV_N6Ew4/s320/DSC07453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Awkward group photo |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4QDrLNzfcUgKwxGKFUDsTYWYoVED3d5023Gt_79dyA9XN-VAyNwsaUmEoTi7rqElM2rvz8O6nX0xaVFSwNdvm4CavfMgYo2zf9ncdXbBVk2C62KrLo9e5iBgaRmvmzLqmzMq18gXVsg/s1600/DSC07378.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4QDrLNzfcUgKwxGKFUDsTYWYoVED3d5023Gt_79dyA9XN-VAyNwsaUmEoTi7rqElM2rvz8O6nX0xaVFSwNdvm4CavfMgYo2zf9ncdXbBVk2C62KrLo9e5iBgaRmvmzLqmzMq18gXVsg/s320/DSC07378.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfDB4ZCOrCG6Fwe5b-XE2hElOjEFGvds6toqKn5slJxnILe7wfUke0uLeFBXIPHJnRgCClVoGhdBIsr1xLB4HS8eeSpa2KbKQUJGL3ZdDrc-C757B19TW8XcGej2b2LPssmnnmt8TWrs/s1600/DSC07493.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJfDB4ZCOrCG6Fwe5b-XE2hElOjEFGvds6toqKn5slJxnILe7wfUke0uLeFBXIPHJnRgCClVoGhdBIsr1xLB4HS8eeSpa2KbKQUJGL3ZdDrc-C757B19TW8XcGej2b2LPssmnnmt8TWrs/s320/DSC07493.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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(Roughly 19 Miles - September 3)</div>
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Day three dawned and we were on the move. The goal was to be efficient about miles and hiking so as to get to our camp at Star Lake with enough time to enjoy the surroundings... we'll see. Our one water cache we placed on our drive in at Kingsbury North was good to have, but over necessary. We met a few other TRT hikers that had cached water at many many places & other hikers that hadn't at all. Personally, after not hiking anywhere in Tahoe previously, we figured it couldn't hurt since we drove into town that way to cache once. Next was our hike up Heavenly Ski Resort & off towards our alpine basins that await. This section up to Monument Pass seemed to take much longer than it should have. The last few miles to the crest looking down onto Nevada farm land are one of a kind. Resting up, everyone crushed the last few miles from the pass to the lake at their own desired pace with the reward of the evenings alpine glow on the massive head wall above Star Lake. The wind was fiercest this night.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Good morning |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFrAl7FrXxbYLwzAA7OmuIStcaCGXPttjB7pA4KjolHoHv3nLzCLye4TOAU168CDxivAc_IFws9O3CAAfI7zKrLgIVAYY7ikNXmCBqHhlu0Kp0k6OayJBsD5OGib4Kfh1-MDsb8BF54s/s1600/DSC07463.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtFrAl7FrXxbYLwzAA7OmuIStcaCGXPttjB7pA4KjolHoHv3nLzCLye4TOAU168CDxivAc_IFws9O3CAAfI7zKrLgIVAYY7ikNXmCBqHhlu0Kp0k6OayJBsD5OGib4Kfh1-MDsb8BF54s/s320/DSC07463.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Mediocre Spooner Lake water |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7AxhGAq52hkZBFCC0DolCuGo9k0PCLJXG-uRiXQQNB6wQOKBmL9pgv0rAPuDHiCG9h3xxAkAApKf4ZRhJLe3eDnm_1tu0s9iQXCcMTL9e1dYDhF_KlnFizcPM1Dw5PwWhseu-pPS8CA/s1600/DSC07473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7AxhGAq52hkZBFCC0DolCuGo9k0PCLJXG-uRiXQQNB6wQOKBmL9pgv0rAPuDHiCG9h3xxAkAApKf4ZRhJLe3eDnm_1tu0s9iQXCcMTL9e1dYDhF_KlnFizcPM1Dw5PwWhseu-pPS8CA/s320/DSC07473.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Getting closer to South Lake |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAUSpKTktLo_mPe9n6hLBMH4khsE6j_XLLcqMCQPvKqkLf79uoqvydnvOk59Q6_Gu5QId3LDcXr9aqFfFODzi8QiSgWkz5BCMs9CqsFTL0ptXaQ4On0uWFGTjlFfN5dugx-R38iij6BE/s1600/DSC07474.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAUSpKTktLo_mPe9n6hLBMH4khsE6j_XLLcqMCQPvKqkLf79uoqvydnvOk59Q6_Gu5QId3LDcXr9aqFfFODzi8QiSgWkz5BCMs9CqsFTL0ptXaQ4On0uWFGTjlFfN5dugx-R38iij6BE/s320/DSC07474.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Shade by the highway |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr-NX0AgAPKHXvD0nIXY_17NOeUqbX-hs5RzwTql_Xp2PUImzjM1LX9f_4IVrDXktT5JU0H6hGCHmGiGUNW7Q4C8YeFdBloXkXN2gRHibwxARAHIHCzUCEGrQA-qdCmWXWcQKrJSLyDU/s1600/DSC07477.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvr-NX0AgAPKHXvD0nIXY_17NOeUqbX-hs5RzwTql_Xp2PUImzjM1LX9f_4IVrDXktT5JU0H6hGCHmGiGUNW7Q4C8YeFdBloXkXN2gRHibwxARAHIHCzUCEGrQA-qdCmWXWcQKrJSLyDU/s320/DSC07477.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Heading towards the furthest peak |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhVkYykvjtNNNRUmCiIUAtfauq4pEpGTaPJDD2cqYP6VAMjAGLqFQPutgHfBsmd7sEVaCqfMiKKmKB1gCEpiGmsiFymL6uZvNtnVekibh1baZw4BYCmDnXexfhJHvRveBYqbYYV-gpAo/s1600/DSC07480.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhVkYykvjtNNNRUmCiIUAtfauq4pEpGTaPJDD2cqYP6VAMjAGLqFQPutgHfBsmd7sEVaCqfMiKKmKB1gCEpiGmsiFymL6uZvNtnVekibh1baZw4BYCmDnXexfhJHvRveBYqbYYV-gpAo/s320/DSC07480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXmbYTRxlDbCWuV3iS-NKkf701P5PEn6rPOor0bEk8F3IlIHwzl5S6Z0SwAx1XIjsewaHZn28f_h5GsnnPR3U0JpzMW9qOpxG8V4t3VxMaoQ6Wpy-9-1a0JjUk1B4hHcOvlO_kQTFbb0/s1600/DSC07483.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXmbYTRxlDbCWuV3iS-NKkf701P5PEn6rPOor0bEk8F3IlIHwzl5S6Z0SwAx1XIjsewaHZn28f_h5GsnnPR3U0JpzMW9qOpxG8V4t3VxMaoQ6Wpy-9-1a0JjUk1B4hHcOvlO_kQTFbb0/s320/DSC07483.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Massive. 24 foot diameter tree! |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieROOfE1LUAxp2QUxPfH530LdcIWkSWBB9qOUu_G3EIGacO6_0ZrpFcaiO73WVQEtNr-0biottIpyQanD-Gj46wOeJ1syxBpXvMMpwHh1PbXQzsVjp8wVf1PXz33H06EcGkmlqHumnbT8/s1600/DSC07487.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieROOfE1LUAxp2QUxPfH530LdcIWkSWBB9qOUu_G3EIGacO6_0ZrpFcaiO73WVQEtNr-0biottIpyQanD-Gj46wOeJ1syxBpXvMMpwHh1PbXQzsVjp8wVf1PXz33H06EcGkmlqHumnbT8/s320/DSC07487.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Star Lake |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Six Moon Designs Deschuetes Plus = WONDERFUL |</span><br />
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(Roughly 15 Miles - September 4)</div>
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No one really "slept in" on the fourth day. The wind still blasted up the long canyon to our basin and made us all hike out of camp in our layers. We crossed a pass with a name that escapes me now while writing this (update: Armstrong Pass), but was followed by wondrous rolling granite mountains. Our trail weaved in and out of wide spread stunted pines. I pictured feet upon feet of snow up high here in the coming months, looking far down to the dark blue body of water. We were getting closer to the southern tip of the trail now. After passing through the overflowing parking lot at Big Meadow Trailhead, we hiked uphill on the overcrowded trail to the very well attended Round Lake. Alas, we had arrived on a long holiday weekend so we can't blame all these awesome people for wanting to get out. That evening we got separated from one of our hiking partners for a few hours, but cooler heads prevailed with no problems. The Tenkara Rod played on the water while the sun turned Round Lake a soft hue of pink.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Heading to Armstrong Pass |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi1on8VcP5Or8kUFNNu9Ll3hL9Zmfu_VbSgnhgkuGdNqFdRbIPdFXG3WT3eOc0hylDTFb-JQLhHBH1CtO874u9NdeB8SDZvo36bXloHLycc8aOn78WDqAIucdAG2v-Y5UYVYHNKw0ALQ/s1600/DSC07509.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRi1on8VcP5Or8kUFNNu9Ll3hL9Zmfu_VbSgnhgkuGdNqFdRbIPdFXG3WT3eOc0hylDTFb-JQLhHBH1CtO874u9NdeB8SDZvo36bXloHLycc8aOn78WDqAIucdAG2v-Y5UYVYHNKw0ALQ/s320/DSC07509.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Interesting trees |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvMSrE0Xf0AkfRY7A6E_B6aLavtUQXriiAflVDvVzJTSCpFpspGIjliENn_78wz13RFxwCBCnc_xbAi0tOJHbrr9DKKhmV1ORg-JExVPsBSv9zz6U6UvELP4Tj25dvEBjVkEplpAKemQ/s1600/DSC07514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqvMSrE0Xf0AkfRY7A6E_B6aLavtUQXriiAflVDvVzJTSCpFpspGIjliENn_78wz13RFxwCBCnc_xbAi0tOJHbrr9DKKhmV1ORg-JExVPsBSv9zz6U6UvELP4Tj25dvEBjVkEplpAKemQ/s320/DSC07514.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Ultralight |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u9z9aqGnkoXmoXVA4XJ9w2g_qfktnzviOeJu3ojydezQi_wbpVnv7xqTcQif7lYFdSzUI8T_tI3jr_DrUEkGCQtJpEyoubUiWMT4pnYZ_tqe48jon10exSD2Iqn3lf4S_XQA6fXNlkU/s1600/DSC07522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2u9z9aqGnkoXmoXVA4XJ9w2g_qfktnzviOeJu3ojydezQi_wbpVnv7xqTcQif7lYFdSzUI8T_tI3jr_DrUEkGCQtJpEyoubUiWMT4pnYZ_tqe48jon10exSD2Iqn3lf4S_XQA6fXNlkU/s320/DSC07522.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Hikertrash |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidirTdONxhjOGcexfMel6mTgJna2F7b5rI0AGCfUNoMFFpqZwpfzmVwdqz9-X8HPbP3h6EulsnhC92s3GBQnmbDS71puJ7LPV2Lwt_kDuI4CzxA4eSwaE7YiP-nzqy8TWGgLPr5TTLyWk/s1600/DSC07524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidirTdONxhjOGcexfMel6mTgJna2F7b5rI0AGCfUNoMFFpqZwpfzmVwdqz9-X8HPbP3h6EulsnhC92s3GBQnmbDS71puJ7LPV2Lwt_kDuI4CzxA4eSwaE7YiP-nzqy8TWGgLPr5TTLyWk/s320/DSC07524.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| The reason to hike right here. Big Meadows, Tahoe |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOe-FafcE1ILf0rXnvTLyHmJMiSjySONVNp6-uw_ukDVzgb7NwRw_KZv_YKwSz-7np9K1BtLIaAW_R0Ro61IMlVL1ocIcg_cNAp_-O3bI22V4o8NCIkGYQMtd3jM6cYE3XWzdXghmT6w/s1600/DSC07542.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnOe-FafcE1ILf0rXnvTLyHmJMiSjySONVNp6-uw_ukDVzgb7NwRw_KZv_YKwSz-7np9K1BtLIaAW_R0Ro61IMlVL1ocIcg_cNAp_-O3bI22V4o8NCIkGYQMtd3jM6cYE3XWzdXghmT6w/s320/DSC07542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Cramped camping on a holiday weekend. Round Lake |</span><br />
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(Roughly 13 Miles (town) - September 5)</div>
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We had fallen a bit shy of miles on the previous day so those were to be made up while hiking along the PCT towards South Lake Tahoe. The lure of food & town was enough to get moving at a decent time in the morning. Aspen grew tall along the trail more often in this portion of the mountains. Wide meadows lined with pine trees became more frequent, above us volcanic mountains billowed like white clouds on an endless day. Passing one of the few historical elements on the trail I took a side trip to the Meiss Ranch cabins. The climb after to Showers Lake was one of the only portions that felt like trail straight out of the my local San Gabriel Mountains. Finally, some steep trail that got to our destination quick. One last prolonged climb up a volcanic bench afforded far reaching views over land we had hiked the two previous days. Tucked away again in the forest we all set our legs in gear for the highway some seven miles away. Two of our compadres hitched rides within minutes into South Lake Tahoe. Myself & another were not so lucky. However, eventually we all had our shoes off, beer in hand, pizza in the other & music playing in our hostel. One night off the trail felt nice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6HXOWzSOZ4oMOatyhLqCMVmvikVm2m-a3dLLzOD_CSmFzB-NA5FVTOufwpMmQjtXfeV68GK1rMyrDs5AKpYkyzSJApIDsaZZtxueuvh0HdNJjFjYmnS0e5nWHicbFQX8fGP_PvN2_so/s1600/DSC07544.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6HXOWzSOZ4oMOatyhLqCMVmvikVm2m-a3dLLzOD_CSmFzB-NA5FVTOufwpMmQjtXfeV68GK1rMyrDs5AKpYkyzSJApIDsaZZtxueuvh0HdNJjFjYmnS0e5nWHicbFQX8fGP_PvN2_so/s320/DSC07544.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Meiss Ranch & meadows |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe2QS9qTfqor3n3RuSCVsNmCTHXPlSKLv49rSpqnBjVAWwgq-oW1V85urIZuqqQjnQbk3n5JODcyi4kB2akIpX9jKZ4oqvOjURe4hoJrLh8fPpgNEvhHpv7pGlldkG0CBl6x9KNncmoc/s1600/DSC07563.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIe2QS9qTfqor3n3RuSCVsNmCTHXPlSKLv49rSpqnBjVAWwgq-oW1V85urIZuqqQjnQbk3n5JODcyi4kB2akIpX9jKZ4oqvOjURe4hoJrLh8fPpgNEvhHpv7pGlldkG0CBl6x9KNncmoc/s320/DSC07563.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Showers Lake (PCT) |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5px6boAMgvRBQrdF3Ox5mljFqaDUJaPPFrn4vkCizC1mtrK4oChcuuIqY0g1abfCjPhovg7NMSn1IgCCJlUGG_Q08SG6TnKM5MGc_kOcce_tkB-lwNEZBX6wcvLpiyp397729zJ587o/s1600/DSC07572.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5px6boAMgvRBQrdF3Ox5mljFqaDUJaPPFrn4vkCizC1mtrK4oChcuuIqY0g1abfCjPhovg7NMSn1IgCCJlUGG_Q08SG6TnKM5MGc_kOcce_tkB-lwNEZBX6wcvLpiyp397729zJ587o/s320/DSC07572.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Camped dead center two days ago in the far distance |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz2151WpNEYrK6P514FQ0NxEOXefkCaPRxFx4fZXtQSw7IgZRHd8RgGalZFudfMDPls-KJYNhlAIWXjF6ogs7R1HnLHFZIqx9FW29YSRkarDjTCDE6BA1LKVwFvE1DkBiiNc1V83mUtI/s1600/DSC07587.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqz2151WpNEYrK6P514FQ0NxEOXefkCaPRxFx4fZXtQSw7IgZRHd8RgGalZFudfMDPls-KJYNhlAIWXjF6ogs7R1HnLHFZIqx9FW29YSRkarDjTCDE6BA1LKVwFvE1DkBiiNc1V83mUtI/s320/DSC07587.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| See the backpacker? |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZduDIvR7cWURLKQNmYAQssbizZRkjOZefjD7sOFTHNJM_9-75-bkrTQgph-A-JHUQkmwSvC49FsVRjPmZuNKbg8i8SYYbTZgceyudk7-U6ii9_n1ZZCHDrdSSd2bk0XI-Tki_DDyUCio/s1600/DSC07588.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZduDIvR7cWURLKQNmYAQssbizZRkjOZefjD7sOFTHNJM_9-75-bkrTQgph-A-JHUQkmwSvC49FsVRjPmZuNKbg8i8SYYbTZgceyudk7-U6ii9_n1ZZCHDrdSSd2bk0XI-Tki_DDyUCio/s320/DSC07588.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Jumbled up |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| South Lake Tahoe |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zneWXFE2__u5t8WJhOoVjkWyn7d0tmQytrMZZzP6KSXRIn7ekdJgsSwpAvDb-I4brs5GGnryY5pdQAIC0TOPWO3hxZfkcNC3CmhpY9u5qf7ZiNkdke-QtazoEDKIgnyptuB2RyDSZVY/s1600/DSC07601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2zneWXFE2__u5t8WJhOoVjkWyn7d0tmQytrMZZzP6KSXRIn7ekdJgsSwpAvDb-I4brs5GGnryY5pdQAIC0TOPWO3hxZfkcNC3CmhpY9u5qf7ZiNkdke-QtazoEDKIgnyptuB2RyDSZVY/s320/DSC07601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Showers & relaxing |</span><br />
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(Roughly 15 Miles - September 6)</div>
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Our ride dropped us off at Echo Chalet with the sun just cresting the horizon. It was crisp & we were all about to set out on the next large section of trail through the Desolation Wilderness. After several miles on well traveled forest paths we emerged on the far end of infamous Lake Aloha. Everyone wrote about this place and here I am too.Truly worth all the words that had come before me, an entire day would be needed to explore only half of the wonderful rock & water features of this immense sanctuary. Within a few minutes we were walking a rocky trail only twenty feet above yet another wide open alpine lake. An island lived in the middle here, adding picture perfect perspective to the high granite outcroppings. Pulling up for lunch before the climb to 9,400ft Dick's Pass, we all soaked our feet & relaxed in the sun at yet <i>another </i>perfect alpine lake.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Echo Lake |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Lake Aloha |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Perfection |</span><br />
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The climb was steady & rewarding. With all our time gaining elevation, eyes were transfixed on the nature that was all around. Impossible peaks gave way to pine covered basins of rock and water. Finally reaching Dicks Pass, our spirits were lifted by the expanse of wilderness that lay out before us. The bluest lakes dotted the rocky mountains in all directions. Dicks Lake became our camp for our first night in the Desolation Wilderness. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Climbing to Dicks Pass |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgdoawkrXu5m_nXhdwU3_-D8XPKnuDzsy6l-fBKUrkLkc9DmDBK6B8qOIMeZ82kE_MgO1Ih1dpZIZSslLPDeC2Ge7pgmHbpcgzbfdYKlx1PvsV1XmtOXqFAojZmXtyfJvO_beNA-_A1s/s1600/DSC07669.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgdoawkrXu5m_nXhdwU3_-D8XPKnuDzsy6l-fBKUrkLkc9DmDBK6B8qOIMeZ82kE_MgO1Ih1dpZIZSslLPDeC2Ge7pgmHbpcgzbfdYKlx1PvsV1XmtOXqFAojZmXtyfJvO_beNA-_A1s/s320/DSC07669.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Dicks Pass - 9,400ft |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzGEoGlg9EVqllbq3qF02t87phLi6ON0W7ODAxqOQbWPNMJbu4Egyd5D0j5-1vozDWE1QVfUROMucspIslI993lNB2t-hC45v1xWlUeraOdVNPWhijBDwlVOXa9Khec2xHAiHAUne_X0/s1600/DSC07695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzGEoGlg9EVqllbq3qF02t87phLi6ON0W7ODAxqOQbWPNMJbu4Egyd5D0j5-1vozDWE1QVfUROMucspIslI993lNB2t-hC45v1xWlUeraOdVNPWhijBDwlVOXa9Khec2xHAiHAUne_X0/s320/DSC07695.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Desolation Wilderness |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_wcwf4C2owQXX8nE6nduyJuy7pRi04-xE-1N1LMX6v3sUKOW0fTuLMB5sWVigogtxrTLmEN1r1iTZJlQEDc3TJSY_eAFwnO_qLU6Hvm2jQ2k1y2UkzN96cL-EzZRTUEA9B6MznRsA6k/s1600/DSC07701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_wcwf4C2owQXX8nE6nduyJuy7pRi04-xE-1N1LMX6v3sUKOW0fTuLMB5sWVigogtxrTLmEN1r1iTZJlQEDc3TJSY_eAFwnO_qLU6Hvm2jQ2k1y2UkzN96cL-EzZRTUEA9B6MznRsA6k/s320/DSC07701.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Can't speak highly enough about <a href="https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/tarps/DeschutesPlus.html?redirected=1" target="_blank">Six Moon Designs</a>, <a href="https://katabaticgear.com/shop/alsek-sleeping-bag/" target="_blank">Katabatic Quilts</a> & <a href="http://gossamergear.com/gorilla-ultralight-backpack-all-bundle.html" target="_blank">Gossamer Gear</a> equipment for backcountry travel |</span><br />
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(Roughly 22.5 Miles - September 7)</div>
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The seventh morning came with a change in pace for one of our fellow travelers. A foot & tendon pain had brought rough times, but had for many days previously not curtailed the huge laughs & great times we all shared. A massive undertaking that I admire immensely. North Lake Tahoe was everyone's goal, just at different arrival dates now. Three of us now headed into the calm early morning. Every turn the mountains awoke with the sun, life creeping into the blue shades of granite corners. After a few miles we realized we had not filled up our water before a nine mile dry stretch & that gave a nice thing to focus on while walking in the forest. Eventually popping out to Richardson Lake, a shallow muddy lake that looks much better than I just described (photo below). With lunch done we were on the move with the intention of camping at a creek we knew to have water. After several hours of great hiking in the woods & along volcanic outcroppings, we managed to pass our intended camp destination. The trail was now switchbacking up onto a wind exposed ridge at sunset. Which was both painfully gorgeous and not intended to be camped upon. Pressing passed twenty miles for the day we crossed onto the the backside of the ridge, deep purple mountains setting to rest all around. Just as night took us over on the trail we crossed friends from earlier days on the TRT, a small birthday toast went around & a makeshift camp was set up by headlamps on a protected pine ridge, looking into tomorrow's valley.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Desolation Wilderness gold! |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RaT9JFSHIGpfxNlUaHTMTESMmNvbUQuxB2nGh3MpywE9ixRqFTsepbYLoFSCQt6LveqkD2a5m8DtPlXYQ9-Xr17Nq_lmYnFodrJxGJNh3XaIKct-gUcr4fmo_n84dtJlZJUKt7o9cFU/s1600/DSC07733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RaT9JFSHIGpfxNlUaHTMTESMmNvbUQuxB2nGh3MpywE9ixRqFTsepbYLoFSCQt6LveqkD2a5m8DtPlXYQ9-Xr17Nq_lmYnFodrJxGJNh3XaIKct-gUcr4fmo_n84dtJlZJUKt7o9cFU/s320/DSC07733.jpg" width="229" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Middle Velma Lake |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCfz5FuQ89zR45_3EIIHs_xrd5eL48LpbSxdSpgcE3aZXtUQvZGZJ_vCaXBX0OGPZ5nYXD-aNsl0rD0aQ00ZxHOS-B0A9u3xElIuWylkyUlqJIrjqel-BF1lC67QCpzjNWvclSNC3MKo/s1600/DSC07737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihCfz5FuQ89zR45_3EIIHs_xrd5eL48LpbSxdSpgcE3aZXtUQvZGZJ_vCaXBX0OGPZ5nYXD-aNsl0rD0aQ00ZxHOS-B0A9u3xElIuWylkyUlqJIrjqel-BF1lC67QCpzjNWvclSNC3MKo/s320/DSC07737.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Richardson Lake |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Barker Pass |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Near Blackwood Creek |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Edge of Granite Chief Wilderness |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Desolation Wilderness Sunset |</span><br />
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(Roughly 14 Miles (town) - September 8)</div>
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The previous day would become our longest day on the trail. I had never backpacked more than twenty two miles before. I had also never woken up with so little to drink at a dry camp on a ridge after backpacking that far. We took stock of our H2O and headed off down into the valley below, just waiting for the moment the trail came close enough to the river. After breakfast our water problems were solved and we blasted through the dirt road walk up to Page Meadows. The last few miles to Tahoe City were done. The local brewery seemed fitting before picking up our resupply necessities. The sun was low in the sky, but we managed to walk out of town and get back on the trail without falling prey to another night in civilized luxury. After a few miles passed under our belt we called it a night on a volcanic rim looking down on the Truckee River. A thick under story of pine made for a comfortable bedding that eve.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Dry camp, good view |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Road to Tahoe City, before the Truckee River |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Sent General Delivery to ourselves. Food all safe and waiting at local post office. |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZt10lP4ExNLPf8byf14i1gB2R_e1_rw0akAFny09g-7JU_m0X73R9K-HRT7m3aty4TFSB3nj_GQnRzoqSoZnV8qNIEVJKxAX2vT9AVOufDd427TuhiDiSlntsrVwDNIbhtar9fTjBJE/s1600/DSC07760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZt10lP4ExNLPf8byf14i1gB2R_e1_rw0akAFny09g-7JU_m0X73R9K-HRT7m3aty4TFSB3nj_GQnRzoqSoZnV8qNIEVJKxAX2vT9AVOufDd427TuhiDiSlntsrVwDNIbhtar9fTjBJE/s320/DSC07760.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Truckee River far below |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Six Moon Designs & Gossamer Gear going strong |</span><br />
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(Roughly 17 Miles - September 9)</div>
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Our ninth morning getting on the trail was an old routine. However, these early hours held small chatter about putting in enough distance to finish in a ten day window, originally looking at eleven full days of hiking. We were certainly within reason of doing so and the challenge excited us. Today began with more uphill, which would be the standard until almost the very end of the trail the next evening. Through dense forest & well graded trail our trio eventually stopped at the shores of Watson Lake. The yellow jackets were everyone & a quick lunch was had. Filling up with lots of water we had one more dry camp planned for the trip. Passing a hard working young forest crew & a few small water caches that trail angels had maintained, we stumbled onto our second to last highway crossing. Some day hikers were finishing up at this time and thought we were insane for heading up to camp on the trail they just came down. It was about 6pm and we shrugged it off with the thought that we had found somewhere to sleep every other night. Without fail, wonderful flat pine covered ground was abound within three miles hiking, our last night on the TRT was coming to a close</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| A picture perfect reason to be out hiking. Nature all around. |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Watson Lake filtering |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Towards the rim |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| DIY cooking pouch. Needs a 2.0 version |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Last night on the trail |</span><br />
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(Roughly 18 Miles - September 10 ) </div>
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Good morning from the last morning. Creeping
slowly uphill all day towards 10,338ft Replay Peak was a wonderful
crowing finish to our loop of Lake Tahoe. Miles slowly melted away in
the Mt. Rose wilderness as mule ear meadows carpeted our path heading
above nine thousand feet. Previous weeks of travel could be seen with
every step along the slim dirt path. Dropping now mildly to Grey Lake
was one of the more exceptional last minute surprises we treated ourselves to. An outlet stream fed by a reed covered
body of spring fed mountain run off was a welcome last respite before
our final push to the high point of our entire journey. Climbing well
graded switchbacks (in hindsight), we gained the final summit of Relay
Peak & breathing deeply of the moment with great smiles. Throwing our packs on for the last time this hike, we started to descent off the ten thousand foot peak towards a small pond far below us. Passing now into the forest be posed for a last smelly group shot at a local classic day hike waterfall. The few tourists there laughed at our misfortune of taking our entire vacation walking in the mountains and sleeping on the ground. The sun was setting low now well into Fall, golden yellow views stretched for a hundred miles as the eye could see. A final pull of whiskey was shared over the last views of the deepest lake in the United States. A journey well done by all.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Simple life |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Desolation Wilderness in the distance |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Marvelous hiking |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Grey Lake |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| This little guy hiked/rode the entire TRT |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Closing in on Relay Peak |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| High point of the TRT - Relay Peak - 10,338ft |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Four miles till the end |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Very smelly group photo |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| One mile left |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| No hotels were open so we drove back to where we finished and slept on the ground. Very fitting. |</span></div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-6516480007877148602016-07-14T19:45:00.000-07:002016-07-14T19:45:11.969-07:00East Fork Group Thru Hike - San Gabriel Mts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's really simple. The East Fork of the San Gabriel River is gorgeous. From its birth in the high reaching pines, to it's chaparral covered terminus with the West Fork, Mother Nature has sculpted a truly unique place. Guarded by 8,000 foot peaks & miles of wilderness. Over time, as humans do, we were dawn to such a place. Originally this watershed was used for Native American hunting & early trade routes, though eventually relenting to extensive gold mining & western civilization. Now there is a mix of both days gone past & new generations using this gorgeous canyon as an escape from the Los Angeles megalopolis.</div>
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Many years ago, three other friends & completed this trip through the East Fork, from Vincent Gap (6,585ft), down Mine Gulch, past Fish Fork, past Iron Fork, through the Narrows, over the Bridge To Nowhere & out to Heaton Flat (2,000ft). Over the years everyone talked of it's beauty & how several other friends hadn't enjoyed some of the more remote sections. That is how we came to assemble enough people to fit into an airport shuttle & head off into the night on Friday one eve in Spring. </div>
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To complete the East Fork thru hike it requires a car shuttle with about two hours different people the two places. Not fun in the dawn hours of the morning, so we left two cars at Heaton Flat and hired a true shuttle to take all of us up to Vincent Gap. Piling out of the van a bit before midnight on Friday at higher elevation was a brisk wake up call. In the clouds & the rushing wind, we shouldered our packs, took an awesome group photo & all started out for our first camp of the night... Arizona fugitive, Tom Vincent's cabin.</div>
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Hammocks were strung, a tent or two were set up & a round of libations was enjoyed at the cabin, only about a fifteen minute walk from the parking lot, hidden nicely on Baden-Powell's eastern slopes. After killing two (three?) fellow gold miners in Arizona, alias Tom Vincent, made his home high in the San Gabriels for thirty years. He discovered what became the most lucrative gold mine, locally known as the Big Horn Mine. Our mission was more tame, get some sleep & meet three other people that would be joining our party Saturday morning, before we head into the East Fork proper.</div>
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Once we rallied everyone, we now totaled fourteen people strong! This was the biggest group I had ever backpacked with on such a demanding trip. It was sure to be memorable. We headed further down into Vincent Gulch, finding the mid century Cessna plane crash site closer to the bottom of the canyon. An interesting resting point. We ran into a large group of hikers cleaning the trail from bottom to top & were outstanding patrons for our local mountains. </div>
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Getting some trail behind us now we crossed over the massive rock field that is at the bottom of Mine Gulch, the main feeder of gold into the East Fork (a favorite part of mine).</div>
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As the canyon twists and turns there is no trail now. Each person is free to choose their own path over the wide river bed. At times is is crucial to cross the river to travel much easier on the other side. Other moments the canyon floor is the size of a football field. Many of us are fond of gazing up to Iron Mountain's peak. A particularly difficult hike that most avid locals <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2013/04/iron-mountain-1-san-gabriel-mts.html" target="_blank">love to check off their list</a>. </div>
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Once we had reached the base of Iron Mountain the canyon tightens up a bit & there is a choice, to bushwack on the sides or go straight in the river & walk the easy wet path with now trees blocking. Everyone took their own approach. After some more time spent weaving in & out of the tightly beautiful Alder trees we came upon Fish Fork feeding into the East Fork. This is how you know you have come to one of the most wonderful & remote backcountry camps in all the San Gabriels, 8 or so miles from Vincent Gap. </div>
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The usual camp chores began to happen, but on steroids. Sharing this small historical camp with fourteen people meant a party no matter what. As the sun faded behind the canyon walls each hiker took their bed time perch at various moments of the night. Light laughter was carried away with the embers snapping in the hundred year old fire pit.</div>
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The next day we all took to hiking in the water purely because it was much easier to avoid the dense trees on both sides. Each bend in the canyon revealed smooth, time sculpted walls of rock. I wondered how many Native Americans & gold miners have walked this same path. One of our friends knew how to find Iron Fork camp, so we opted for a side trip up the canyon mouth to relish a bit more San Gabriel history.</div>
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Continuing on we finally reach the Narrows of the East Fork. Though not a tight slot, the enormous canyon walls tower far overhead, while rolling rock & sand beckon us to explore. Pausing several times to take photos & truly just gawk. Each turn of the canyon reveals more tranquil beautiful majesty.</div>
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With one sharp right turn the Bridge to Nowhere is insight. A backcountry monstrosity that has been abandoned long ago by a futile effort to build an escape route out of Los Angeles per a natural disaster. After a nice rest in the shade, we took a vote to take a different route home. Hopefully we would get to visit the Horseshoe Mine & search out a hidden unmarked water.</div>
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After some navigation & more off trail travel our amigo lead us right to the open tunnel for the Horseshoe Mine, leading deep into the Earth. Always an exciting time wandering through the dark with our headlamps, dreading to ever work in such a cramped space.</div>
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Down canyon a bit further we dropped our packs where a very small outlet feeder stream merged with the East Fork. Diving into the dense brush we found a very faint spur trail that led us to extremely odd cabin ruins built into the mountain side, then further to the base of one of the most awe-inspiring waterfalls I've been to in our local mountains.</div>
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Needless to say we all spent a ton of time shooting photos & crawling up the outer flanks of the falls to see what else could be discovered. Back down at the creek merger, our packs lay waiting. The last four miles wasn't going to hike itself... so we set off.</div>
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Through the immensely wide lower portions of the East Fork we dodge all over the place working on finding the best route. Eventually we crossed the proper Bridge To Nowhere trail (hugely popular!) & were on our way to the cars. </div>
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Not with one last stop at another gold mine though. Near the forest service amenities, close to Heaton Flat, there is a very hidden path that leads about two hundred feet up to crumbling stone ruins & a very deep curving gold mine named after the owner, Billy Heaton.</div>
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After sufficiently deciding we'd seen all the local mountain history we could handle we hiked the last quarter mile to the cars wearing huge smiles & slapping high fives in the Heaton Flat parking lot... ready to explore a beer & extra large pizza. </div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-69693423330166312092016-06-19T22:37:00.004-07:002018-04-12T19:10:29.732-07:00Historic Gabrielino Trail West Pt. 2 - San Gabriel Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOY1fxvGSnqgsqCk1kOjSL6BPW-NXnzTW3aKoPf97pd1J_d9hACemCNYT3aZSVj_2-Vn_prm1hkX18ryEm5EyYzzuTqdJvsqUiF343t1Vb8YgUWY_7CgsOx-UzwitwytUVIDW8AmDYYw/s1600/DSC05953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOY1fxvGSnqgsqCk1kOjSL6BPW-NXnzTW3aKoPf97pd1J_d9hACemCNYT3aZSVj_2-Vn_prm1hkX18ryEm5EyYzzuTqdJvsqUiF343t1Vb8YgUWY_7CgsOx-UzwitwytUVIDW8AmDYYw/s320/DSC05953.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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For some time now there had been some unfinished business in the San Gabriel Moutains. A few years back the history nerd in me wanted to hike the Gabrielino Trail due to its historic presence for the early Tongava Tribes in the Los Angeles basin. Following later in the 1920's to early1950's being a heavily trafficked trail for The Great Hiking Era & many of the resort camps that dotted the front country canyons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k5b54V5hj7aOsHIplirS50xbR1IAgZjuv-FKwQcAFxuDdfKE22gBfM9cKyeYVROu0FZEQHV7_Q4OcbQHcOkMckwwLkVE-7dAW7WhEHQgmBZjgV86vxTf2LxlRyzfb_e6mbsRjkBT_TQ/s1600/DSC05966.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3k5b54V5hj7aOsHIplirS50xbR1IAgZjuv-FKwQcAFxuDdfKE22gBfM9cKyeYVROu0FZEQHV7_Q4OcbQHcOkMckwwLkVE-7dAW7WhEHQgmBZjgV86vxTf2LxlRyzfb_e6mbsRjkBT_TQ/s320/DSC05966.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielino_Trail" target="_blank">The Gabrielino route</a> is a designated <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabrielino_Trail" target="_blank">National Recreation Trail</a> & at it's proper terminus would be a 28.5 mile horse-shoe shaped hike from the suburbs of Pasadena, to high saddles hidden behind Mt. Wilson & crossing four major watersheds. A fire has closed the true western beginning/end to this hike so this report will cover a new & different route to complete a new and different look into San Gabriel history.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN5EhOnux7xODulYThkeaVTpprzKK0yxs2SAvj-8bq-Sq-5-YKzlHix8gLq6pY_JM5f2EjejItIH_Q4DJcOJ-J_tR3X1snfOSM1YC84ATV5fmXZ5uHdrp9REpTzEqN9mAbawpj38cayM/s1600/DSC05972.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN5EhOnux7xODulYThkeaVTpprzKK0yxs2SAvj-8bq-Sq-5-YKzlHix8gLq6pY_JM5f2EjejItIH_Q4DJcOJ-J_tR3X1snfOSM1YC84ATV5fmXZ5uHdrp9REpTzEqN9mAbawpj38cayM/s320/DSC05972.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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If broken in half, Red Box Parking area is a really decent halfway point for the entire trail. Several of our group have <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2013/03/thru-hike-historic-gabrielino-trail.html" target="_blank">completed the eastern section</a> of the Gabrielino Trail many years ago, but now it was time to finish our business.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmL8EQD-CSTv67xtqhsV6k3-Hx8A4agqf0JxPCtN1RGvX1dfEeEo6U4sPDv7tWxSqV_gpiJeWaj9VuL4FVgzLcssHvoD1Kb9CojksAZ4XyHLpjjxuneHD9BcwMy2U2WVi4ktoTfelgj4/s1600/DSC05986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmL8EQD-CSTv67xtqhsV6k3-Hx8A4agqf0JxPCtN1RGvX1dfEeEo6U4sPDv7tWxSqV_gpiJeWaj9VuL4FVgzLcssHvoD1Kb9CojksAZ4XyHLpjjxuneHD9BcwMy2U2WVi4ktoTfelgj4/s320/DSC05986.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Leaving our first car at the parking area at the end of Chaney Trail Dr., we carted everyone 40 minutes up to Red Box Trailhead & shouldered our packs. There is a nice trail sign on the west end of the parking near the Native American Museum. Now all we had to do was walk back to the city...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYmL8EQD-CSTv67xtqhsV6k3-Hx8A4agqf0JxPCtN1RGvX1dfEeEo6U4sPDv7tWxSqV_gpiJeWaj9VuL4FVgzLcssHvoD1Kb9CojksAZ4XyHLpjjxuneHD9BcwMy2U2WVi4ktoTfelgj4/s1600/DSC05986.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPxFuXbecFqIHh-CeWZdBL2k3JjaRw4FeddBGAd73gjG0FrDYp09JGpzMQY17d5HJEY5kyGa7sMKV9k3_vkn4K3HNr9pkJWSRivbPxML2keolrmVQPtwlAaH0LUxgM3E1f1G7Ed6AUqQ/s1600/DSC05988.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOPxFuXbecFqIHh-CeWZdBL2k3JjaRw4FeddBGAd73gjG0FrDYp09JGpzMQY17d5HJEY5kyGa7sMKV9k3_vkn4K3HNr9pkJWSRivbPxML2keolrmVQPtwlAaH0LUxgM3E1f1G7Ed6AUqQ/s320/DSC05988.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The first miles of trail in the canyon were much nicer than expected. Zig-zagging down the large wide canyon. However we are also sharing this portion of the canyon with Angeles Crest Hwy so there is a bit of background motorcycle or two. Alas, it doesn't detract from the Spring green & yellow blooms that litter the bottom of the canyon.</div>
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Without any trouble we make it to Switzer Day Use area & stop for a proper breakfast snack. The tables are already filled with large family parties ready to enjoy the spacious setting for the day. Packing our things we follow one of the most used trails in the Angeles National Forest to Switzer Falls. Part of the historical element of this hike took place in this area of the canyon, mainly in the crumbling remnants of an old cliff side chapel & a trail side camp. Along this section of trail there is a junction where the original Gabrielino route splits towards fire ravaged Oakwilde & its traditional end/beginning. I have devised something a bit different to complete our finish back to the city.</div>
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Once reaching Switzer Falls our group split into various levels of activity & inactivity. A few more nimble people climbed up past the falls & on to check out another waterfall that travelers see from high above. Others snacked & took photos, while some simply napped.</div>
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Moving again, the trail becomes far more interesting from here in my opinion. Passing several nice pools in the canyon we turn up into Bear Canyon & the sights become even better. Our trail moves back & forth over the stream & offers great moments of large canyon walls. After a couple miles of hiking high above the river or traipsing right on the stream bed we come to <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2012/07/bear-canyon-trail-camp.html" target="_blank">Bear Canyon Trail Camp</a>. </div>
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I'll keep it short, but the trail has a funny way of working out. Bear Canyon Camp has about two & a half good camping sites. There was already a group of four woman in one camp & a solo backpacker in the other. After some friendly deliberation with everyone, our group of nine (?!) was taken in by the solo hiker. More like swallowed or enveloped. After a night of good laughs & a few campfire stories our new hiker friend decided to drop his original plans of hiking back to his truck & accompany us on our much longer journey out to the city the next day with a shuttle waiting.</div>
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The next morning, with big smiles, now ten people strong, we head further up Bear Canyon where I have read there is a "flagged route" but don't expect normal travel. Our goal is to reach Tom Sloane saddle & drop into the next watershed south. But before we do, we crawl under countless downed trees, hike eroding trail cut directly out of the cliff side. We waded through enormous shrubs & vegetation lining the upper section of Bear Canyon.</div>
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With a keen eye & some hiking confidence, the trail wasn't particularly difficult to follow. You will just have to have your eyes peeled for the best traveled route, cairns & plastic tags tied to branches helped. Crossing the the creek to the south side the trail took us to a small rise with a decaying stone cabin being reclaimed by the growing under-story.</div>
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Conveniently placed right behind these ruins are the beginning of the switchbacks that take travelers up & out of Bear Canyon. The long, perfectly graded forgotten trail we were hiking put a permanent grin on my face. Grass grew throughout the entire path, showing little travel was ever seen here. Tunnels of purple blooming chaparral covered the slops while the canyons oaks were left behind. At one point we round an exposed knob with views all the way to the Arroyo Seco. Scanning the places we had hiked the day before & turning far into the untraveled sections of Bear Canyon. Even a baby rattlesnake was enjoying the views at the same spot.</div>
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After a few final shaded nice switchbacks we reach the sunny & exposed Tom Sloane Saddle. Everyone is working on finishing the last of their food so as to not carry any of it out the final 6 or 7 miles to the exit. Our new hiking friend is still stoked he chose to come with us (whew!). Looking now further south into Grand Canyon we enter a new watershed & choose the proper direction at the trail junction.</div>
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This slope being fully exposed to the afternoon sun was full of ankle biting chaparral. We had connected onto the second unmainted trail of the day. It didn't seem in too bad of shape most of the way down into the upper reaches of Millard Canyon. There even seemed to be some really nice sheer waterfall rock formations much lower in the final moments before stumbling to the canyon floor.</div>
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I say stumbling because, before we could reach the canyon floor, there was a section of trail, or lack there of that had to be tackled. We knew now that very few people hiked the upper section of trail we had just done b/c the access to the lower part was a very sheer dirt slope w/ rock & grass covering it. Not to say it was life threatening, but I would have never guessed had we been hiking up canyon to EVER take the random half trodden foot holds up fifty feet to an indiscriminate foot wide path above the multiple canyon waterfalls. (update - 4/12/2018: This portion of the trail has be worked by a crew since our trip. Thanks!)</div>
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With that behind us, we were on new terrain now hopping from boulder to boulder along the Millard Canyon stream bed. With no real hurry, we worked our way over & back clambering down choked sections of the stream. Truly a welcome challenge from the last hours of sunny slopes. </div>
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At one point we stopped to inspect the Upper Dawn Mine shaft opening. Only going about thirty feet into the rock hillside, it was a marvelously cut tube. Fifteen minutes or so down canyon from Upper Dawn Mine we came upon the rest of the group relaxing in the shade outside the proper entrance for the original Dawn Mine. First gold claims were made in Millard Canyon during 1895, with Dawn Mine changing hands in 1902 to Michael Ryan. Exponential work was made to extract gold from the multiple shafts deep in the cliff side until Ryan's death in 1929. Being purchased several times overs into the 1950's with little luck to later prospectors. </div>
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A few of us took the plunge into the chilly water that continually inhabits the lower sections of the mine tunnels. After the initial entrance the mine opens up to a two story tall cavern. On one side leads a dark tunnel, the other is a 50 foot deep vertical tube completely filled with water. We explored the first tunnel to it's end & return to have a look in the second tunnel. There is a stream of water falling from an upper shaft leading down to fill the secondary tunnel. </div>
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The last three miles from Dawn Mine to our cars was pleasant trail that many of us had walked during previous outings. A criss-corssing of the stream several times & the new found trail maintenance that has been done is outstanding. Smiles settled on our faces after now finding a way to complete the Gabrielino Trail in our own fashion. Using a couple old trails & maintaining the element of history by utilizing Millard Canyon to see Dawn Mine hopefully keeps hikers happy.</div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-33506418708347281092016-05-24T00:27:00.003-07:002016-05-24T00:27:39.836-07:00Falling Short Loop (Cucamonga Wilderness) - San Gabriel Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Falling Rock Canyon |</span><br />
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Usually mid-week there is some text messages or chatter about possible outdoor plans for the weekend. More often than not there is way too many good things going on. However, Saturday afternoon had struck & nothing had really formulated until we threw out the idea of finally doing Falling Rock Canyon. That sparked interest, then another person said, "Have you ever heard of Shortcut Ridge?" That's all is took, we had our 'Sunday plan'. Roughly 12 (give or take) mile loop, 4 miles on trail, 8 miles cross country with about 10,000ft gain/loss.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Click to enlarge |</span><br />
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After some brief "research" on the internet I found three instances of people trying Shortcut Ridge, two fails & one make. Seemed possible with some careful route finding & smart choices. The next morning we were at Icehouse Canyon parking, taking up the last possible spot. It is no secret Icehouse is one of the <b>most </b>popular trails in the Gabriels.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8CyXMnycHaDZMjgyvruUFs61qvdjIj13vUR01X6DG_l2Y7tgWfjRIL37BtesBZNBKbNtbpuDe2NBNE8HhGgYbM99lTW1d4Hd-JTCMS1y26n0lKqJ-rEJTA5WB6ELqYDmz4zgbXMuTzE/s1600/DSC06549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8CyXMnycHaDZMjgyvruUFs61qvdjIj13vUR01X6DG_l2Y7tgWfjRIL37BtesBZNBKbNtbpuDe2NBNE8HhGgYbM99lTW1d4Hd-JTCMS1y26n0lKqJ-rEJTA5WB6ELqYDmz4zgbXMuTzE/s320/DSC06549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dFlgxSNxgsjqGnidVRjrtzFUfVg8B0cAMjycZ7KMU0zuSlBdJ_8X4jCa6i-kp3kpA1KRO60QMF9BStDsWjibUKSOKiTxFxqr_KduPXbGE8d-Vvfr_kq88OHcv7svexvSghW7Rq1oN9Q/s1600/DSC06599.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7dFlgxSNxgsjqGnidVRjrtzFUfVg8B0cAMjycZ7KMU0zuSlBdJ_8X4jCa6i-kp3kpA1KRO60QMF9BStDsWjibUKSOKiTxFxqr_KduPXbGE8d-Vvfr_kq88OHcv7svexvSghW7Rq1oN9Q/s320/DSC06599.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are several write ups for Falling Rock Canyon that have better info than I will provide in terms of route directions, just FYI. We branched off of the main trail at the right time & crossed the creek, following a faint climbers trail to the mouth of Falling Rock Canyon, leaving all the crowds behind. From here on up it will be roughly 4,000ft of gain over 4 or so miles.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNm1NFl-mxifADFLrqVxXrW-M7lR3wByUuReClYEdQdHyf0pPDpHXI4n91dNMrfArg57mEdjaItpXTeuNHngCiY471Rs0mnFdlRpfmmh4agNKC5zbFu_TdgGZ8VSYrqCQuL_19EbG-9A/s1600/DSC06565.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoNm1NFl-mxifADFLrqVxXrW-M7lR3wByUuReClYEdQdHyf0pPDpHXI4n91dNMrfArg57mEdjaItpXTeuNHngCiY471Rs0mnFdlRpfmmh4agNKC5zbFu_TdgGZ8VSYrqCQuL_19EbG-9A/s320/DSC06565.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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The bottom sections of the canyon are wonderful choked rock features with a moment or two that will require some climbing skills. There was water coming down one of them, but easy to climb on the left side. Once up farther the scree begins to enter the canyon & a noticeable split happens. Falling Rock Canyon curves to the left & an immense scree field begins up a side canyon on the right. Don't follow earlier storm ruts or bad hiking paths, these will only serve to waste energy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EkeKKx0rA6W8IYKaHjIRBJ2wUvCNQmPlwFUfOsfwTu7yg6b4LSFXNN1Vz4fl4LKaEQgfXpQTbMgM7VmrcwuHLPJa5Bf3KUaKXh1DuPY1ki6mMxlL4nED1eWQusw0F6BlnsJyJyLD9K4/s1600/DSC06616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2EkeKKx0rA6W8IYKaHjIRBJ2wUvCNQmPlwFUfOsfwTu7yg6b4LSFXNN1Vz4fl4LKaEQgfXpQTbMgM7VmrcwuHLPJa5Bf3KUaKXh1DuPY1ki6mMxlL4nED1eWQusw0F6BlnsJyJyLD9K4/s320/DSC06616.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Rocks all the way to the saddle |</span><br />
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Feeling great in the morning sun, we stopped for a snack & then headed on the spur trail the Sugarloaf Peak. The extra jaunt has a wonderful ridge trail at times with insane views up San Antonio Canyon to Baldy's bowl. The exposed summit is really worth the visit. Telegraph Peak looks especially massive. As a day's goal, Sugarloaf alone is great if one were to head back down Falling Rock Canyon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhXxxS71FvUszU45lRbSaI7-GsR-Hd9ZczAJsIsCLErUEWFoYv-_5k3xD0r5BXhYagn4PqlRYb05It-hEzISMMbrfQjCaM-1aUIM8OBToFmkBLeS0pE8MKDFb_cpIxwGvnDHwE1tjwno/s1600/DSC06638.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhXxxS71FvUszU45lRbSaI7-GsR-Hd9ZczAJsIsCLErUEWFoYv-_5k3xD0r5BXhYagn4PqlRYb05It-hEzISMMbrfQjCaM-1aUIM8OBToFmkBLeS0pE8MKDFb_cpIxwGvnDHwE1tjwno/s320/DSC06638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading to Sugarloaf |</span><br />
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Retracing our steps to the top of the scree field/saddle, we headed up the light path that fades in an out at times. The real ascent of steep terrain begins in earnest now. The route travels on the south/western ridge above Falling Rock Canyon proper. Helping at times to be in the pines with welcome shade. Strong gusts blew up the canyon from the city thousands of feet below.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO2rkv9az92CJVlSuOr636rDAqZga1BfTpErvJbPq-s-_lDI20lNxK9hDoWYlCK6zH6PW0ECwb1UUYkD1aTM8qdwdN1qAA7Edqs-6i_IMOAYUXtG23Ra5hoaQSgXiXWht8LJvP0cQ49A/s1600/DSC06680.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrO2rkv9az92CJVlSuOr636rDAqZga1BfTpErvJbPq-s-_lDI20lNxK9hDoWYlCK6zH6PW0ECwb1UUYkD1aTM8qdwdN1qAA7Edqs-6i_IMOAYUXtG23Ra5hoaQSgXiXWht8LJvP0cQ49A/s320/DSC06680.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Around 7,900ft |</span><br />
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Thighs working in overtime, we find a welcomed flat spot to eat & take in the views somewhere near 8,200ft. Clouds were beginning to blow in over Mt. Baldy, but would never linger long. Packing up we had a short hike up to where the ridge plateaus & becomes covered in chaparral. Knowing the proper Ontario Peak trail was up on the ridge ahead of us we stayed on the right mostly & connected one rock out cropping to the next, landing perfectly on the top.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Telegraph Peak in background |</span><br />
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Stopping for another snack, we felt great after such a big climb from the canyon directly down below. We still didn't see a single person after leaving a parking lot of fifty cars. With the weather holding out & no rain falling on our portion of the mountains we jumped on the regular Ontario Peak trail & headed down towards Kelly's Camp. There was still some sections of this trail covered in a foot or two of snow. It was nice to get all the dynamics of the hike in late season.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19gIv1a88yD_eo_iZFXLarBz0-nQJoUyyKI9sYhMbX5zvYjdvT8EXvm0B0u34-Kop0W-ZCt9HsRYaInNbeOPKN_zGhG-Nlnf6XOveEvRx4ZCdoHlnsFfoUmtMNESavxwpfuSeLorYMpw/s1600/DSC06685-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19gIv1a88yD_eo_iZFXLarBz0-nQJoUyyKI9sYhMbX5zvYjdvT8EXvm0B0u34-Kop0W-ZCt9HsRYaInNbeOPKN_zGhG-Nlnf6XOveEvRx4ZCdoHlnsFfoUmtMNESavxwpfuSeLorYMpw/s320/DSC06685-2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lunch looking out to Mt. Baldy (10,064ft) |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTEkac5HVUUNzv6t4iohwismM5fPKuJAa3oYrh4bqyl5LuWFyMLx3obMIywb_SJHHjl5gUvqZhp4hdPn9JUTElNBdjQdsieMR2h1m_8X99D6sf8yXXA6U6PazwlrIjzUMaHhsAT-03SA/s1600/DSC06699.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZTEkac5HVUUNzv6t4iohwismM5fPKuJAa3oYrh4bqyl5LuWFyMLx3obMIywb_SJHHjl5gUvqZhp4hdPn9JUTElNBdjQdsieMR2h1m_8X99D6sf8yXXA6U6PazwlrIjzUMaHhsAT-03SA/s320/DSC06699.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Topping out of Falling Rock Canyon |</span><br />
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Arriving at the camp we still hadn't seen anyone & it was a bit more apparent why now. There was even large snow patches covering the trail leading into the camp from Icehouse Saddle. This main route was our bail out way, but looked to be more dangerous. This didn't matter though, we were headed to Shortcut Ridge from the camp.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Kellys Camp |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWFw9AyeBvdu0-GtuFirJnAOf5aaRQztwZBkXmstFlHiKtKmdwFj3E2kSbap0KqfF4yakRQaBWDzA0mghLKRM6j_JXG6_V3sFmPtIQAcDMIPxPjfSgEvVSD7khbX71u7bKEBY7669KgU/s1600/DSC06712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWFw9AyeBvdu0-GtuFirJnAOf5aaRQztwZBkXmstFlHiKtKmdwFj3E2kSbap0KqfF4yakRQaBWDzA0mghLKRM6j_JXG6_V3sFmPtIQAcDMIPxPjfSgEvVSD7khbX71u7bKEBY7669KgU/s320/DSC06712.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Trail leading out of Kellys Camp |</span><br />
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Stopping to get our bearings & re-read the one paragraph description we have of the route (haha) we head out of Kelly's Camp. We round the first ridge a bit lower than our description called for, but eventually connect to the two rolling flat spots on Shortcut Ridge. There was loads of thorns & huge fallen tress in this area. The bark beetle had ravaged the area, allowing for much more chaparral to grown between the pines.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading towards Shortcut Ridge |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Tons of things to get caught on |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| The two flat spots on the topo map |</span><br />
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What came next truly blew all three of our minds. The whole entire hike had led us now to a high alpine meadow, a front row seat to the high country of the San Gabriel Mountains. Counting eight massive peaks all resting over eight thousand feet, greeting the skyline, draped in white rain laden clouds. This is why we hike.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Shortcut Ridge |</span><br />
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A second look at the map & we all three went north out of the meadow & into the pines, zig-zagging to slow our decent through the pines. After success on this hike I can vouch for the tip of staying within sight of Lost Creek Canyon, but never be tempted to drop down too far into it, stay on the ridge. Eventually we reached a semi flat spot where a noticeable canyon feeds down to the right with many young pines growing in it, this was our exit canyon.</div>
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After one last break, we took to the most ankle busting section yet. The final canyon is full of large talus & just requires concentration & focus. We took turns weave in and out of the pines over the rocks until making the final drop into Icehouse Canyon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading into last canyon, looking back up Shortcut Ridge |</span><br />
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Jumping now on the main Icehouse Canyon trail, heading down towards the parking lot we covered the miles easy & smooth. Along the way we dubbed it the Falling Short Loop, though in no way does it fall short of challenge, skill, elevation & absolutely amazing views!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtAB21t-yztwTZnQ1K9MWqHXEl8vLX8HE1lEa4RjS8w7pET3hlupeMr2a0caEZ0gFQrlLyQSClnzC0OnDHWiP28iYslZxeBEnHZLgA3Vr5ZZWu_fvBlqixH4GcQ8LEMYrBGyT4InadwQ/s1600/DSC06802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqtAB21t-yztwTZnQ1K9MWqHXEl8vLX8HE1lEa4RjS8w7pET3hlupeMr2a0caEZ0gFQrlLyQSClnzC0OnDHWiP28iYslZxeBEnHZLgA3Vr5ZZWu_fvBlqixH4GcQ8LEMYrBGyT4InadwQ/s320/DSC06802.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Back in Icehouse Canyon |</span><br />
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-37014796982494162562016-05-08T09:45:00.003-07:002016-05-08T09:45:47.974-07:00Banff Mountain Film Festival Trip - Canda<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA8_5vGRGNu9e5T-u3O96zREU1Irw5ZIFDI8cz0R4tvjFDQjCEUlgIg4iJJ3CC8mQf4RYhl0thyphenhyphenQdTU9pqEZ_u_WRyzd1Uq3RNiUFwFs_8Xv5x6h1RH3oR6tHxtyNRLlcfh4yvRCfsl8/s1600/DSC04717.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA8_5vGRGNu9e5T-u3O96zREU1Irw5ZIFDI8cz0R4tvjFDQjCEUlgIg4iJJ3CC8mQf4RYhl0thyphenhyphenQdTU9pqEZ_u_WRyzd1Uq3RNiUFwFs_8Xv5x6h1RH3oR6tHxtyNRLlcfh4yvRCfsl8/s320/DSC04717.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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It all started with an Instagram post... In the Summer of 2015 I had seen an <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/us/en/" target="_blank">Osprey</a> contest that was looking for video entrees about "How Nature Inspires You". Grand prize was a trip to the Banff Mountain Film Festival, airfare, screening tickets, lodging, the whole sha-bang. Seemed right up my alley after amassing footage from years of outdoor adventures, along with being a satisfied customer of Osprey long before this opportunity came to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j2txs1ggAtIzMraT7I9KknJ8akh1tvsHBmLYKAKDqh1j3ciCBhUHp6-LslHBs8cslZv9upsQRMzlKrYtv9RkzMt_YDbnJ50_vrLl4YSkIb6fpQ0STNEpnUM8MeI4uVTDV-IZ6AcaOCA/s1600/DSC04559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5j2txs1ggAtIzMraT7I9KknJ8akh1tvsHBmLYKAKDqh1j3ciCBhUHp6-LslHBs8cslZv9upsQRMzlKrYtv9RkzMt_YDbnJ50_vrLl4YSkIb6fpQ0STNEpnUM8MeI4uVTDV-IZ6AcaOCA/s320/DSC04559.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Below is the video I submitted after about a week & a half process writing, recording the voice over & editing together some of the most memorable outdoor moments that have inspired myself & friends likewise. Thank you to Jesse for helping with the audio portion & everyone else for letting me put a camera in their face all these years!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/137324462?color=ffffff&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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A little time past & along came an email one day that set the gears in motion. <a href="http://www.ospreypacks.com/stories/ospreyinspire-winners/" target="_blank"><i>Grand Prize Winner!</i></a></div>
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Melissa & I hopped a plane from Burbank at dawn & were touching down in Calgary several hours later. Our first night at the festival was very eventful, starting with the awards ceremony for the book portion of the festival. Which was a perfect introduction b/c we knew what to look for in the coming days on the grounds at <a href="https://www.banffcentre.ca/" target="_blank">The Banff Centre</a>. Following the awards was a conversation with Alex Honnold, world famous free climber, about several of his recent accomplishments, including a film we would see the next night. The evening concluded with a wonderful feature docu-drama called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPV0z7Duzco" target="_blank">Hadwin's Judgement</a> that I really wish to see a second time.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/165767339?color=ffffff&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
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The next day we walked the downtown area of Banff, had great waffles & headed to a presentation that was being given by Kelly Cordes. He was speaking about his <a href="https://www.amazon.ca/The-Tower-Chronicle-Climbing-Controversy/dp/1938340337" target="_blank">book </a>& the controversial history surrounding mountain climbing on Patagonia's Cerre Torre. We knew nothing of this going into the event & the history nerds in us were blown away. A+ presentation & such a cool story. That afternoon we took a fun hike all along the river that leads out of town to some wonderful views of Mt. Rundle. It was a brisk 32 degrees on a good day.</div>
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That night was another double line up. First was a talk with renowned mountain climber Tommy Caldwell along with several screenings of two of the best films of the week. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOScetWwEwc" target="_blank">A Line Across the Sky</a> detailing a first traverse of multiple summits in Patagonia over many days. The second being an in depth documentary called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yZaGcN2DPs" target="_blank">Sherpa</a>, about the life & culture of high altitude porters in the Himalaya. Finishing around midnight a very chilly walk back to our hotel rounded out a great day.</div>
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The next day we had all open to explore outdoors before the nighttime screenings began. This is also the day that snowed... In our rental car we head up to do some of the planned things we had on the docket. Alas, too much icy snow in many places brought us to "Plan B". Throwing on our hiking gear we set out on one of the few trails we saw on our map & hope for the best. Falling lightly, the snow was so dry & perfect, I had never experienced any kind like it in California. Following along a river we made a large loop & didn't see another soul. Wonderful bliss.<br />
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It was also on this day back at the Festival we I ran into an outdoor filmmaker that I admire from Los Angeles as well. Jason Fitzpatrick was a co-director on the wonderful John Muir Trail documentary <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et7rGIxdThA" target="_blank">Mile Mile & A Half</a>. He & a colleague had a new film in the festival detailing a paddling trip in Alaska, following two genuine lifelong friends.</div>
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Another evening of screenings that didn't disappoint. I had picked<a href="https://vimeo.com/122528605" target="_blank"> The Rocky Mountain Traverse </a>specially b/c the adventure sounded too cool not to hear about in person. Two men para-glided the entire length of the Great Divide Trail in Canada (700+ miles). From summit to summit they flew & camped. Outstanding! The film was great, a wonderful crew & the two guys gave enjoyable insight on their experience. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzMZfxsssf8" target="_blank">Paddle for the North</a> was the last film. A classic story of six guy friends on a 63 day mission paddling in far far far remote North America.</div>
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The last day of adventures & screenings was here. Although, the days goal was try something new & different. We had reservations at the <a href="http://www.banfftours.com/banff-activities-and-tours/winter/wolfdog-sanctuary/wolf-dog-sanctuary" target="_blank">Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary</a>, outside Banff. Without gushing too much about how cool this experience was, just do it if you are ever in the area! The Sanctuary is an open space with large areas for "full content wolfdogs" & "low content wolfdog". We got the chance to sit in with all the various wolfdogs & interact, feed & connect with them as much as <i>they </i>wished. </div>
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On our way back into town we stopped for another classic little Banff tourist hike. The hoodoo trail takes you high above the braided river, looking down on weather sculpted sand stones. Forming odd towers sticking out amongst the pines dotting the hillside. </div>
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That same evening, I took a hike to the top of Tunnel Mountain outside the town & Melissa got a chance to hike to the waterfall along the river & get views of the beautiful chalet. A last "whora!" for Banff!</div>
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That night was the film awards & the last of the screenings. Eclipse was a ski film I have watched several times since the festival, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edlJ2_924tU" target="_blank">check it out</a>. Lastly, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUWZZC8RWYI" target="_blank">The Great Alone</a>, an award winning documentary about a come back dogsled racer, overcoming substance abuse & competing in the Iditarod. Marvelous end to the night all around. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjammTbHwuHuWEBGBQMdvQY-9u_ObdNJwcAvRhmSSYVh9w-JiOtK_qaP0ZAkIsODRqW1eUJDP71VvAJOUC1OtzM1n_cxvNxKKlAecbjj1WJlquVHAJBKtEIfpKVeAdmDpguaCcgFvy9Y/s1600/DSC04726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhjammTbHwuHuWEBGBQMdvQY-9u_ObdNJwcAvRhmSSYVh9w-JiOtK_qaP0ZAkIsODRqW1eUJDP71VvAJOUC1OtzM1n_cxvNxKKlAecbjj1WJlquVHAJBKtEIfpKVeAdmDpguaCcgFvy9Y/s320/DSC04726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I can't thank Osprey enough for the opportunity & their wonderful support making this memorable experience for Melissa & I. </div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-74828495035799986642016-04-05T19:12:00.004-07:002016-05-08T09:59:41.799-07:00Strawberry Peak Mountaineer Route - San Gabriel Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqq-i8QVhDNxCQAoikZ56YJ1tOnTpVOd49W_uvQpwr_A-DecFBhLE5BYS1uZl_IHdneeMkjZWUspVUybk6g4a2aA0uhLkAzrM-iqfFqL2P6pOwAvth6mI5ejGGScdB3AwN-6rWhs_L1Q/s1600/FB_IMG_1459794144480-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMqq-i8QVhDNxCQAoikZ56YJ1tOnTpVOd49W_uvQpwr_A-DecFBhLE5BYS1uZl_IHdneeMkjZWUspVUybk6g4a2aA0uhLkAzrM-iqfFqL2P6pOwAvth6mI5ejGGScdB3AwN-6rWhs_L1Q/s320/FB_IMG_1459794144480-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Best photo to show how steep the climb is. Three people in the background |</span></div>
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"There is more than one way to skin a cat." That old phrase comes to mind when thinking of Strawberry Peak. With three different trailheads that will bring you to the tallest San Gabriel front country peak, a day hiker has many options. The most heavily used path is from Red Box parking lot, an often less used start near Colby Ranch, but the third is just right... an indiscriminate turn out along Angeles Crest Hwy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzMoSCZ0DsFlmDvhswlnFJ7ykhADtXfrrO1LY4eKWgFkUIwvp2-EpGA7nYYdNwUMqQj_EHpD1mDPd_RPOIBjYpmeJZIuwAGQtdoaYVHpjzUiJO9gGpdTcGY1nVVfDh6GSUkoU95e98EM/s1600/DSC05884.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzMoSCZ0DsFlmDvhswlnFJ7ykhADtXfrrO1LY4eKWgFkUIwvp2-EpGA7nYYdNwUMqQj_EHpD1mDPd_RPOIBjYpmeJZIuwAGQtdoaYVHpjzUiJO9gGpdTcGY1nVVfDh6GSUkoU95e98EM/s320/DSC05884.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Spring with Strawberry Peak in background center |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzB4MIHpI8fSwjpugdjJN2o0ltUeKPUQvxtLeSUhfCOWJIN3NWiFgvvXkNCQr-0d4Fu68UwepZwGz3xa-wxTCKj4jrGZ9G5SMX82vYUTXEwwMI4cWv0cHsFY_Xn2xhM8-JiW98gjfqRg/s1600/DSC06420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBzB4MIHpI8fSwjpugdjJN2o0ltUeKPUQvxtLeSUhfCOWJIN3NWiFgvvXkNCQr-0d4Fu68UwepZwGz3xa-wxTCKj4jrGZ9G5SMX82vYUTXEwwMI4cWv0cHsFY_Xn2xhM8-JiW98gjfqRg/s320/DSC06420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We opted to leave a car at Red Box both times we've done this hike & then drive back to the trailhead with a secondary car. On an early spring day just after a rain we were treated to a nice waterfall right at the beginning of the trail. After a few more minutes climbing up Colby Canyon we crossed the top of another nice waterfall plunging down into Colby.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPWFDSG2Ndw7LfehMqs7-GDNc48pJ1k4ePCvE_CX-Y12K1zHBOLQyDaHCm66S3zqnXIeeiS5aJKiB106PO8Fk3twzMcOa1TreZKR5Y332umaFGTfIGULKCVHUjkGfePe4lFMBALLhmCo/s1600/DSC06431.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPWFDSG2Ndw7LfehMqs7-GDNc48pJ1k4ePCvE_CX-Y12K1zHBOLQyDaHCm66S3zqnXIeeiS5aJKiB106PO8Fk3twzMcOa1TreZKR5Y332umaFGTfIGULKCVHUjkGfePe4lFMBALLhmCo/s320/DSC06431.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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In the upper chaparral, the trail climbs steadily, but never very seriously. One of the things I like is that you are almost always looking at the peak most of the hike up. Gaining much more elevation than the Red Box approach.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkUantma4Iie1ZOnePDUuR4j6uXjrdxFSqXdKyYZUPpEq6EgcIoJ7CaY8lkzLa_OxtgMyBQcMN2Q-tKFyMv8SeiI6qqGvTp6iJGz4LLc5f-2clk4XQXRIp8pcQVme7bMhFXsP4Mm0U6w/s1600/DSC06427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkUantma4Iie1ZOnePDUuR4j6uXjrdxFSqXdKyYZUPpEq6EgcIoJ7CaY8lkzLa_OxtgMyBQcMN2Q-tKFyMv8SeiI6qqGvTp6iJGz4LLc5f-2clk4XQXRIp8pcQVme7bMhFXsP4Mm0U6w/s320/DSC06427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| After the saddle, first climb at the white-ish rocks on left |</span></div>
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Reaching the saddle between Josephine Peak & Strawberry Peak is a nice resting spot. There isn't much shade on this hike, but you can find some under the water catch basin on the saddle. From here you can see a nicely groomed trail that leads around to Strawberry Meadow, a use trail cuts off this almost immediately to follow the ridge up towards a white-ish outcropping of rocks. The trail is easy to follow <i>once on it</i>.</div>
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At the base of the rocks is the first climbing section. I tend to follow it to the left & up, looking for the white sand/small rocks that are an easy steep walk up after climbing several moves. If this was easy, the final climb will be fun & thrilling. If this small portion was way too intense, maybe rethink the last climb up to Strawberry.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Sandy gully to top |</span></div>
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The trail weaves nicely up to finally reveal wider reaching views into Upper Big Tujunga. The remains of the Station Fire are so apparent when on this peak. In all directions we can see the burn area, along with the growing amount of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eriodictyon_parryi#Skin_irritant" target="_blank">Poodle Dog brush</a> that increases at the elevation goes up that populates after wildfires. Serious skin irritation can occur when coming into contact with the plant.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| The boulders begin |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Boulder fields leading to the climb in back |</span></div>
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Eventually the trail turns to the large boulders that lead to the bottom of the climb. The large talus is easy going & there are cairns if you need them. It seems to be fairly obvious where you need to be heading towards. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Beginning of climbing |</span></div>
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Each time we did this hike, we started the climb a different way. The first time, we went up the first little zig zag trails to a small climb. Then noticed the second time, you can go under some Poodle Dog bush & take a more steep hike approach that will take you to the same place.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Straight up at times |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Careful & steady. Several moments like this |</span></div>
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From here we followed what appeared to be the path that others had taken. Looking for the crushed rocks/sand where a path had formed at times. There are a few old faded red rags that are classic markers. In all reality this is hand or fist climbing with a few moments where serious consequence will result terribly. With confidence & safety there should be no problem for a group to look out for one another on this route.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| More careful moments |</span></div>
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In the upper sections there are a few white painted arrows that can lend a hand if need be. For the most part with a careful eye a skilled hike can notice the best path to go. Once more pine trees come into view you know you are closer to the final climb. </div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| The ridge we climbed with Josephine Peak in back |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Break on the climb |</span></div>
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After cresting some of the last boulders, it's an easy minute stroll up to the top... 6,165 feet up. This summit never disappoints, great views all the way to Catalina Island, downtown LA & on to Mt. Baldy. </div>
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We parked a car at Red Box so we took the standard trail back
which is always scenic & a nice way to wind down from the thrill of
accomplishing the climbing on the other side of the mountain.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Bigger boulders, closer to the top |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">| Summit |</span></div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-82108574166720523802015-11-30T18:45:00.001-08:002015-11-30T18:56:11.424-08:00Moonlight Falls - Eastern Sierra Nevada Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
Like all classic weekend trips into the Sierras, this one started in the car well before dawn on Saturday. Connecting onto the 395 north from the 14 we were finally getting somewhere. After a quick breakfast, backcountry permits were obtained from a very quirky ranger & we were off towards our trailhead.</div>
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With two days to explore we opted to check out Moonlight Falls in the upper portion of the Sabrina Basin. Gearing up near the trailhead, with one downfall, there is no overnight parking near the actual start. So moving the car back a ways down the road... we began our actual start.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/147289164?color=94d2eb&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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Around the lake was very nice, with the climb beginning more in earnest on the other side. Slowly through well cut switchbacks we climbed to really nice views above Lake Sabrina. The granite was exceptionally abundant it seemed in this area with large slabs that allowed for great viewing (resting!) platforms.</div>
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After some time we made it up to Blue Lake. Crossing the outlet stream the views open up very nicely along the northern perimeter. We stopped for a break & couldn't stop smiling with all the wonderful landscape around. Gathering our things we left many of the day hikers behind & headed for Dingleberry Lake. </div>
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The trail wound up & around several hillsides & through massive boulders fields. Some really neat shelf systems. Near the next lake the trail drops down off the granite ridges & follows close to Dingleberry. We roamed the area for a camp spot & found one after the long river crossing. </div>
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We still had a few miles to the waterfall, but that would be for the morning. Relaxing & taking in the sunset are the normal evening backpacking activities & we do them well. Dinner was made followed with a long session of filtering water under the pink & purple clouds.</div>
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The next morning we set out with small day packs & cameras to get up close & personal with some cold flowing water. Within an hour or so of hiking the trail crosses into the upper portions of Sabrina Basin & the mountains just get bigger & bigger. The open landscape is surrounded by granite spires everywhere. Far in the distance we can see the waterfall from the trail. </div>
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We start cross country to the falls & are there in no time. A smooth sheet of water flows over the second tier, while a short burst of the creek splashes over the top of the first tier. We both walk around taking photos from all sides & even climbed up onto the top portion. Really quite bigger from up above I felt. </div>
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It was a bit before noon & there was some clouds beginning to fill upper reaches of the canyon. Nothing too threatening at the moment, but building into some precipitation. We made our way back down to our camp near Dingleberry with ease. </div>
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Without much haste we packed out things & enjoyed the last bit of time before walking back down to the car. The large rock granite sections from the previous day were just as impressive to me on our second trip through. Near the end of the trail we could feel the drops of rain starting to lightly fall from the sky. </div>
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A bit of thunder could be heard in the high country as we enjoyed a cold beer from the trunk of the car. Another fantastic trip into the Sierra with a new basin explored. Would highly recommend this as a perfect short trip into the Mountains. There is so much more to see in the Sabrina area, with a great access trail, it'll most certainly be a return trip.</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-53225409635843043902015-10-18T23:59:00.001-07:002015-11-29T15:47:19.323-08:00Grand Teton Ntl. Park - Backpacking, Cliff Jumps, Thunderstorms & more<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fair warning, this story will be many more photos than words. The beauty, the dynamic landscape & the ridiculous amount of it was mind-boggling. The sunset photo below was just getting gas after crossing the state line into Wyoming. Carlos & I were on our way to hike & explore Teton National Park.</div>
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Leaving Los Angeles at the beginning of Fourth of July weekend we had many days to make our own. Stopping the first night outside Las Vegas to stay with a great hiking friend Randy. The following day was consumed with driving, podcasting, & taking to the internet for higher education about the places we were passing through. Thirteen hours later we arrived to Signal Mountain Campground & a welcoming old friend from my time in San Diego.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/142783785?color=94d2eb&title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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A large majority of the success of this trip is owed to an old friend of mine, Tim Anderson, who works for the trails department in Tetons National Park. After living in the area for many years his knowledge & hospitality was without question the kindest & most thankful part of the trip. Cheers!</div>
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We spent our first day in the Tetons doing some classic tourist standards. But, these are the classics for a reason. Taking scenic loops & stopping for all the signed info got us into the right mindset before hitting the backcountry portion. Took a drive out for BBQ & picked up our permits, then headed for Mormon Row. A well graded dirt road that travels near a Mormon settled farm area dating from the early 1900's. Wonderful views in this area for little effort.</div>
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We spent Fourth of July with a great number of the Teton Trail Crew at one of their homes. A BBQ that overlooked the whole valley with the Tetons as the backdrop. Fireworks from the lake in the distance. Wonderful people & great conversation about all the other parks they had done trail work in. That night at Tim's cabin we got our things ready for the next four days of backcountry hiking. Our plan was to hike the Teton Crest Trail, originally starting from Hwy 22 & connecting to the main trail proper. Taking the advice of Tim, starting at Granite Canyon & experiencing that approach would out weight the original idea. Without question, this was the right choice.</div>
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Not only was Granite Canyon the right choice, I took more photos in that area than any other on the trial. The wildflowers were the best I had ever seen in my entire life. Without exaggeration. We saw a large moose in this canyon as well. The trail climbs steadily, but never without difficulty. However, within two hours of hiking is started to rain on us. We had about 9 miles of hiking to do. </div>
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The previous eight days before our trip it hadn't rained in the Tetons & had seen temps in the eighties & nineties. So bring on the rain. At the upper reaches of Granite the trail climbs fairly steep for a bit, but the views open up to distract from all that business. The rain had held off for the late afternoon. </div>
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After setting up at one of the many "tent platforms" near Marion Lake we filtered water & spent some time checking out the area. Wonderful views out the backside of the camp. A few others showed up from different directions to stay the night. Around 8pm is when the rain began to fall. Very heavily. Not long after that the first of four thunder & lighting storms began. This would continue for the next thirteen hours, into the next morning. What a show for our first night in the Tetons!</div>
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A side note about tent platforms, tents & rain. As a Californian I am not accustomed to this concept of a designated compact dirt raised platform, that are bordered by logs. I totally get the idea & it's saving the fragile environment around the lake, all things great. But, within the very first twenty minute of torrential downpour these become a bath tub of disaster for gear. Taking Carlos' broken trekking pole I got out & started digging some outlet funnels at the corners of the logs to relived the water. The camp next to us was also at odds. All those years digging sandcastles & tunnels growing up in San Diego paid off, the water broke through in a muddy mess & we stayed more less dry the rest of the twelve hours of the storm. Lastly, I still swear by Big Anges tents. This particular shelter never let a drop in after thirteen hours & has been through countless storms in the Sierras. Owned it four years now. On this particular (and most) trips we leave the inner net part behind & only use the ground tart with the outer rain fly shell. Light & super strong.</div>
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The next morning we more or less just chose the least rainy moment to leave camp & head towards Death Canyon Shelf. Crossing our first pass the views became ever more spectacular. We truly were in the Teton backcountry now. Hiking above tree line with views in all directions, even down to Idaho on one side. There were still small snow fields in places, but nothing of concern. Many years ago an article about Death Canyon Shelf is what originally drew me to the idea of hiking the Teton Crest Trail & now I was only a few miles from checking it off the list! Letting the photos do the work I'll just say the three miles along this hanging cliff were some of the best hiking I've done. The rolling trail has views down fair reaching canyons, with water flowing underfoot & underground at times. We even were treated to a mother moose & her baby eating just off the trail in the distance. And the wildflowers, the hundreds of thousands of wildflowers!! Best hiking ever.</div>
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We reached the far end of the shelf & sat down among-st the bugs. There was always bugs & mosquitoes on this trip, nothing that ever seemed overwhelming though, but definitely constant. We also didn't bring any bug spray. More by choice, something about it never seems to sit well with either Carlos or I. Our goal for the night was Alaska Basin & the few miles dropping into the area were par for the course, absolutely outstanding! Fortunately too, this area has different camping regulations, so we were able to choose a site anywhere we wanted. </div>
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This evening in Alaska Basin was a great time. We got to fly Carlos' ultralight kite & there was a full rainbow framing Buck Mountain Pass. Not until later than evening had my small stomach problem become more present. Most of the day I could only snack as opposed to really eat a fully meal. This night was much the same. The next morning I wasn't able to keep my breakfast down, if you know what I mean. After a few looks at the map we opted for what still would be some fantastic hiking, but use a different canyon to exit. Also we had this trail as a recommendation from the get go as a side trip, so win win in an unfortunate situation. We were heading to Static Peak Divide. This is where much larger snow fields needed to be crossed, nothing of real danger, just lots of effort. </div>
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After reaching the apex onto Buck Mountain Pass we got a real good look at what lay ahead. A lot more snow heading to a very rocky cliffed trail. So what do you do in this situation, go fly a kite. It was very gusty on the pass so we relaxed for a bit & then continued on. Slow & steady across large sections of snow. Now with more of a steep incline to the snow, it seemed like only one other person had been up here lately & had come from the other direction based on the few tracks we saw.</div>
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Taking the last few switch backs onto Static Peak divide were a magnificent feat of trail engineering. Blasted thousands of feet above Death Canyon these small rocks shelves held brave hikers. We now had our first look back into the valley that held original civilization. We were a tad below 11,000 feet now & had almost four thousand feet of downhill hiking to do now. </div>
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Dropping constantly we had great looks back at Buck Mountain Pass & Death Canyon Shelf from days previous. Along our exit we had several people to stop & chat with, many thinking we were carrying much less than was required for nights in the backcountry. Eventually we met two woman who offered us a ride to our car (because of our early exit we weren't close). They have lived in Jackson all their lives & their father was the first doctor in the area, couldn't have asked for better story tellers.</div>
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That evening we relaxed & slept well on Tim's cabin floor. The next day my stomach was feeling on the mend, the elevation must have gotten to me, but was all fine now. Carlos & I set out to do some kayaking on Jackson Lake. Beers in hand, we had a wonderful time getting as far as we could out into the lake. A thunder storm echoed on the other side of the lake, covering the Grand. Truly an experience like none I have had before. </div>
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That evening we headed to this hot spring that Tim had mentioned months before on the phone to me that I knew had to be checked off. Just outside of Yellowstone, we hiked in a bit over a mile, then across am indiscriminate field of wildflowers right next to the Snake River. Sure enough, a large warm pool dropped into another large warm pool with steam rising in the closing sunset light. Views across the Snake River to the Tetons in the far distance. Paradise on earth! We stayed until the last light was gone & hiked back to the cars by headlamp, incredibly satisfied with the time we had spent in Wyoming so far.</div>
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The next day brought a mix of all things local. The three of is went to see one of the new visitor centers. The facilities everywhere in Teton National Park are outstanding. From here we hiked out along the eastern side of Phelps Lake to another place Tim recommended, a local jump rock. Along the way he showed us one of the only gravestones that was located in the park proper. A longtime homesteader that gave his land to the park with the conditions of living out his life & being buried there. It's quite hidden & beautiful. On further down the trail we met a large deer head to head, then came to our goal. Tim had been here before & took the lead & made it look easy. Although I love a good thrill, and cliff/rock jumps are on my list, but not very high. However, this was in Wyoming, with the Tetons there & we came so far. Bonzaiiiii! Felt amazing. </div>
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After hiking back along Phelps Lake, we headed to downtown Jackson Hole for some food & tourist nick-knacks. Carlos rode a giant Metal moose sculpture! We made our way to Signal Mountain on some back roads that Tim had in mind that afforded great views of the Tetons. Passing some multi-million dollar estates too. To finish out the night we headed to the Signal Mountain overlook for sunset. Our plan for the next morning was a 5am wake up & on the trail by 6am to do the roughly 20 mile Paintbrush Divide Loop, thus completing a large portion of Teton Crest Trail we had missed & hiking an entire extra canyon & lake front.</div>
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On track in the morning the three of us made our way up through prime bear country & into the base of Paintbrush Canyon. It was such an enjoyable experience to finally hike with Tim. We had known each other through skateboarding from more than a decade ago & now we shared a deep love for the mountains. The stories he shared & the facts that we learned about the whole area was outstanding.</div>
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As we gained elevation towards Holly Lake the true alpine terrain began to take over with full force. Surrounded now by granite peaks on all side we had made if much closer to the Divide in great time. It was only about 8:30am & we were about to have tackled almost 4,000ft of elevation gain before 10am. The last mile or so up to Paintbrush Divide was some of the more precarious & steady hiking in some very steep snow fields. Good steps had laid the way, but we could see many people's steps trying other approaches. </div>
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Climbing the last few switchbacks leads to the grandest view across a broad plateau punctuated with massive granite peaks. We had made it to Paintbrush Divide. Looking far down into Cascade Canyon & infamous Solitude Lake. At this point we had done something like eight miles (if memory serves me). We dropped very quickly along a very rocky trail, my eyes struggled to take in the view & also not twist my ankle. Within a mile of the lake rain began to fall more & more steadily. Pulling out the hard shells the hiking was still magnificent. </div>
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Arriving for lunch at Lake Solitude felt amazing. Just the month before this place had been on the cover of the magazine that spurred this trip so many years before. Sitting in the shelter of the pines with rain coming down was extremely peaceful. Leaving the lake the rain intensified & we had many many miles of down canyon hiking to do & we made the best of it. The views were still far reaching & the conversation was good. We hit the junction to head further down Cascade Canyon & pressed on. Large waterfalls & rivers emerged on the cliff sides far above that were gorgeous. The name of the river lead to be true with huge tumbling cascades culminating in one of the parks classic waterfall boat trips at the base of the canyon. </div>
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Tim took us on a last side trip to see some trail construction their team was doing along a very popular section. Large bags of rocks flown in & huge amounts of labor to create these steadfast trails for all to enjoy. We had a mile or so left to round Jenny Lake back to our car at the other trail head. Along this section I saw my first birds nests that was totally carved & cut into a tree. Living in the hallow tree we could hear the little babies. A bit further down the trail Tim pointed out an Osprey nest high in the tree that had some baby birds in it as well. Back at the car & ready for a beer we completed another life-list hike I had always had scribbled on a notepad.</div>
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The next morning we packed my Camry & said our good-byes. The times we had in Wyoming were memorable beyond belief. It certainly won't be the last. We headed back through some fantastic wilderness on our drive & saw some crazy weather. </div>
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Stopping this time in Utah at another friend's house for the last night on the trip, thank you Jessica! We went to a great local dinner & then had awesome ice cream/yogurt. The next day we explored Brigham Young's home & toured one of the original Mormon temples. Lastly we had to see some desert landscape & drove out to explore a few areas just outside of town. One more chance to fly a kite on this epic trip!</div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-90803068300913748412015-07-15T12:00:00.004-07:002015-07-15T14:03:02.986-07:00Hiking the Backbone Trail - Santa Monica Mountains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knrojGuWYCaqO0KCEhTpzIRo0d0LEis__xP2a-KXMniAs4XmiBdN5g5HgR3yHnk-VNjLBFQ3oY0QQqqvDn9nVUm4KTQ_s6oBfqRycoAj7Lx037Vd3xk4FBaWw2XeIZCQ-lcx6FndeuU/s1600/Santa+Monica+Mts+-+Backbone+Trail+OVERVIEW.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_knrojGuWYCaqO0KCEhTpzIRo0d0LEis__xP2a-KXMniAs4XmiBdN5g5HgR3yHnk-VNjLBFQ3oY0QQqqvDn9nVUm4KTQ_s6oBfqRycoAj7Lx037Vd3xk4FBaWw2XeIZCQ-lcx6FndeuU/s320/Santa+Monica+Mts+-+Backbone+Trail+OVERVIEW.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtto4AVOiPEjgOJir6Uwq4O0bKZUbTmZxDTodEtXlK_83SoNdiQx-1x9mrEyPhBO-YNxaW5Mb-kfVmts25SELsxvfGQ94zNPJyV5Et8hXc_v_SQaKfDQmiA-jUD_5SefyN39tASU6OA4/s1600/DSC01848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<b>| SECTION 1 - Will Rogers State Park to Kanan Road |</b></div>
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There are those cliche sayings like, "...adventure is just around the corner." and "There is a great big world out in your own backyard." Welp! This trip proved these to be cliches for a reason, a big adventure was right outside our back door.</div>
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There's always talk of the 'next trip' amongst any friends. First looking at Sespe River as a thru hike option, but as logistics & dates were discussed there were some small road blocks that put that on the back burner for another time. Then the idea to hike the whole Santa Monica Mountain Backbone Trail was thrown out there. We had all see the trail signs while day hiking locally, but the idea of a new approach was enticing.</div>
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Deciding to hike the entire 67 miles in two weekends was our best approach to allow for work & other obligations to stay on track. There are some logistical issues to this trail that are different than others, namely camping locations & water sources. Check with the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrail.htm" target="_blank">NPS at Santa Monica Mts</a> for more info on those things. We set up water caches a day prior at road crossings to help us move without fear of going dry, which would definitely have happened had we depended on the only 5ish natural sources we saw.</div>
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We set off from Will Rogers before dawn in March, hiking the trail in a Westerly direction, purely because we wanted to end, hiking downhill to the beach, as opposed to ending in the city at a public park, blah! This proved to be an outstanding reward & gave us an unsuspected challenge, but more on that later.</div>
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The first eleven or twelve miles was really nice hiking, views all the way to downtown Los Angeles one direction & all the way to the Pacific Ocean the other. The very early Spring weather brought hundreds of birds out.</div>
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We reached Topanga State park as the mornings day hike crowds were just starting. We came to a crossroads where the traditional route goes below Eagle Rock, while you could go up & around to stand on top of Eagle Rock. Traditional route from this point on was our goal.</div>
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Heading down the Musch Trail into the park proper was outstanding! A barreling canopy of green ivy proved great shade as the day grew warmer. Counting seven different species of wildflowers along the side of the well worth path only added to the small surprises. </div>
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After brunch we set out across a couple roads in Topanga Canyon & one of the more tricky navigational portions. At one point before you reach Topanga Canyon Hwy the trail drops down to the backside of an elementary school playground (it looked like). Then you wonder if you made a wrong turn... hang a sharp right (north) & walk up a paved short road to two huge white water towers. You'll see the path begin on the right side of the towers, then drop down to a really nice green area, eventually to the highway.</div>
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We had looked forward to crossing into the local Topanga interpretive trail, only a half mile or so, but really informative. Wonderfully hand painted signs educated on plant biology & local history. The only random part, was this section of the trail was exceptionally steep. Funny for something I'd normally assume to be leisurely as an interpretive trail. </div>
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After Old Topanga Road we filled up on water & headed up into Hondo Canyon during the warmest part of the day. Despite looking at a pretty decent climb, this portion would eventually land in my "Top 3" favorite sections by the end of the trail, but also agreed to be the hardest climb b/c we hit it at the warmest part of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P7QxkbSntqzJpWwd1yuiV458Jz7oledo8F8jiKQi-xM_EY0SO9FEogTv4d_l9nx4cy-2sJQF0t037LfahSiBPUxrUD8JSVYY6TVBp0dmvxoTpRGbQCjLsX_RZ9GvqIEzL_W-lTE7d_I/s1600/DSC01938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4P7QxkbSntqzJpWwd1yuiV458Jz7oledo8F8jiKQi-xM_EY0SO9FEogTv4d_l9nx4cy-2sJQF0t037LfahSiBPUxrUD8JSVYY6TVBp0dmvxoTpRGbQCjLsX_RZ9GvqIEzL_W-lTE7d_I/s320/DSC01938.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The rolling meadows of grassy fields & oak trees gave way to large sandstone cliff bands a thousand feet above. We wandered throw bright yellow meadows of shoulder high wild mustard & wild purple lupine. It was some of the best Los Angeles hiking I had done. Absolutely outstanding. The curving trail lead deeper into the rugged canyon that had very different features than many of the other reaches of the Santa Monica's. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a9-KVQu4wKJw4YzY2M6OB8fxWkTr3BQ3i33gfHB9DkM2m2j53kRRevuZtQyGzeI9IP9sldxU_CQYpyBzLLQFri-8M_eOP1oUYSvgjjY5MiNpFEUftU97F008SpfkXFyjRb9gAN4JxIM/s1600/DSC01945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-a9-KVQu4wKJw4YzY2M6OB8fxWkTr3BQ3i33gfHB9DkM2m2j53kRRevuZtQyGzeI9IP9sldxU_CQYpyBzLLQFri-8M_eOP1oUYSvgjjY5MiNpFEUftU97F008SpfkXFyjRb9gAN4JxIM/s320/DSC01945.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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We'd been hiking about seven hours now & found a large rock to split the climb in half, taking a rest in the canyon shade. Topping out of Hondo Canyon felt great, with a bit more climbing along Fossil Ridge to go. Only adding the the magic that was the afternoon in Hondo Canyon, we were treating to ocean views all along the trail across the top of Fossil Ridge. The icing on the cake was the large fist size shell fossil imprints left in many of the rocks right along the trail. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgclOnQZtF4i26Ar-BVUecCNFQOZpnRjx0ree7l31qYa_MKYUVE_7V-QgMOJp7o7HbFFnKCycHqyBNPL7JCbdaAmauViAaKuZwFpGZQGLwCSDcpC55eT2nAKDQXZd7ulWwQYG9CNhQRzo/s1600/DSC01941.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgclOnQZtF4i26Ar-BVUecCNFQOZpnRjx0ree7l31qYa_MKYUVE_7V-QgMOJp7o7HbFFnKCycHqyBNPL7JCbdaAmauViAaKuZwFpGZQGLwCSDcpC55eT2nAKDQXZd7ulWwQYG9CNhQRzo/s320/DSC01941.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Reaching the Stunt Road junction we sat on a bench & took in the views. Another nice benefit to this thru hike is these small respites of road/trail heads with trash cans & sometimes bathrooms to help alleviate carrying too much nonsense. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbxR_6J6NF_G3wi1QFubozeT8qRiVOgPchgYHiRkqAOitemYykcl8BKLC0kczNKVz8wkJ_mbUeetC74Hp7w5eZBHgiRPZgVOPOZh4i3IyRzQegy0wUzQ5qzY4xc3o7in5_YlfnPbItOU/s1600/DSC01949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbxR_6J6NF_G3wi1QFubozeT8qRiVOgPchgYHiRkqAOitemYykcl8BKLC0kczNKVz8wkJ_mbUeetC74Hp7w5eZBHgiRPZgVOPOZh4i3IyRzQegy0wUzQ5qzY4xc3o7in5_YlfnPbItOU/s320/DSC01949.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Moving on we had to walk about a hundred yards down the paved road to where the trail continues, uphill. This was the only wrong turn we made, or lack of making a turn, we continued on the main trail towards some antennas. Realizing our error by taking out the map, it was only about a fifteen minute mistake. It also awarded us with some of the best ocean views yet, clear as could be all the way to Catalina Island.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphen8MIggVhTV1mOQa14b7WPLJ_a7reGRaoEj01-7qnXSJV2HyKj4XaOskLntoYzqnR604KCBOfL_LZYQbKss6OWgDp67aRln8isxBgfKojS5NzrcXd-KwmmtGHPv8V-BjC-UwQU0lEZzA/s1600/DSC01977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphen8MIggVhTV1mOQa14b7WPLJ_a7reGRaoEj01-7qnXSJV2HyKj4XaOskLntoYzqnR604KCBOfL_LZYQbKss6OWgDp67aRln8isxBgfKojS5NzrcXd-KwmmtGHPv8V-BjC-UwQU0lEZzA/s320/DSC01977.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now heading the right way, the trail dropped down right through some impressive rock towers revealing views far across the valleys to Los Padres National Park. For miles & miles we head downhill, hitting some steep switchbacks & sneaking looks at the next section of the Backbone. We were learning the name of the game now... miles of roller coaster ups & downs along the spine of the mountains, then drop into a connecting canyon, only to climb back up to next portion of the ridge line. </div>
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Reaching Las Virgenes we ate under the bridge & refilled on water. Being quite warm & sunny we hit another heavy duty climb on open fire roads. Super hot, super sweaty, we hugged the inside portion of the trail to stay in the small shaded sections. Once on top, again, the ocean views were all the reward I needed to forget about the previous hour of grunting.</div>
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More than ever, the fire road climbed up only to drop down, eventually reaching the Medicine Rocks area. The route traces right along the true spine of the mountains, with sandstone formations that look like a Stegosaurus' back! The trail then winds down below Castro Peak (I think due to private land) into a wonderful canyon area. The trail did seem to take a while to get anywhere at this point, but it was beautiful.</div>
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Climbing to the last saddle of the first section on Sunday evening, we hiked trail that goes over the Kanan Tunnels & dropped our gear at the Kanan trailhead parking lot. Just a hint under 40 miles from our start at Will Rogers State Park.</div>
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Then we got some beer...</div>
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<b>| SECTION 2 - Kanan Road to Point Mugu State Park |</b></div>
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Time had passed, as it does, but only by three months. We decided to jump on an open weekend & finish up the second & last section of our Santa Monica Backbone trip. Starting again before dawn where we left off at Kanan Rd, we had completely different weather this time. June gloom near the beach was in full effect with a thick marine layer covered the hillsides.</div>
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We walked on through the enchanted lower canyons, the oaks gnarled & twisted gave a magical feel that added to the beauty. There was a dense green to all the flora around from the heavy moisture. The trail connected us over and through several great canyons before long we had covered a good distance.</div>
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After some more standard uphill we crossed a road & began climbing up into the Encinal Canyon area. The trail had become noticeable less steep & well graded, it was mountain biker heaven for the next seven miles of trail. Not one yielded to hikers like the ethics call for, but maybe next time.</div>
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Still stuck in the clouds along the upper reaches we hadn't seen beyond 100 yards all day. Though refreshing & a bit humid compared to our last time in the mountains, I was really missing the views. But patience would prove to reward us.</div>
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We rounded a bend & the clouds finally parted after seven hours of hiking. We could see Sandstone Peak, the highest point of the Santa Monica Mountains & our next climb. Pausing for a good rest at the Misha Mockwa trail head before we snacked & gathered our last water cache for the trip. The next 15+ miles had no dependable water sources.</div>
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After much sweating, the summit of Sandstone Peak was a crown fit for the Santa Monica Mountains. All around the views were dynamic & ever changing. The Pacific Ocean, thousands of feet below one way, large rolling chaparral meadows punctuated with massive sandstone monoliths to the other. Snapping a quick group photo we headed on. From this point on the crowds thinned out considerably... more like we didn't see anyone for miles & miles. </div>
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Merging onto the Chamberlin Trail we navigated through more amazing sandstone windows that would offer views to the sprawling sea of clouds that covered the ocean below us. It had been really nice to hike above the clouds, but we were losing elevation & heading back down into another canyon. Not without one last memory searing vision of the tall sandstone cliffs guarding the deep reaches of the Santa Monica Mountains.</div>
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Another a couple hours of downhill hiking we emerged below the clouds in the Boney Mountains area on the edge of the 2013 Springs Fire. None of our group had hiked any of this area so it was real treat to see something new. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6LI5z3pkKVr8olh7iO6Q6cY0I3w6y891YQb3OPKwGk2ps0aMH_L37EdiuExnK1SAmQf4ieGzVL4OtaeOqaiMOwRD4LQbx69e7VJzg2rMRyCVINqVZJfsy5pDsk_8RVXoxmlxsZlxZkc/s1600/DSC03244-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6LI5z3pkKVr8olh7iO6Q6cY0I3w6y891YQb3OPKwGk2ps0aMH_L37EdiuExnK1SAmQf4ieGzVL4OtaeOqaiMOwRD4LQbx69e7VJzg2rMRyCVINqVZJfsy5pDsk_8RVXoxmlxsZlxZkc/s320/DSC03244-2.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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The fire had really ravage the area, all corners in all directions the mountain sides were burned. Outstanding flat & fun trail took us along the bottom of Big Sycamore Canyon to Danielson Camp. A great rest stop with bathrooms & a huge group camping area. There is a private residence on the property that a family uses from time to time a local told us. Many mountain bikers passed through the camp looking for water & it seemed to have been shut off at all the outlets. They said this was odd & there was almost <i>always </i>water at the camp. Glad we didn't rely on that info.</div>
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Taking the traditional route down the dirt road we came to a shaded picnic table with the junction that will take us back up to the Backbone for the last time on the trip. Just across the from the trail junction there was a running faucet. It being the hottest part of the day & the clouds gone, we dosed our clothes in water & headed up hill, fully exposed to the sun in the burn area. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7qbvE4jRSjh5o8hJ7lO2aRuD9hyphenhyphenJbf4rkRt2p5O-3fYygWH7xiAyJS44jZXHCYcPfwB0dgPB2bFBlwaNUabMXKOOV3JCQja39CH4hlr5MabEHQXP6JnqhK94SGEJytVWtRjP_WyeFmY/s1600/DSC03273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7qbvE4jRSjh5o8hJ7lO2aRuD9hyphenhyphenJbf4rkRt2p5O-3fYygWH7xiAyJS44jZXHCYcPfwB0dgPB2bFBlwaNUabMXKOOV3JCQja39CH4hlr5MabEHQXP6JnqhK94SGEJytVWtRjP_WyeFmY/s320/DSC03273.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Although the heat didn't bother me like I though it would, the views melted away any pain that I felt. The trail we were on was breath taking! We would see the whole canyon we had hiked down, then on up the switchbacks to the saddle that leaves the Sandstone area. Truly a wonderful feeling seeing all the ground we had covered. </div>
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After more mountain bikers not yielding to hikers, we made it to the fire road that would take us along the last spine of the mountains towards the ocean. Some might say hiking a fire road can be boring, but this one had views all around us that kept all my attention. La Jolla Canyon looked huge from far above & is now a place I need to explore soon. </div>
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We came to the last junction, turned right on the Ray Miller Trail & reaped three absolutely gorgeous miles of downhill hiking. It is hard to describe how it felt to come from the far reaching canyons & hike down this ocean front trail straight down to the ocean. A permanent smile never ceased while the crisp ocean gusts blew my hair back. I couldn't get enough. I was so glad we had chosen to hike the whole trail in the direction to end here.</div>
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At the bottom we crossed Pacific Coast Highway, dropped our packs in the sand & took a dip in the Pacific Ocean. What a magnificent hike. Our last goal was to get to our car that was parked about 5 miles south on PCH where overnight parking is allowed. After a friendly conversation with a family of hikers we snagged a ride in the bed of their truck down the highway.</div>
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<u>INFORMATION</u></div>
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<b>Total: 67 miles. 18,497 feet climbed, 18,232 feet descended</b></div>
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The four Tom Harris maps were extremely useful. </div>
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Very helpful trail running report: <a href="http://gravityh.com/santamonicamountainsbackbone.htm" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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Andy King has a helpful website: <a href="http://andyking.net/blog/2014/04/backbone-trail-santa-monica-mountains/" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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Not too helpful, but fun, Backpacker article: <a href="http://www.backpacker.com/trips/california/how-to-thru-hike-l-a-county/" target="_blank">HERE</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The water caches put in place were removed as we hiked & were created with leaf foliage that surrounded the immediate area. No impact was left.</span></div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-54237610526997666112015-06-17T12:16:00.003-07:002015-06-28T21:20:57.751-07:00Backpacking & Day Hiking Zion Natl Park - Kelso Sand Dunes in Mojave<div style="text-align: center;">
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After all the talk I had heard it was time to see Zion for myself. Being only a short days drive from my home in LA it was crazy I'd never been to see this stunning place. Planning for a week solo trip I had an open canvas of opportunity. Weather seemed to be a factor that all trips battle with & this was no exception. Originally, a five day backpacking trip turned into the Plan B trip that proved to be a most excellent time.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/131004954?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe><br /></div>
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With the small weather window I did have before three to four days of rain hit the park I chose to backpack the East Rim Trail & try to reach portions of the park that were far less traveled. Besides, the East Rim has everything from narrow canyons, hanging gardens, open rock slabs & high mountain plateaus. </div>
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Setting out from Weeping Rock I climbed a beautifully designed trail blasted right out of the side of the cliff. My goal of Cable Mountain loomed high over head. I would be taking a huge round about way to get there b/c that's just how the trail happens to go. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Cable Mountain - 6,900ft |</span><br />
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A couple hours passed & I crested into a higher valley that crossed open rock formations with small cairns marking the way to go. With one solid climb left before reaching the high plateau I sat & ate lunch looking out into the white walled cliffs, dropping thousands of feet down to the tree covered valleys below.</div>
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I was ahead of schedule & covered the trail quickly to the junction for Cable Mt. Three more miles from here. The trail continue in a mild, meandering way. Long open vistas of Utah rock mesas filled the horizon. The gathering clouds added a dramatic touch to everything the eye could see.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Beautiful trail |</span><br />
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Finally dropping back down to the actual summit (ugg!) of Cable Mt I had it all so myself. Views in all directions into the main canyon of Zion. Towering far above Angels Landing I could only imagine the crowds swarming the thin ribbon of rock. I sat simply on edge of an almost 7,000ft vertical cliff, listening to the wind whisper quietly to the birds open wings.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Cable Moutain - Third on the left w/ flat face |</span><br />
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I spent two hours on the summit taking in all that I could. Also resting my shoulders from the "all water" carry on this trip. Stave Spring was dry early this year & there was no natural water source in this area of the park. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| East Rim Trail - Upper Plateau |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| On Cable Mt/Deertrap Mt trail |</span><br />
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Hoisting my pack I slowly made the way three miles back to the East Rim trail. Still slow & meandering the trail hadn't changed. The sun was dipping lower in the day by that time adding extra color to the thick white cumulus clouds.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Summit of Cable Moutain - Looking down at Angels Landing |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmlaXJY9YGgOtBS8Q4LvyVHknoap75j1CamvyyL7bYA1ak-BdY8suNTECn5-u8WkB5ULxdwxtEPpLx-FlB85xEc0HS5xXP_6WSO_ziuZM89y7uaO-iESlTUFhcpKRk7JzEvGxfemsZw4/s1600/DSC02691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmlaXJY9YGgOtBS8Q4LvyVHknoap75j1CamvyyL7bYA1ak-BdY8suNTECn5-u8WkB5ULxdwxtEPpLx-FlB85xEc0HS5xXP_6WSO_ziuZM89y7uaO-iESlTUFhcpKRk7JzEvGxfemsZw4/s320/DSC02691.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Old cable system infrastructure |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Best seat in the house |</span><br />
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A small patch of empty ground was found, shelter set up & dinner cooking over the stove. Time for a pull of whiskey & staring at the sunset. Doesn't get much better.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| I don't recommend Bushnell SolarWrap as a solar charger, but works well as a battery cell (1 year of use) |</span><br />
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The next morning, after packing up, I made my way along the last miles of the East Rim Trail. Crossing very near to several deep reaching white walled canyons. At Jolley Gulch you can stand right on the crumbling edge of the fantastic natural wonder.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Jolley Gulch |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqXGrocjQwPWi7EcgMyzYezholsN3WgW_0F2qojsLU5Gjao7j5yBCGDgBWIm-LL0bjir6DdzAEZzISYKj6Uq90ZnawYXOwMx6LZs5N_VdlNyRkVtUXFjUnA-PfiS5YACoycQkeoP83Q/s1600/DSC02786.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiqXGrocjQwPWi7EcgMyzYezholsN3WgW_0F2qojsLU5Gjao7j5yBCGDgBWIm-LL0bjir6DdzAEZzISYKj6Uq90ZnawYXOwMx6LZs5N_VdlNyRkVtUXFjUnA-PfiS5YACoycQkeoP83Q/s320/DSC02786.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back at the car a cold beer was had, some planning was done & off I went to see more of Zion. The East Rim & Checkerboard Mesa, then down to the main valley for the classic tourist history stops. Heck, I'd never been here, need to get into the mix for at least one afternoon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Shelf Canyon |</span><br />
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The next day I planned two day hikes that would hopefully bring very few crowds. Starting at dawn I drove to a turn out along the road heading to the East Entrance in search of Shelf Canyon. This is an unmarked "trail" in the sense that it is a slot canyon that is passable to a point that begins just off the highway.</div>
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Climbing over rocks deeper into the canyon the walls began to grow taller & closer, eventually choked at one point I took a narrow side trail up & around. From here on Shelf Canyon is a magical wonder of sheer winding cliffs & fallen yellow blocks.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Shelf Canyon Slots |</span><br />
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Eventually the canyon becomes too narrow & full of debris. There is no forward progress from here, but what a marvelous secret place... WITH NO PEOPLE. Not even other foot prints in the sand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-A03MhyphenhyphenRuPMXs4OfNv81lbHwi-G2Qi4c2M6UOVGeWWJZIUdDSkql4YazbiDH-B_yWURkrHl9RYzVIeNK_Pq7sxl-35gSw59qCLZ0UQnvnzgBkiWX3wm2dQurleQR4lNA3f0xhML_2Ls/s1600/DSC02822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-A03MhyphenhyphenRuPMXs4OfNv81lbHwi-G2Qi4c2M6UOVGeWWJZIUdDSkql4YazbiDH-B_yWURkrHl9RYzVIeNK_Pq7sxl-35gSw59qCLZ0UQnvnzgBkiWX3wm2dQurleQR4lNA3f0xhML_2Ls/s320/DSC02822.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Tracing my steps back, the hiked looked totally different heading the other direction. And with good time I was back in my car heading to the Kolab Terrace area next. Rain had begun to fall in small bursts but nothing terribly threatening yet. Forty Five minutes later I was on the entire other side of Zion, far from the main valley & the crowds. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Taylor Creek, Kolob Terrace |</span><br />
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Plans had been working to avoid the main trails & sights while still thoroughly engaging in a true Zion Utah experience. I parked at the Taylor Creek Trail & was looking to make it to Double Arch Cove, plus some miles off trail after.</div>
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Within just a few minutes of walking the trail takes you into huge open valleys with thousand foot canyon walls on all sides! There are no other hikers out. Rivaling anything down in the main canyon this wonderland is totally empty. The history nerd in me makes it to the first 1930's era Larson Cabin, still anxious for the second Fife Cabin that is deeper in the Middle Fork.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Middle Fork, Taylor Creek |</span><br />
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As the day hits noon, a few more day hikers appear while I make the final stretch to Double Arch Cove. Nothing could have prepared me for the sight that clung to the sides of the cliff walls. Thousands of feet above the first arch glowed in the afternoon sun, just below it an alcove sheltered by a second arch could house a tennis arena. Truly a magnificently huge area hidden behind many twists & turns in the river. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7VbwUHIZY7FGYFhVmBRP_vrZupeT40wKOF4VIX6vcAeMqpB7_JGYTy4oYnbXxF5P-kRXXtoXnAZgnC1En0CD6rZEycE9TZvIHMNOqN0iGXiXakR6mses7xk-J05_M103KITMNCfsHsI/s1600/DSC02852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT7VbwUHIZY7FGYFhVmBRP_vrZupeT40wKOF4VIX6vcAeMqpB7_JGYTy4oYnbXxF5P-kRXXtoXnAZgnC1En0CD6rZEycE9TZvIHMNOqN0iGXiXakR6mses7xk-J05_M103KITMNCfsHsI/s320/DSC02852.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Fife Cabin - 1930s |</span></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOJCZSXfO9yEb3DbEqEH7RXqWVR8GeS4fVZS1CggBpWSWmMDljpvgxngIy-ZMmDvqJCPKBy0Qf_C01uFJIWw3JEz2EmyosXy3zXtw19ZFReqNzz2LDFmK9a7t-pVDnZBdhvoi-1bJfr4/s1600/20150514_135255-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
Pressing on further passed the alcove the trail disappears up a landslide next to a waterfall type setting. Up I went, with views opening up for miles into the upper reaches of the canyon. My goal was to bushwhack to another set of remote narrows. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuCi3ITo-JISV_fs0sLdMFhiQtNvEtg92rpNf6GHx-O1y_-wBzEznWED0ug2K1pB6W2miHgF1L7gIXt6Wm8FIpWF4XU2HvINhFvndgfq-8TEoVTyCJTg3PjGK70fvFDu-Xfbs7BR8xQk/s1600/DSC02857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPuCi3ITo-JISV_fs0sLdMFhiQtNvEtg92rpNf6GHx-O1y_-wBzEznWED0ug2K1pB6W2miHgF1L7gIXt6Wm8FIpWF4XU2HvINhFvndgfq-8TEoVTyCJTg3PjGK70fvFDu-Xfbs7BR8xQk/s320/DSC02857.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Double Arches |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecxnmJUtD8HNf1F16A4-zeIjvFe9EikJcV2dRlSO68C6xs6iul5WoBNQFO2NVzDMhnqiQEX-Y9qpJCbLjgpw_Y8-3cIo7_ILQKO49cC7uPTU-BMLEtD_J-0sHCIeMA02Oe-3gmQsMAs/s1600/DSC02864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecxnmJUtD8HNf1F16A4-zeIjvFe9EikJcV2dRlSO68C6xs6iul5WoBNQFO2NVzDMhnqiQEX-Y9qpJCbLjgpw_Y8-3cIo7_ILQKO49cC7uPTU-BMLEtD_J-0sHCIeMA02Oe-3gmQsMAs/s320/DSC02864.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Double Arch Alcove - Notice the photographer in the bottom right! |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdIn8sRHRq8DRV-XuDPxCGATVl79sz4EW1G2TKTenmR3G24UUkrvodV7MlCyGjH4ZA-OwPrfhBu6c5PD0g5iicfihPmml9vFqFmCzP3v-_E1N0mVHcoarPJucQhU4PDcjvBuiYOOnCio/s1600/DSC02865.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdIn8sRHRq8DRV-XuDPxCGATVl79sz4EW1G2TKTenmR3G24UUkrvodV7MlCyGjH4ZA-OwPrfhBu6c5PD0g5iicfihPmml9vFqFmCzP3v-_E1N0mVHcoarPJucQhU4PDcjvBuiYOOnCio/s320/DSC02865.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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Hiking further up canyon rain began to fall. The grey clouds had finally unleashed their contents & it seriously made me think about my options. Climbing higher on the embankment, trying to check my distance left to the narrows, a thunderous boom echoed through the canyon directly above me, rolling through the heavens.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLuRQC6a5syaTGC6rOgECUGWbfpdvNvLoCiRMrcGZ9brTlJQRvzAAQI-SiwjC9TF3OcJ3kTk5oMLbFuES49Jbp1Ar441Ksgzu2upVJxM5Q6o94vCLG6gQTtJAEPLAbtmaETSpNDCYU5w/s1600/20150514_103945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLuRQC6a5syaTGC6rOgECUGWbfpdvNvLoCiRMrcGZ9brTlJQRvzAAQI-SiwjC9TF3OcJ3kTk5oMLbFuES49Jbp1Ar441Ksgzu2upVJxM5Q6o94vCLG6gQTtJAEPLAbtmaETSpNDCYU5w/s320/20150514_103945.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Middle Fork, Taylor Creek |</span><br />
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It was pretty clear it would be better choice to turn around. For the next couple hours hike out the storm only increased. Thunder continue to fill the ear drums of all the wildlife in the western corner of Zion, while thoroughly washing us all with rain, then hail, then rain again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOJCZSXfO9yEb3DbEqEH7RXqWVR8GeS4fVZS1CggBpWSWmMDljpvgxngIy-ZMmDvqJCPKBy0Qf_C01uFJIWw3JEz2EmyosXy3zXtw19ZFReqNzz2LDFmK9a7t-pVDnZBdhvoi-1bJfr4/s1600/20150514_135255-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlOJCZSXfO9yEb3DbEqEH7RXqWVR8GeS4fVZS1CggBpWSWmMDljpvgxngIy-ZMmDvqJCPKBy0Qf_C01uFJIWw3JEz2EmyosXy3zXtw19ZFReqNzz2LDFmK9a7t-pVDnZBdhvoi-1bJfr4/s320/20150514_135255-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzPne-2-JzLynpRcGr2DpWDuE0SSHIJiYcTtJGODVPnN-E2XPFn0626RPm4Yglw7gpaYw9qhKPd0Kx_PolkZq4FusJ5T-Q_vabjG6uGo3TtObw4KrsfVTtaHUfzOULcSKnmS520EwOrs/s1600/DSC02871.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzPne-2-JzLynpRcGr2DpWDuE0SSHIJiYcTtJGODVPnN-E2XPFn0626RPm4Yglw7gpaYw9qhKPd0Kx_PolkZq4FusJ5T-Q_vabjG6uGo3TtObw4KrsfVTtaHUfzOULcSKnmS520EwOrs/s320/DSC02871.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back at the car now I did some scenic driving before heading out of the park. The North western corner of the park really took me by surprise. Hopefully people make it all the way out there, but not TOO many people (wink wink).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbC4sP3WHsvSU5f0XmsUrQK9j9aI70E7PMJ42sjl6X1bpj04HP6dk8iRPdiVHp26wt7LteEh5Y0XIOdJhumwj1MlHudl8TwiHuTP16C87EST97OjwEUEWboBpmdGqBkarh6iOvZzHuM/s1600/20150514_182055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgbC4sP3WHsvSU5f0XmsUrQK9j9aI70E7PMJ42sjl6X1bpj04HP6dk8iRPdiVHp26wt7LteEh5Y0XIOdJhumwj1MlHudl8TwiHuTP16C87EST97OjwEUEWboBpmdGqBkarh6iOvZzHuM/s320/20150514_182055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mojave |</span><br />
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The next goal for the trip was to try & get away from the the rain. I had overheard it was snowing in Bryce so I wasn't going there. Pulled out the map & decided on checking out the Mojave Desert. Being the third largest national park (or something like that) I had never set foot in it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT-JdNdQZ8IJRfVfboH9WKPDd2iZVc9g6OXwIqmPjdaIwMhcMMCuFt97ZXvtswAAj2Xx9PjVLhhzNMv1bheMvx3KSjf8QGze1Cz6vGPWZbycwtYfQIy5M7mR-wGho7yDhatevL4aOc30/s1600/20150514_195216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoT-JdNdQZ8IJRfVfboH9WKPDd2iZVc9g6OXwIqmPjdaIwMhcMMCuFt97ZXvtswAAj2Xx9PjVLhhzNMv1bheMvx3KSjf8QGze1Cz6vGPWZbycwtYfQIy5M7mR-wGho7yDhatevL4aOc30/s320/20150514_195216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After some quick research I learned they allow camping along the road in certain areas of the park so I set off in search of another flat place for my tent. Eventually landing myself in the largest concentration of Joshua Trees on the United States, Mojave was really paying off right away.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/131003239?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe></div>
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That night it rained for several hours & dropped down quite low in the temps, enough to freeze all the moisture that had fallen. Packed up, I set out across the park on it's endless two lane highways. My goal was to see the Kelso Sand Dunes & maybe do some hiking. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAk2M1m9I31DU4sxIwSg8QNuZSF1OvuzVsAJmib_ecpIvvITVcomVjVnTHT9eiRsofFfjgiImViPTndh24SVs3Ai0HcwKcoSu53XxW_VgmT34HAIiOZvsJKH_fWb4Pnb4b5l-bdgJmBo/s1600/20150515_061328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAk2M1m9I31DU4sxIwSg8QNuZSF1OvuzVsAJmib_ecpIvvITVcomVjVnTHT9eiRsofFfjgiImViPTndh24SVs3Ai0HcwKcoSu53XxW_VgmT34HAIiOZvsJKH_fWb4Pnb4b5l-bdgJmBo/s320/20150515_061328.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV96Cd7uyyIb2pma5P01ohWyh3RYwVHN1Nucv32LGGQ-oKiZ_pazPNEBVO64mOVRFqy4N1Z9v-o78PifPw_CYhcJVjJzPuBSz5VIvBi0pnUXp-zRp1VqN0hcGsFn7fFopr-HgFVh_tv4/s1600/20150515_065510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNV96Cd7uyyIb2pma5P01ohWyh3RYwVHN1Nucv32LGGQ-oKiZ_pazPNEBVO64mOVRFqy4N1Z9v-o78PifPw_CYhcJVjJzPuBSz5VIvBi0pnUXp-zRp1VqN0hcGsFn7fFopr-HgFVh_tv4/s320/20150515_065510.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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I stopped in the small town ghost town of Kelso & checkout the historical relics. Like most old Western towns it cropped up around mining operations & was abandoned when the companies went bust.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-2ZMQJOGUOe28enO2z4xCJZqIdx2DXq5iRENZbhoYxNIJwxSoCM5kIozKi-asFOTLFS3XFG8SnvSdTrKw4_O-q0NTu1ZryYp94VS5_r29Db_0VgMyOxH8PXQxmXPZoVdAUmge3mk0vw/s1600/20150515_072451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4-2ZMQJOGUOe28enO2z4xCJZqIdx2DXq5iRENZbhoYxNIJwxSoCM5kIozKi-asFOTLFS3XFG8SnvSdTrKw4_O-q0NTu1ZryYp94VS5_r29Db_0VgMyOxH8PXQxmXPZoVdAUmge3mk0vw/s320/20150515_072451.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Kelso Ghost Town |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Kelso Jail |</span><br />
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Turning on the washboard dirt road out to the dunes really makes you feel how big this place is. I had only seen three cars in the first two hours of driving & there wasn't a soul insight at the dunes. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PaYg0Nb4K1PRTt0_vInlwWHKQ4zDjgsTR5mUv8FYvV0fUy2-UNCvX_87LjqNopVqDnfEEpS-tDiqvIsX8mAOyWCFngsUQXL2_MVRH2ncyWSPAwBfyxqwLq9E79yAdGGXcntQ2GpXUKo/s1600/20150515_075129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-PaYg0Nb4K1PRTt0_vInlwWHKQ4zDjgsTR5mUv8FYvV0fUy2-UNCvX_87LjqNopVqDnfEEpS-tDiqvIsX8mAOyWCFngsUQXL2_MVRH2ncyWSPAwBfyxqwLq9E79yAdGGXcntQ2GpXUKo/s320/20150515_075129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Kelso Sand Dunes |</span><br />
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After having done a bit of hiking in my life, I really didn't think the dunes hike would be too hard, boy was I wrong. It took a solid fifty minutes just to approach to base of the dune. The sand roller coasters up & down unforgivingly. </div>
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I chose to head diagonally up the face then walk the ridge line up to the peak, just like any normal hike. This proved to work & the best part of the hike was the half hour spent walking the A-Frame ridge. The overnight storm had washed away all tracks & the sand was a clean blanket of perfect terrain.</div>
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Though still extremely difficult to walk, I knew a fall would only be met with a sandy stop & a lot of laughing at myself. After emptying my shoes time after time I decided it was appropriate to finally head back to the car before it got too hot. </div>
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Sitting on the bumper of my car I starred into the sprawling Mojave expanse, reflecting on how my Plan B style trip had proven to really be an excellent adventure around the southwest. Full of spontaneous choices that led to wonderful memories. </div>
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Getting back to Los Angeles with one more day in the weekend to spare, I spent it with friends at the Topanga Banjo & Fiddle contest. Which was a furiously awesome finger plucking good time. </div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-16783594223096837002015-05-23T09:21:00.000-07:002015-06-01T10:41:53.752-07:00Cactus to Clouds Hike (C2C) - Mt. San Jacinto Peak<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a1NlsmGGiOnYs8oEgVcyF_pjNrMqYv0AkN2D6XiL2CcOFRNGXCQHBawjPrPA0iktBVsyA4ZpQetM4pIAAKDsqK448178cgxf41zUoG2CrKYMm8XbXwD7oAh0jfhdrE-EzK4QK6wA8Hw/s1600/c2cheadlamp03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2a1NlsmGGiOnYs8oEgVcyF_pjNrMqYv0AkN2D6XiL2CcOFRNGXCQHBawjPrPA0iktBVsyA4ZpQetM4pIAAKDsqK448178cgxf41zUoG2CrKYMm8XbXwD7oAh0jfhdrE-EzK4QK6wA8Hw/s1600/c2cheadlamp03.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Two hikers at dawn along Skyline Trail (C2C) |</span></div>
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There are so many things to say about the Cactus to Clouds trail. Being a Southern California classic built early in the Depression era by the CCC, it has been a bench mark for hikers with a passion for challenges.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124589587?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe><br /></div>
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A short synopsis of the experience is this. The trail is roughly 22ish miles long, starting around 300ft elevation among the city of Palm Springs & rising all the way to San Jacinto Peak at 10,834ft. It is a brutally long day of hiking, often starting before dawn to beat the desert heat & early enough to catch the last aerial tram down off the mountain. Top fitness is required, for the first eleven miles the trail gains around 8,000ft elevation, grabbing the last 2,800 feet over five or so miles to the actual summit. Between 2009 & 2012 four hikers died while attempting this route.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Night before in the parking lot |</span></div>
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There are lots of websites & hiking blogs out there with
information on how to prepare for this hike in the appropriate way. To
help you gauge if you are ready for the C2C. These are two sites that
really helped in our planning: <a href="http://www.hikinggeek.com/2014/01/01/cactus-to-clouds-c2c/" target="_blank">HikingGeek</a> & <a href="http://hikinjim.blogspot.com/2012/12/the-skyline-trail.html" target="_blank">HikinJim.</a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Rescue Box #1 |</span></div>
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Our small troop decided we didn't want to drive to the trail the same
morning we hiked so we opted to drive out Friday night to the Wal-Mart
Palm Springs (legal overnight) & sleep in our cars until the morning
start time. After a few hours tossing & turning we geared up &
were at the trailhead walking at 3:30am. </div>
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True to all the advice the beginning couple miles is braided rock trail
& hard to follow at times. The white painted blazes are fairly
accurate in the dark, but just heading up hill proved to work. Once at
the picnic tables it was easier going.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Plam Springs - Dawn |</span></div>
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After passing the first Rescue Box still in the cool of the night our
confidence built. The coming miles would be some of my favorite of the
trip. We hiked up tight switchbacks as the sun rose over the city.
Fantastic silhouettes all around unfolded while the dim headlamps could
be seem finding their way up the trail.</div>
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Moving onto the Never Ending Ridge portion, we continued strong. Taking
breaks in the shade when needed. Passing the 4,300 rock marker put a
smile on everyone's face. From this point on our group split in two
until Coffman's Crag, making our way through what seemed like some of the
steepest sections after the Flat Rock bench mark, but before The Traverse.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading towards the notch, middle right |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| San Gorgonio - 11,503ft |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Flat Rock landmark clean up |</span></div>
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The final push up past Coffman's Crag was steep, but did not seem to fit
all the warranted advice. Topping out into San Jancito National Park
proper it was tourists galore. Everyone had ridden the $12 gondola up to
the high meadows & cool pines. Was good to see so many people enjoying the outdoors.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Steep manzanita section |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Coffman's Crag |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Post Coffman Crag before the top of Skyline |</span></div>
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Our troop stopped for lunch near a major area & people watched, it was noon on the dot. After this we
refilled our water at the ranger station. We had just done a ton of the
climbing over eleven miles, but still had 5.5 miles up to the summit &
5.5 miles back down to the tram. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIc6UssyuRhuT8nSbvPfGOLwwo1SeBk8lLhBKOtD69ou5c2Hyq5_tU-NoyVFIXC-gRCTSPqjCvJQpyPPkkk3doUd5hjX8H8bP45u-voHIjYJjRkEUtdsyNaTZU1C2QB7c26CDoFssqfE/s1600/DSC02455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIc6UssyuRhuT8nSbvPfGOLwwo1SeBk8lLhBKOtD69ou5c2Hyq5_tU-NoyVFIXC-gRCTSPqjCvJQpyPPkkk3doUd5hjX8H8bP45u-voHIjYJjRkEUtdsyNaTZU1C2QB7c26CDoFssqfE/s1600/DSC02455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Forever switchbacks |</span></div>
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The trail winds around interminably, taking forever to reach mental check points. Finally reaching Wellmans Divide it
only takes a longer approach to the summit with long sweeping
switchbacks. Passing the summit area hut we could already see our breath, we topped out with snow around us, after climbing all the way from the desert floor. Success!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDp57HnSZgPVcdG0yQxYTh_0jzDjRWJy1lVSl7vvSepwnI0xsuFn6eGa_iBBWGZkYdFEIxrL7gigZrIwUzw0eeOthvwI5wDl-K6rNKyqvb4IwsiZxwYu8yPhHm_WDc6xSDFaoKoHkWbA/s1600/DSC02457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDp57HnSZgPVcdG0yQxYTh_0jzDjRWJy1lVSl7vvSepwnI0xsuFn6eGa_iBBWGZkYdFEIxrL7gigZrIwUzw0eeOthvwI5wDl-K6rNKyqvb4IwsiZxwYu8yPhHm_WDc6xSDFaoKoHkWbA/s1600/DSC02457.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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After a celebratory group photo & summit beer we packed up & got
out of the cold. Starting our descent on the long switchbacks the sun
was waning & revealing wonderful purple sunset hues. Before Wellman
Divide it was time for head lamps & a cautious approach to all the
small snow patches that had frozen in the cold night.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rIYCbMguCqJxyyG93RL_b50s3iH0CqBaL_NAwuEXRQXhdi1MHvMTTCW-9h9me2dFeHQCPQODngXWoDfWdiudjkvMZ7s2N8BKmhZ5mJvasTiVyCeTpFkoGKeaHpm3xrmwUDE9unjcYb8/s1600/IMG_9639.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rIYCbMguCqJxyyG93RL_b50s3iH0CqBaL_NAwuEXRQXhdi1MHvMTTCW-9h9me2dFeHQCPQODngXWoDfWdiudjkvMZ7s2N8BKmhZ5mJvasTiVyCeTpFkoGKeaHpm3xrmwUDE9unjcYb8/s1600/IMG_9639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The last few miles were a tunnel of headlamp light, but a fitting eve to
one long day hike. Reaching the tram station we bought our tickets &
the desk was good help calling a cab for us which was waiting at
the bottom of the tram ride. It was just over $25 to get us all back to
the Museum trailhead where our cars were. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcIr7X9j8KMt5oeVubyIBzcXLwpmjGdWQMtSxh8HxZh8rlcdUj7ybgpTn3luFp0cpMWkRBB-Qy4A4NFAFYFigaeCZYzfzQ-P_KhgBehSaBN8FZALJv4TRpgIi3N8u-ZHvbCjEy-wWb2w/s1600/DSC02469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjcIr7X9j8KMt5oeVubyIBzcXLwpmjGdWQMtSxh8HxZh8rlcdUj7ybgpTn3luFp0cpMWkRBB-Qy4A4NFAFYFigaeCZYzfzQ-P_KhgBehSaBN8FZALJv4TRpgIi3N8u-ZHvbCjEy-wWb2w/s1600/DSC02469.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking south |</span></div>
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Really this was a fantastic hike that can be enjoyable with the right
approach. Know that you are capable & wish to hike this with
confidence from the beginning, with the best possible info. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasuqtHwtpkqZ5Mh6yrMZuTVmkOdFlH7W69lT9gbvZgG8SZ_EApQrRB1OGAXNPngIshW2WSGo9312EIYlULl-LrQe0VoJh_oc8B_PdES0wCWBbkWf2u44HWjJ10wasLOeb-__T9UXYS-s/s1600/headlampmugshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasuqtHwtpkqZ5Mh6yrMZuTVmkOdFlH7W69lT9gbvZgG8SZ_EApQrRB1OGAXNPngIshW2WSGo9312EIYlULl-LrQe0VoJh_oc8B_PdES0wCWBbkWf2u44HWjJ10wasLOeb-__T9UXYS-s/s1600/headlampmugshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>"Sure, it’s a big deal to climb Mt. Whitney-but on the highest peak in
the lower 48, you begin at 8,360 feet. To conquer Cactus to Clouds, you
start on the desert floor and ascend 10,700 feet-a vertical half-mile
more than Whitney. Two fun ways to put your pain in perspective as you
churn up the unmaintained trail: The trek to San Jacinto’s 10,804-foot,
boulder-strewn crown is only 800 vertical feet shorter than the climb
from Everest basecamp to summit-and comparable to doing more than a
thousand flights of stairs." -</i></span><i>Michael Lanza</i><br />
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-35485899234601102792015-05-23T09:20:00.001-07:002015-05-23T09:20:42.020-07:00John Muir Trail - A Second Look Video<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Nzb0CL6WYE9PN06AyRbUC9LZSBnvTVt1HUCIIxgVV1Z9Bl2KTSWjZV5ocERU9Ne4nNhPwg7pJ9CfrEZB7VaNOvlPK4IIwDjT18YSK6mrUfGPD4FqOYYmrB1D0n753SAGLUNeXXTokI/s1600/DSC00535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge1Nzb0CL6WYE9PN06AyRbUC9LZSBnvTVt1HUCIIxgVV1Z9Bl2KTSWjZV5ocERU9Ne4nNhPwg7pJ9CfrEZB7VaNOvlPK4IIwDjT18YSK6mrUfGPD4FqOYYmrB1D0n753SAGLUNeXXTokI/s1600/DSC00535.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last year a dear friend <a href="http://jdboggs.blogspot.com/2015/01/9-days-in-sierra-nevada-mts.html" target="_blank">hiked the John Muir Trail</a> & along the way several different friends got to join in the experience. Some hiking great majorities of the trail, while others for a week at a time. After putting together a fun & high energy edit of the trip there was lots of clips that didn't quite make it into the video. Here is a second go around with all new footage that was never in the first video. Enjoy!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124707521?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe><br /></div>
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Here is the first video in case you missed it.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="293" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/116123890?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="520"></iframe><br /></div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-66711565011158027962015-04-13T20:43:00.001-07:002015-04-13T21:14:17.424-07:00Overnight at Upper Fish Fork Backcountry Camp - San Gabriel Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_fX24zD-02VegvA8i8pExCmX1xEpIIVVi3X1Rcv12J7AcKtbD-tfaxX7IG4C2Su9bGCfCgEzbmC85E2BF41LbM0pyTSx3fNfRH1t2q6xdhh8U180kqzr4TioJvv-E7UXs7Y2mJKQzmY/s1600/DSC00820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_fX24zD-02VegvA8i8pExCmX1xEpIIVVi3X1Rcv12J7AcKtbD-tfaxX7IG4C2Su9bGCfCgEzbmC85E2BF41LbM0pyTSx3fNfRH1t2q6xdhh8U180kqzr4TioJvv-E7UXs7Y2mJKQzmY/s1600/DSC00820.jpg" height="72" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mt. San Antonio 10,064ft - San Antonio Ridge - Gunsight Notch - Iron Mountain |</span><br />
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Part of great adventure is getting to experience & see things few others seldom get to. The remote corners of the maps that are pined over late in the eve, over & over again. Upper Fish Fork Camp in the San Gabriel Mountains is one such place that has had my attention for a couple years now. It is one of, if not the, most remote "established" backcountry camps in the National Forest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGD98WFpxW7Ni_rJzAkcIqpLlKvLyyEVTLGfSVBRwmQJ3rNm_-5RLXkDSc3fj2JaIpEfICyFe3ImJZWavZOYvPangZZ4jXNwZ6Te9pTEqs1q4DBivceLvmIXtMyGb8PUvTCI8bJ8-GCk/s1600/DSC00809.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAGD98WFpxW7Ni_rJzAkcIqpLlKvLyyEVTLGfSVBRwmQJ3rNm_-5RLXkDSc3fj2JaIpEfICyFe3ImJZWavZOYvPangZZ4jXNwZ6Te9pTEqs1q4DBivceLvmIXtMyGb8PUvTCI8bJ8-GCk/s1600/DSC00809.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Mt. Baden-Powell - 9,399ft |</span><br />
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An excerpt from Los Angeles mountain historian, John Robinson, will give you a good idea of why this place had caught my eye. "The rugged, rock-ribbed chasm of the Fish Fork is one of the most isolated &wild recesses in the San Gabriel Mountains. The canyon is wedged tightly between two high mountain ridges - the long hogback of Pine Mt Ridge on the north, the sawtooth wall of San Antonio Ridge on the south. Looming high over its head is the grey mass of Old Baldy."</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124791629?color=97c1d1&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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Melissa wasn't having any of this, "wait two years on a bucket list" type of strategy I tend to fall into, so we planned a weekend to make this trip happen & that was it. Friday night arrived & we drove out the dirt Blue Ridge Road around 11pm thinking we would be camping at Guffy, then setting out from their early the next morning on the closed portion of the road to the actual trailhead. However, when we arrived at the normally locked gate, it was open! The next day would reveal why, but more of that later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw0PYZ9hYwlO6OydWY4VHb3JoIY5lUUgcivx70PdCJr-RDOv8acMYT30hzO-qhAEPubdLFqFLI1uya7qcG6xLR_o1XN4GthYhyphenhyphenGCWdwmRSWF6AOM1mtglwiHk-IKn2wMf6P4RPTNPZaw/s1600/DSC00825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYw0PYZ9hYwlO6OydWY4VHb3JoIY5lUUgcivx70PdCJr-RDOv8acMYT30hzO-qhAEPubdLFqFLI1uya7qcG6xLR_o1XN4GthYhyphenhyphenGCWdwmRSWF6AOM1mtglwiHk-IKn2wMf6P4RPTNPZaw/s1600/DSC00825.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Iron Mountain - 8,007ft |</span><br />
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Flat out, the dirt road down into Lupine Campground is not for the average car. My Toyota Camry made it, with many stops to move rocks in the middle of the road. At the bottom there is a large wash out that is impassable for the regular high clearance vehicle even. We parked around 1am at the bottom of the canyon, thankful that we didn't have to hike that section. Throughout the next few hours, while sleeping in the car, ten or more trucks would pass us in the night?! What could be going on at 4am down in the lowly canyon.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LQ_UD1r6vgW2D_GH_tlxq-tZS1z9Up83U9OhAEA196lmUzPHSWZe4JaWqgsfKQy_VFPOGT_7DbBC6u5x5qEXNBaMa0P7vJHz_BU3DoSJwa5CVGt6s2ep3Pfczb1mJXDAb_uG8Vkrq5o/s1600/DSC00845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LQ_UD1r6vgW2D_GH_tlxq-tZS1z9Up83U9OhAEA196lmUzPHSWZe4JaWqgsfKQy_VFPOGT_7DbBC6u5x5qEXNBaMa0P7vJHz_BU3DoSJwa5CVGt6s2ep3Pfczb1mJXDAb_uG8Vkrq5o/s1600/DSC00845.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a> </div>
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Dawn breaks & we gather our packs together. It's still one mile down the road to the trailhead passed the washout. As we saunter down the dirt road we come across more & more bigs trucks full of dudes. After inquiring, turns out this was the first day of hunting season! Well that explains a lot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUE4ZJgyFqb4_8mC3q-rX6mJV5xJdTsKyw5yzD8AgFGy9Ak2Ii1rIQCOAY8Z8vLpRixrO5jnrHBTMrnBRUy53Gv4USDprYKkn4h0VrN1l82Fcuho-Qh_vOwatoANuaTDdRiMR2rquiNY/s1600/DSC00843.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUE4ZJgyFqb4_8mC3q-rX6mJV5xJdTsKyw5yzD8AgFGy9Ak2Ii1rIQCOAY8Z8vLpRixrO5jnrHBTMrnBRUy53Gv4USDprYKkn4h0VrN1l82Fcuho-Qh_vOwatoANuaTDdRiMR2rquiNY/s1600/DSC00843.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Iron Mountain - 8,007ft |</span><br />
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We find the Fish Fork trailhead just before the Lupine Campground on the south side of the canyon. Taking us slowly higher & higher we gain fantastic views to Mt. Baden-Powell. With no real effort, only a bit of passing time, we pop out on top of Pine Mountain Ridge & the views are spectacular! The hulking mass of Iron Mt, connected to San Antonio Ridge leading up two thousand more feet to Mt. Baldy's tree barren summit.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbJtyWvwyu1w8R4OIo6pOT_yxSfS1ZPFMOSl5oM6dEwh3hz6RhPlC-sdYiULP9prOr8J0qlfjOGMrj8lYN7Ofxulk3LGJzooeXQ26R0qBLUYRXioRB14kNoFGaM_KD6Uc-raRwozSBFE/s1600/DSC00980.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSbJtyWvwyu1w8R4OIo6pOT_yxSfS1ZPFMOSl5oM6dEwh3hz6RhPlC-sdYiULP9prOr8J0qlfjOGMrj8lYN7Ofxulk3LGJzooeXQ26R0qBLUYRXioRB14kNoFGaM_KD6Uc-raRwozSBFE/s1600/DSC00980.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQu5t0-j_dKkKDJYoOCWOs1DlY4l0EQfbZhQuDI3ef_sPcGvjv_UlFf9PEdXZaDbROv7M2Ifbv8V4TKmzzGJ2ajcuBh_Q0JEyZxU6gA1AnGSx3cpWIDOzeR0u4_z2KeBJ6eKO_96rTiAE/s1600/DSC00851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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Pausing for a bit of early lunch we scoped out the trail that crossed the open face of a connecting ridge. You can see large numbers of logging roads from an unknown company. Research by several other bloggers has turned up nothing on which company this was. Gathering our things we headed up Pine Mt Ridge, missing the junction for our trail b/c the sign had blown off the ridge. The area in general gets little use compared to other sections of our local mountains.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNAdXIrdm-tNvQiCxo8M65qV_9NVhw0G7XYpgKVlvVkl9ejr2PteCyagpQ5-ZZDSM3bqVoNYXI6hX_t4dAa57hV4rWTOscFDM-t82xsHJV5O11Q_YyuFO-_BDoopGO2UfK4q857aQMQc/s1600/DSC00979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMNAdXIrdm-tNvQiCxo8M65qV_9NVhw0G7XYpgKVlvVkl9ejr2PteCyagpQ5-ZZDSM3bqVoNYXI6hX_t4dAa57hV4rWTOscFDM-t82xsHJV5O11Q_YyuFO-_BDoopGO2UfK4q857aQMQc/s1600/DSC00979.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Crossing the open landscape there was no real negotiation issues expect for one section where a rock slide had crossed the trail. Nothing a bit of extra attention would warrant. The excitement was mounting, we were closing in on the descend into Fish Canyon. One last look at Iron's summit & we started the faint switchbacks into the first drainage above the canyon. </div>
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Though noticeably less traveled the trail was still navigable & resembled that which was on the map. After crossing over the river bed (dry), we looped back and crossed the same one a second time lower down (still dry), rounded a bend or two and were dropped into Little Fish Fork Camp. We knew we were on the right track if we hit this spot. No water could be found here though.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUbNcEJB7OjCZy7SiKaiJViahEeP-E7ULgZwWwHpD59ORJH7MS6SiSryb5e9KQOn0P2PnqCAVz0XwYSGBU6VDHH_j9NwieboEe2fHmkPa1JYvOBVewqZ9JhsakbXX82PM_WlzT-p3yHg/s1600/DSC00970.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSUbNcEJB7OjCZy7SiKaiJViahEeP-E7ULgZwWwHpD59ORJH7MS6SiSryb5e9KQOn0P2PnqCAVz0XwYSGBU6VDHH_j9NwieboEe2fHmkPa1JYvOBVewqZ9JhsakbXX82PM_WlzT-p3yHg/s1600/DSC00970.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Below Little Fish Fork Camp |</span><br />
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Stepping out for the final mile or two down to the canyon floor we both knew a challenge lay ahead. The trail would be present in an overgrown manor at times, with large blow downs that would also be nicely overgrown. To call this section a game trail would be a nice way to put it. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPUW9O19o2LsIFRCXCFRsoCCLfZwXTWGk6Us-UC1aNkP5NYeV9bI6sJoU6Xu4LVxc5wsAXrMAXB985ZTm9eS1i914ZlBHK2-XeQyZ2Hm2dHK8qYKc_kYTRsYyJN0u-JNJ3NK1UaXS3ow/s1600/DSC00964.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPUW9O19o2LsIFRCXCFRsoCCLfZwXTWGk6Us-UC1aNkP5NYeV9bI6sJoU6Xu4LVxc5wsAXrMAXB985ZTm9eS1i914ZlBHK2-XeQyZ2Hm2dHK8qYKc_kYTRsYyJN0u-JNJ3NK1UaXS3ow/s1600/DSC00964.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Iron Mt summit in far distance |</span><br />
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Combined with Melissa's pfd map reader app & a bit of diligence we progressed down the canyon at a slow, but successful rate. I felt other trip report posts had mentioned something we fell into, we ended up a bit high on the first portion, having to carefully walk straight down to a bit of trail that is a bit closer to the drainage floor. We weren't on the Dawson Peak Trail, but still were about 30 ft too high.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIS8U_4femfsSYPBw_FAzlMga5pMN0-pKQsRAEWsZPJefaQp1Lv_eUx7ahyphenhyphenjsHjUIKYx496cyBnHxb10zy6bkeCK1doOmWixOeHoqEi00PAhXZUO_pYSR-Q5XA-s5mlTHPzOC90hP-4U/s1600/DSC00855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmIS8U_4femfsSYPBw_FAzlMga5pMN0-pKQsRAEWsZPJefaQp1Lv_eUx7ahyphenhyphenjsHjUIKYx496cyBnHxb10zy6bkeCK1doOmWixOeHoqEi00PAhXZUO_pYSR-Q5XA-s5mlTHPzOC90hP-4U/s1600/DSC00855.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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If you have made it this far down it is noticeably steeper all around & the use trail hugs the mountain side. Crossing open rock slopes at times. More precarious than earlier, but nothing some extra care & a trekking pole can't manage. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEhWjCwb__SWfBIzsyO642noKO-xI7u9Qypp6hv5Ng5e__Xti3O3AyxryXcVvFuptEaVS8Gyf_7JyEk8WrHkJrfBY8ngkXV8zjkxIjQxj48_F9k1Bw_F5Gc_XJ_v8dO9V9cX0uWG6DDM/s1600/DSC00852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBEhWjCwb__SWfBIzsyO642noKO-xI7u9Qypp6hv5Ng5e__Xti3O3AyxryXcVvFuptEaVS8Gyf_7JyEk8WrHkJrfBY8ngkXV8zjkxIjQxj48_F9k1Bw_F5Gc_XJ_v8dO9V9cX0uWG6DDM/s1600/DSC00852.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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After rounding a bend high up, you can hear the rushing water below & all we can think about is getting down there, we are so close. It just so happens the last ten minutes the trail manages to disappear b/c the descent is so steep past travelers just pick their best route & make due. I'll admit to falling twice in this last part just from loose dirt & the steepness of the terrain.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpQN4o9qBb7KCuCo-tYLido-TkDoMxq297iXgpJJJX7SzOgVP9Kjjjnk2ActIBwDXlP1uTmdj3h8k8YhpkQgSBNs54qEz86rdEBnRMb9rxVrhIaSSLTjqNe2ia-pzhk4IyzWcMgM3r1A/s1600/DSC00874.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpQN4o9qBb7KCuCo-tYLido-TkDoMxq297iXgpJJJX7SzOgVP9Kjjjnk2ActIBwDXlP1uTmdj3h8k8YhpkQgSBNs54qEz86rdEBnRMb9rxVrhIaSSLTjqNe2ia-pzhk4IyzWcMgM3r1A/s1600/DSC00874.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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Crash landing into an absolute sanctuary of a back woods canyon floor. A crooked, lopsided old sign read in orange pant, Upper Fish Fork Campground. That whole sign was worth the trip alone. We had made it to the camp. All around us fall was setting in, colors of the whole spectrum danced about in the cool breeze. Leaves falling at times from high above, meeting the rustling creek to start a new adventure floating down stream. At the head waters of this wondrous place is 10,000+ Mt. San Antonio.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n35mihy6VurdaWHN_SH51D9dTFDwI7g0gkv-LiUWwiZTjvqqWbhibjJ2402DeVseTG88stiBI7GwHlqlPgiskX-gNnjJHVM4ouzznUVvp73KljNroxEF2zovyh7h_LiGCocbXh0aKxI/s1600/DSC00934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0n35mihy6VurdaWHN_SH51D9dTFDwI7g0gkv-LiUWwiZTjvqqWbhibjJ2402DeVseTG88stiBI7GwHlqlPgiskX-gNnjJHVM4ouzznUVvp73KljNroxEF2zovyh7h_LiGCocbXh0aKxI/s1600/DSC00934.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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We set up the necessities of camp & headed down canyon to see all there was to see of the remote hide away. Rock walls tower above on the San Antonio Ridge side; trees, ferns & plants grew everywhere. This place was really something special. As the sun began to get lower we headed back up canyon to camp & get some food going. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabKkk6vXeUNrwN8oQ3WoQrtBC89iGaDSPOkPH4oSStFhKIIUU-OsWBAKAlYhqa_lxRhGitN7xykdi6P7mecfBVZFUbAcrAyQUGYwg7J6in0ZyQanVtC-pEcUJGc7cZUeiik9_U3qBhYw/s1600/DSC00915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiabKkk6vXeUNrwN8oQ3WoQrtBC89iGaDSPOkPH4oSStFhKIIUU-OsWBAKAlYhqa_lxRhGitN7xykdi6P7mecfBVZFUbAcrAyQUGYwg7J6in0ZyQanVtC-pEcUJGc7cZUeiik9_U3qBhYw/s1600/DSC00915.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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All through the evening the quiet stillness of such an untouched location had us both in absolute awe. It was perfect San Gabriel Mountain isolation. Everything you'd want in a good trip. The next morning came together much like any other backpacking trip. Another hot meal & the slow move to get our backpacks all situated. After several deep breaths, taking in all the surroundings, we put one foot in front of the other to tackle the climb out of this wonder land. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KLEUHA2ONulmlsjiESjGAoqb3MoL17us1A_6-fyH7yTCI-2SSTpNds5le7XX64FsP_s53nMTFKR_tepPPnCozHJ9mn0F2U27LIWwoAnPTXyMFVAzXQadX3fD75qiQ9yYXbI_BpyL31Q/s1600/DSC00894.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KLEUHA2ONulmlsjiESjGAoqb3MoL17us1A_6-fyH7yTCI-2SSTpNds5le7XX64FsP_s53nMTFKR_tepPPnCozHJ9mn0F2U27LIWwoAnPTXyMFVAzXQadX3fD75qiQ9yYXbI_BpyL31Q/s1600/DSC00894.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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For a bit it was that old move, "two steps forward, one step back" with all the loose dirt. But we gained the trail that I last noticed at a tree stump. Our GPS had died over night so our exit was purely going to be from memory. My best advice is to take careful note on your way into the canyon of the last time you see the trail (tree stump in our case), think really hard & aim for that when you leave camp. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fd8p5A7NKMC-8Tcow5w028YX80QwhbzqHmQAQfqqZLsAUpLcfWAYF9vZokIQVW_I4arWN0Qq28zE3oJda4Mi6gEru_eD7g_oT3FtNFc5ZR-iIOfhHrNI9ZfwHDD7EycvYMoC7aLsDpA/s1600/DSC00932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Fd8p5A7NKMC-8Tcow5w028YX80QwhbzqHmQAQfqqZLsAUpLcfWAYF9vZokIQVW_I4arWN0Qq28zE3oJda4Mi6gEru_eD7g_oT3FtNFc5ZR-iIOfhHrNI9ZfwHDD7EycvYMoC7aLsDpA/s1600/DSC00932.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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On the way back up the canyon I guarantee you will not take the same route you did down. There is moments that will dawn on you why didn't I see that on my way in or now this makes more sense. But that is only seen in the travel back up canyon. We bushwhacked a heavy section that I realized the trail coming down avoids above, thinking this is where we got to high from earlier.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E-kTGMfHRfX_yPZhmmUajylnAzGfew1VdT-RUs_eluUZdJq3HL_k9Ozx8H1eAw3Y7HMJbj-7Tu2oh4wwc8MYN6w9Yza5C1zKW2Gvf-7zpjj1Iw7LZNiSHpTqKWXLdzDEwT-eZFa0lSs/s1600/DSC00963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E-kTGMfHRfX_yPZhmmUajylnAzGfew1VdT-RUs_eluUZdJq3HL_k9Ozx8H1eAw3Y7HMJbj-7Tu2oh4wwc8MYN6w9Yza5C1zKW2Gvf-7zpjj1Iw7LZNiSHpTqKWXLdzDEwT-eZFa0lSs/s1600/DSC00963.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a> </div>
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After crossing the dry river bed & coming back into Little Fish Fork Camp we knew we had down the hardest part of the trip. We had found the elusive Upper Fish Fork Camp & been rewarded with is backcountry goodness. I'm glad that Melissa was able to get me motivated to stop putting it off, plus showed me the benefit of a GPS. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6E-kTGMfHRfX_yPZhmmUajylnAzGfew1VdT-RUs_eluUZdJq3HL_k9Ozx8H1eAw3Y7HMJbj-7Tu2oh4wwc8MYN6w9Yza5C1zKW2Gvf-7zpjj1Iw7LZNiSHpTqKWXLdzDEwT-eZFa0lSs/s1600/DSC00963.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wGXtthHpoBRoY-ZjQ_Pz_w8SpO3MkkYvSpmzadc7OaKsbVAixz8TpPwiZ0oXgGt3CgYp7R_9MPsHpXXd-aGgHj0dDN6NFc3GkbgKKF0clKUODV7BjpaE9Ypd38NLTGvs3hCnY8HCBAk/s1600/DSC00988.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wGXtthHpoBRoY-ZjQ_Pz_w8SpO3MkkYvSpmzadc7OaKsbVAixz8TpPwiZ0oXgGt3CgYp7R_9MPsHpXXd-aGgHj0dDN6NFc3GkbgKKF0clKUODV7BjpaE9Ypd38NLTGvs3hCnY8HCBAk/s1600/DSC00988.jpg" height="76" width="320" /></a></div>
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After making our way back to Pine Mountain Ridge, we adjusted the sign from the junction we missed, hopefully it will stay there for at least one hiking season. We returned to the hunting mecca that is the Prairie Fork & found the place still jammed full of unlucky dudes. Relaxing back in the car we cruised across Blue Ridge Rd admiring the views into the East Fork, laughing about that time I fell into Upper Fish Fork. </div>
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For more, check out Melissa's words & info on the trip here: <a href="http://angelesadventures.com/fishfork/" target="_blank">Angeles Adventures</a><br />
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Thankful for this info here: <a href="http://need2hike.blogspot.com/2009/03/attempt-to-find-upper-fish-fork-camp.html" target="_blank">One </a>| <a href="http://sangabrielmnts.myfreeforum.org/archive/upper-fish-fork-camp-7-25-09__o_t__t_1731.html" target="_blank">Two</a></div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-89578610384413981042015-01-06T21:43:00.000-08:002015-01-06T21:49:30.510-08:009 Days in the Sierra Nevada Mts<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm fairly certain that this plan, this story, this idea per say was hatched over several beers at some tucked away bar back in Los Angeles, late in 2013. A close friend had decided he was going to hike the John Muir Trail (JMT) as a celebration of receiving his Masters degree & it would be the ultimate escape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuIFEx4Er1Wvnjef6YRo1Hq9sZ_ns8ZKkqBD-DTRQ95H9pmwoLCwBs99X3CeQ0sTU1z7MruPDQWUbJ1Uyxe7WAGr5PVpLYfLgwXu1x-4Iq8InNFo10s2397D65_hPsfILywfFct45ROY/s1600/DSC00498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbuIFEx4Er1Wvnjef6YRo1Hq9sZ_ns8ZKkqBD-DTRQ95H9pmwoLCwBs99X3CeQ0sTU1z7MruPDQWUbJ1Uyxe7WAGr5PVpLYfLgwXu1x-4Iq8InNFo10s2397D65_hPsfILywfFct45ROY/s1600/DSC00498.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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A few months had past & a small collection of us that had been backpacking together for years agreed to make the trip work in various ways. Starting then in early 2014, weekly meetings revolved around gear talk, excel sheet planning, endless topo map fixation & more beers. As summer came to be, menus were being talked about, resupply buckets getting packed & it was only a matter of time before that glimmer of an idea was a reality.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/116123890?byline=0&portrait=0&color=97c1d1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Video! Press Play |</span></div>
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In the grand scheme of this trip I was only able to get away from work for 10 days of grand totaly that was going to be a 25 day trip. So I can only speak for a portion of the experience. The other three had started in Yosemite on September 3rd, just as a fire broke out in the valley. Fortunately they were ahead of it without any downturn. After summiting Half Dome they spent several days hiking to Devils Postpile Monument/Red's Meadows & gorged on glorious food & good times. At this point one friend had developed fairly bad foot problems & opted to rest his feet for some time. Thus two friends set out for three days to reach Vermillion Valley Resort where we would be waiting to pick them up for a zero day (no miles).<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="400" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/Maps/EmbeddedMap.aspx?tripId=979329&w=420&h=400" width="420">This site does not support embedded trip maps. View the trip <a href='http://www.trimbleoutdoors.com/ViewTrip/979329'>here</a> instead.</iframe> <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking up Bear Canyon |</span></div>
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Back in the city, waking well before dawn on the 13th of September, two of us drove the lonely 99 Hwy out to the Western Sierras. Then onto the one lane fun-fest (sarcasm) that is the road to VVR. Sure as can be, those dudes were waiting & enjoying the hospitality at the Ranch. They had also gained a new friend from Germany that had just finished his degree & came to California to backpack & see the west. Scooping them up, we snagged a car camping spot & set about relaxing till continuing on the JMT.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Bear Canyon |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AovpFIdjlXLbK-g71r2HMpxshWEL12jJvnf1YyL1vCVn8JlDZzb9RJg0Tvvwe3iiWdM8FFXr5uD-VggTsFJZYwXCFbq-D4Em-DlNE7f11OFZIw-AT6dNtwJpKrfGIbRyDfb9yhwv0V8/s1600/DSC00308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-AovpFIdjlXLbK-g71r2HMpxshWEL12jJvnf1YyL1vCVn8JlDZzb9RJg0Tvvwe3iiWdM8FFXr5uD-VggTsFJZYwXCFbq-D4Em-DlNE7f11OFZIw-AT6dNtwJpKrfGIbRyDfb9yhwv0V8/s1600/DSC00308.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Henry Shires Tarptent Contrail | Opsrey Exos 48 w/o hood |</span> <br />
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Morning of the 15th finds us snapping group shots at the trailhead & ready to get some miles behind us on the trail. For me though, this was just the beginning. Setting out on the Bear Creek Cut Off trail near VVR turned out to be great advice given by past travelers. Rising up & over a medium sized ridge the trail drops down into the Bear Creek drainage & slowly ascends all the way up the canyon. Along the way there were the most wonderful swimming holes that we didn't take advantage of just due to time. Although, this area would be an amazing short trip or long weekend in the future.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Hiking towards Selden Pass |</span></div>
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From the beginning of the day large white clouds dotted the sky constantly blowing north east. Never too threatening, but worth noticing for camp site choice later in the day. After a stiff climb out of the canyon we called it a night in some trees near the upper reaches of Bear Creek along the JMT. I was finally on the trail, that storied place, the one we had been planning for all those months. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U-jUGAKEeRWssJlWRpfL_Z66FmVDAwTAD7kHoMOU4hpNV6-8bNfmWJfjw5dGWBHoJ9MYToRwg65ar54tTyyxjT5C_wHtUZTO1HymW7Wu-Dil0Nw9PEZmwGBulh_NqCZVuvP5apQ4VD0/s1600/DSC00327.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0U-jUGAKEeRWssJlWRpfL_Z66FmVDAwTAD7kHoMOU4hpNV6-8bNfmWJfjw5dGWBHoJ9MYToRwg65ar54tTyyxjT5C_wHtUZTO1HymW7Wu-Dil0Nw9PEZmwGBulh_NqCZVuvP5apQ4VD0/s1600/DSC00327.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Selden Pass in the distance, low spot, middle of photo |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lake Marie |</span><br />
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Without fail, as the sun went down the clouds opened up & rain came down. But the rain soon turned to hail. Not really expected, but with good shelter amongst a stand of trees we had a decent cover from the downfall. My shelter is a Henry Shires Tarptent Contrail & within one day of the JMT it was already seeing more weather than two years using it in the local LA mountains dished out. I stared at the tent seams, crossing my fingers that my seam-sealing job was done to standards to keep from leaking.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heart Lake in the distance |</span><br />
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The next morning life was back to normal & we set about making breakfast then headed out. Within the first two minutes of walking I spotted a bear about forty feet off trail, just meandering along the rocks. After noticing us, his attitude didn't change so we stood & watched him walk down canyon. This trip was already paying off, hail on the first day, bear on the second. Today's goal was to climb up to Selden Pass & then drop a couple thousand feet down to Muir Trail Ranch. Along the way to the pass I saw several different groups of backpackers, even two northbound JMT hikers.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Blayney Hot Springs |</span><br />
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Like anything worth the effort every mountain pass along the trail is worth ever second paid climbing up to views that are waiting. the North side of Selden Pass had stunning Lake Marie with an exceptional jagged backdrop & to the south a narrow passage leading far down to an incredibly deep valley. The wind was howling & high fives were plentiful. Heart Lake is just below the pass & is aptly named. Leading to a wonderful lake side trail running next to Sallie Keyes Lakes. Further down, the trail dives into the forest for miles, opening only in a small quiet meadow. Pausing here I saw several young deer grazing together & it was just one of those moments that really makes the backcountry special.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5mqNV1LYHcqZev4g9iR1Uylh5abh4fX9jkSQMnO73nGLARTx1dgVCpod3Bm7kxY8nthHHesgsI0N_sJUvUIlUMOjoUi0YIgQHKL1bf_rttTkVHzS58GsBmH-ktd0YAVIGFSAejyNTm4/s1600/DSC00376.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ5mqNV1LYHcqZev4g9iR1Uylh5abh4fX9jkSQMnO73nGLARTx1dgVCpod3Bm7kxY8nthHHesgsI0N_sJUvUIlUMOjoUi0YIgQHKL1bf_rttTkVHzS58GsBmH-ktd0YAVIGFSAejyNTm4/s1600/DSC00376.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| San Joaquin River |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Milky Way over Muir Trail Ranch |</span><br />
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The switchbacks dropping off the upper bench & down to Muir Trail Ranch seemed to last an eternity. The valley floor couldn't come soon enough. But there was talk of natural hot springs & that kept us all moving. Arriving along the shores of the San Juaqin River, just outside Muir Trail Ranch (backwoods Resort/Horse Ranch) we set up camp with lots of good new friends around. We planned to pick up our resupply buckets in the morning. For now we grabbed our essentials, forded the river & found a large meadow that had several natural hot spring tubs. Easing in with the others, stories of the trail began to fly, old timers handing out advice, young bucks talking of trail gear, but the only thing no one discussed was how sore we all were. It had vanished in the liquid magic. The night ended with some group games & star gazing with the Milky Way in full show.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Donation bins |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Resupply at Muir Trail Ranch |</span></div>
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The next morning we sorted our food, fuel, gear & donated a fair amount to the hiker bins (extra supplies) of what was unneeded. We each took turns weighing our packs with eight days of food. Clocked in around 32 lbs for myself. Felt good in a bad way. Setting out we navigated through stunning Goddard Canyon, the trail following the river just twenty feet above. Crossing a wooden footbridge we entered Kings Canyon National Park. Life doesn't get much better.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Goddard Canyon |</span><br />
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I was getting anxious because I knew we were getting much closer to the Evolution Valley area, a special place in the mountains I have been wanting to see for many years now. Tomorrow would be the day. For now a stiff climb out of the canyon took us to the mouth of Evolution Valley. Camping lower in the meadow, tomorrow would be one of my best days of hiking ever.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Goddard Canyon |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Evolution Meadow Sunset |</span><br />
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Waking early I set out by myself to really embrace this day. Within a bit I had my first amazing views, the sun was just rising over an expansive valley that opened up to the most beautiful winding river, edged with golden grass as far as I could see. The valley rising high to sharp granite peaks, named after some of the most prolific scientific thinkers from history. Hiking further up Evolution Valley it was only more elating. I rested against a rock, the Hermit (12,328ft) guarded over the north end of this glaciated basin exploded upwards before me. The rest of the group arrived & we ate lunch. Best damn morning of 2014 hands down.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Evolution Valley |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Evolution Valley |</span></div>
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Packing up we climbed from Evolution Valley up into Evolution Basin, heading above tree line. Along the way we met the infamous Don Miguel, the siren of the mountains. A wonderful old gentleman hiking the JMT, setting the slow pace record for the year & loving every moment of his pilgrimage. Skirting around almost every side of Evolution Lake was a beautiful way to spend the mid afternoon. Opting to call it a day at Saphire Lake was our best bet this far above the trees. My tent alone needs ground we can stake into & northbound travelers warned us that might be tricky up higher.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| The Hermit |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dVm-Tu2Rwkk9xz8T_rFIht6XtjYJvjShWUNpVExKLsaYdwtdw8kaL5ccrK_cSrJQT3ga4qdI_BgUFrARyRHKDHku336lvoeaMNRskWXanU124Jtk6QxxJ9es2AZP40SCvVjdGQvwtow/s1600/DSC00460.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5dVm-Tu2Rwkk9xz8T_rFIht6XtjYJvjShWUNpVExKLsaYdwtdw8kaL5ccrK_cSrJQT3ga4qdI_BgUFrARyRHKDHku336lvoeaMNRskWXanU124Jtk6QxxJ9es2AZP40SCvVjdGQvwtow/s1600/DSC00460.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| The crew above Evolution Valley |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Evolution Lake |</span><br />
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The wind never let up the whole evening our group cooked dinner, tried to converse & filtered water. Then the clouds started to appear. All afternoon people on the trail had be talking rain & here we were, blowing in the wind without a grove of trees in sight. Eventually at the the late hour of 7pm (ha!) we all just climbed in our respective tents & gave in to whatever Mother Nature would bring our way. Sometime after midnight I got up to use the restroom, no rain had fallen & the night sky was blanketed in a mass of stars like I had never seen. It was so impressive I snagged my camera, tripod & down jacket to try and capture something. The wind was still relentless, I huddled in a rock alcove trying to get out of the wind will the 30 second exposures counted off.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking over Evolution Lake |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Sapphire Lake |</span><br />
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I had set my alarm for 5:30am, we had a big day & knew it would be hard to get going due to the elements. After some milling about we were up & gone a bit after 6:30, the sun hadn't broken over the mountains yet & the morning was brisk in the wind. At this point hiking was much warmer than standing around. I was proud of my clothing choices by this time on the trail because I had gone with exceptionally light versus guaranteed strength. Using the ultralight MontBell Dynamo Wind Pants was more than enough, layered with the Ice Breakers thermal bottoms. I was pleased to only need a two and half ounce pair of pants & running shorts the entire trip. Smart layering will get the job done.</div>
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We crested the last granite shelf that held Wanda Lake, a most stunning alpine lake surrounded by an absolutely barren rock landscape. Named after one of John Muir's daughter it held the gate key to Muir Pass, our mornings objective & much sought after goal. A long ramp of granite lead to the pass & we arrived much quicker than I had anticipated. Setting our packs down we all gawked at the most beautiful little stone hut that held some of the best real estate in the mountains. Muir Hut was build in 1933 in recognition of the famous conservationist & legend of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, John Muir.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Heading towards Muir Pass |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Wanda Lake |</span><br />
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After many photos were snapped, we dawned our packs & left the hut behind. We were at 11,955ft at this point very deep in a granite cirque with amazing summits surrounding us, but out next goal was just shy of 4,000ft below us in Le Conte Canyon & we knew it was going to be a long haul down. The scenery began to change as we rambled downhill, past several bright blue lakes, connected by the most idealic stream that slowly grew to a nice sized river. In the final sections down to the canyon floor the water plunges over a wonderful granite waterfall with views for miles into the long forest canyon.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Amigos |</span></div>
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We were treated with another JMT treat upon arriving at the forest floor. The great rock monster was there waiting to devour any hiker trash that came close. Me managed to get out with only a scratch or two...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking in Le Conte Canyon |</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiR69NpICCBl3GrpZ_F1uRhs7dUYJ_Z3Ptq2Rs4AxtxCIxaD3D-FB5D2HINxHAYxhpnDoCRXJaB4v_oI3drIW70x1te3gkPiWH5wqnoUZPs94OrRIxaeh7a_Nbq-Y2tQVWqBKMBT8SwI/s1600/DSC00566.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiR69NpICCBl3GrpZ_F1uRhs7dUYJ_Z3Ptq2Rs4AxtxCIxaD3D-FB5D2HINxHAYxhpnDoCRXJaB4v_oI3drIW70x1te3gkPiWH5wqnoUZPs94OrRIxaeh7a_Nbq-Y2tQVWqBKMBT8SwI/s1600/DSC00566.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Monster!! |</span><br />
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It was getting late in the afternoon & we were nearing the Le Conte backcountry ranger station. At this point in the trip two injuries got the better of us in one day. For several days now I had been wearing my knee brace & nursing an injury that has come & gone for the last year. At this point our friend also suffered a bad foot injury that threatened an end. We decided to camp in the area & see how things looked in the morning.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Sweaty & bummed on my knee |</span><br />
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The next morning some extremely tough, but smart, decisions were made. Both my friend & I decided to back track some & take the Bishop Pass trail out & find a ride into town while Carlos headed on south to Palisade Lakes. All that sounds fine, but it just so happens the trail out of the mountains is the biggest climb we could have possibly come across to attempt in one day. We were at 8,500ft & needed to hike 6 miles to reach 11,980ft in a far off basin we wouldn't see for several hours.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Dusy Basin look towards Bishop Pass |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| East side of Bishop Pass |</span><br />
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The initial climb out of the valley was a pretty physically demanding trail, consistent switchbacks took us far up above Le Conte right next to a wonderful cascade. At one point there is a foot bridge that cross a magnificent waterfall that towers far over head. Motivation increased once reaching Dusy Basin, things were going well & my knee was still going strong. The trail seems to meander heading towards the pass that stays out of sight for most of the climb. Extremely jagged peaks surround the whole area, Mt Agassiz dominate the pack. Making the final push to Bishop Pass we breathed a sigh of relief, it was 1:30pm & we had knocked out all the gain in a bit over 4 hours.</div>
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Though beautiful, we both dreaded the next 6 miles of downhill that was to come. The initial switchbacks that lead down the east side of the pass are a wonder of trail mechanics that impress the heck out of every person we spoke with. Clinging to the mountain granite, views spread out for miles over several marvelous alpine lakes. Further down the valley tundra & small trees are beginning to show. We continue on down the trail chatting up anyone we see heading towards the trailhead, in hopes that we may be able to hitch a ride with them.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| In Bishop |</span><br />
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After passing an amazing amount of lakes, at times walking right on their shoreline, we emerge onto the paved lot that holds about 20 cars. Things were looking up, we would definitely get a ride. Not twenty minutes went by & a nice day hiker from San Diego offered up some space & we sped off to the town of Bishop for pizza & beer. That night we wandered the town, we were vagabonds in the park & eventually settled into one of the two bars in town. After meeting enough people at that place, we crossed the street & checked out bar number two, another slow going fun time. Eventually our savior, in the form of an incredibly nice friend who drove all the way from LA on a moments call (no one expected the injury bail out), swooped us up & we drove all through the night back to the city.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Onion Valley |</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Robinson Lake |</span></div>
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A day or so passed & a caravan of cars was heading back up the 395 via the 14, set about on our next leg of the journey. We had hopes that our injuries would subside & continuing on the trail would be an option. There was still several days of car camping to test it out. Our friend that had continued on the trail hiked out via Kearsarge Pass & met us for a relaxing few days off the trail in Onion Valley. The usual glutenous experience ensued that is car camping with large amounts of food, warm fires, cold beer & great friends. On the last day, a hike up to Robinson Lake warned me that my knee was not ready for more backpacking though. I was really beaten down by this fact, but last year I spent 3 months in a knee brace & knew I could avoid it by making the right choice now. Wishing our friend luck, he set out solo to make it to Mt. Whitney.</div>
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Packing up we headed back to the city once again on the 395, bummed I wasn't in the backcountry. Although, there was still time to enjoy the Sierras. My parents had rented a cabin in Little Lakes Valley in the Mammoth region & suggested I come stay with them. So I packed all my stuff back into the car for the third time, hopped on the 14 freeway, then made the junction onto the 395 & sped north arriving sometime around 8pm to a fun little place tucked away high in the woods.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Little Lakes Valley |</span><br />
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My parents & I spent time catching up about the trip & what we should do for the days to come. Over night snow had fallen lightly, just dusting everything perfectly. My Dad & I hiked up the valley enjoying all the scenery with it's new coating of white fluff. It was also a bit of scouting for another trip I have in mind for another summer. More snow began to fall adding a wonderful element to the outing on the trail. That afternoon we had lunch in Mammoth & got a drink at the brewery. Love their 395 IPA. A day earlier than expected I got a call from our friend saying he had arrived at Whitney Portal & was hitching a ride into Lone Pine. Cheers! He had completed the JMT!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y0K7uVWjppI0D0UZ-YryM7WQ21v6avVc8c8VMmYZByYzw3AO1F31eeRjVOjmEzTTfxBn7q90paRCXpoQbmfhWGVz19s6-x0BpzGGWOw15Bk1zKE39lGB4v3AIHHbNR1i-e4rWBYK4gs/s1600/DSC00705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Y0K7uVWjppI0D0UZ-YryM7WQ21v6avVc8c8VMmYZByYzw3AO1F31eeRjVOjmEzTTfxBn7q90paRCXpoQbmfhWGVz19s6-x0BpzGGWOw15Bk1zKE39lGB4v3AIHHbNR1i-e4rWBYK4gs/s1600/DSC00705.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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That evening I left Little Lakes Valley on the 395 to pick up Carlos in Lone Pine, with the goal of eventually making back to LA that night. After a celebratory beer in town we both hopped in my car & made our way through the night back to city life. </div>
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JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4841630565410758591.post-1505218589867677412014-08-15T19:33:00.000-07:002019-04-27T19:36:51.170-07:00Royal Gorge, Arroyo Seco - San Gabriel Mountains<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAigK7zrzX1as1RVQXYQWWot4Pqv6Wm45hOy_j9Uo18ehtNUHQxJJxj08dL94S-HPNmK9WHN01WWZqqyeY0n47HqLuEjX7CUbHNolDJnOtOwf55AMywzoO09t-xP9BV-29GLdGmIy26aM/s1600/RoyalGorge_10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAigK7zrzX1as1RVQXYQWWot4Pqv6Wm45hOy_j9Uo18ehtNUHQxJJxj08dL94S-HPNmK9WHN01WWZqqyeY0n47HqLuEjX7CUbHNolDJnOtOwf55AMywzoO09t-xP9BV-29GLdGmIy26aM/s320/RoyalGorge_10.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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*This story was lost in the archives. Maybe 6 or so years old.*<br />
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This is an outing done just a couple weeks after our first thru hike of the East Fork & we must have been seeking more of the same at the time. Royal Gorge in the front country of the San Gabriel Moutains is another name for a connecting section of the Arroyo Seco's main tributary. This is a trip that happened many years ago, but somehow slipped through the cracks and never made it onto the web.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgLmxNS997y7SkHSS3vRy0iCR31q9jPZjbf5JJcToiZT0L0VhxP6Ah1IJ3lTsqKUwtE_GZNtov3UyWVia5rASyX5Xxhs6f9niDfF2Y_ndkJNXbrnnDRecgRx6UDT7sHR8WwID1XyWvXE/s1600/royalgorge.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgLmxNS997y7SkHSS3vRy0iCR31q9jPZjbf5JJcToiZT0L0VhxP6Ah1IJ3lTsqKUwtE_GZNtov3UyWVia5rASyX5Xxhs6f9niDfF2Y_ndkJNXbrnnDRecgRx6UDT7sHR8WwID1XyWvXE/s320/royalgorge.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Rough representation. Not for navigation |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC2Pvl5zecjC3gfPtkP7GMGda-676pk-hyA6_ORiqL2kntjWfYBmntAgGzCcL1yfOSwsUnhBtCvVPtP_p9WdZVAvCD3aDQQoslxiU0oCAZsN-X-1_NUsVFBx0aE12r1-tVPa4uQ6u-gQ/s1600/RoyalGorge_01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipC2Pvl5zecjC3gfPtkP7GMGda-676pk-hyA6_ORiqL2kntjWfYBmntAgGzCcL1yfOSwsUnhBtCvVPtP_p9WdZVAvCD3aDQQoslxiU0oCAZsN-X-1_NUsVFBx0aE12r1-tVPa4uQ6u-gQ/s320/RoyalGorge_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Beginning of Royal Gorge |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDVjwnr27ftO6EKj3wL7EbugoyXL2kgSiOI-4iQDfVVPPtR95huTxhnojD4ztCWIZzpxMeGFpD8MWOX0cp_wPBkI2YwmTuWsX9722ZBGFUQba_Ue-NrbyYMm4mco5C_URq1JbH0n5Ngg/s1600/RoyalGorge_04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDVjwnr27ftO6EKj3wL7EbugoyXL2kgSiOI-4iQDfVVPPtR95huTxhnojD4ztCWIZzpxMeGFpD8MWOX0cp_wPBkI2YwmTuWsX9722ZBGFUQba_Ue-NrbyYMm4mco5C_URq1JbH0n5Ngg/s320/RoyalGorge_04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the long tradition of following in Christopher Brennan's <a href="http://www.dankat.com/advents/roygrg.htm" target="_blank">adventurous foot steps</a>, three of us were off. We left one car at a random turn out about .25 miles from where we sorta expected to stumble onto Hwy 2 later that day. We then drove up to Switzer's massive day use parking and got our hike underway.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EPfTFzqH2QkURD-HfU-5IseOToDx-2WWxKHS54WDeazm-5CJKt2hZ4xOj82zZVREOSH89HXZhUReRW-Ov4vY1jBOwKS0qchFnRjCxu1siSS1JOmcxGfOpteTB94xiSl1-Qwazhyphenhyphen3C5Y/s1600/20140526_114909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EPfTFzqH2QkURD-HfU-5IseOToDx-2WWxKHS54WDeazm-5CJKt2hZ4xOj82zZVREOSH89HXZhUReRW-Ov4vY1jBOwKS0qchFnRjCxu1siSS1JOmcxGfOpteTB94xiSl1-Qwazhyphenhyphen3C5Y/s320/20140526_114909.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lots of this |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid333gRzBisBmosy0gZIxZeCFUHXB_BByPVNpzbupvlsMLtSwzmXvB_bBE63hv-nHM-Zjpq1h3DNamr1z5380TPfy3Q3_bQ7bLvq_gdRHls9lU94_-34VR13NezVUZcFJ2JEF9U9WaEoI/s1600/20140526_120201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid333gRzBisBmosy0gZIxZeCFUHXB_BByPVNpzbupvlsMLtSwzmXvB_bBE63hv-nHM-Zjpq1h3DNamr1z5380TPfy3Q3_bQ7bLvq_gdRHls9lU94_-34VR13NezVUZcFJ2JEF9U9WaEoI/s320/20140526_120201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| These are deceptively dangerous. Broken ankle waiting to happen |</span></div>
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No need to describe much b/c the first few miles are one of the more popular trails in the Angeles. Filled with hidden history for those that hunt a bit more. We passed up seeing the waterfall and continued down towards Bear Canyon on great trail. After being tempted by several pleasant swimming holes, we came to the bend in the trail where the Arroyo Seco flows one way and the trail goes up Bear Canyon the other way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBeXlz1_E5mkN4W2ehmTmbguCve02pUlqTfQCxjtMCpG9kLQSSoBevXwuSXtaOCkFrQXPn7Cj9oiqkpH-ArmqQHJemN-Cbn72KR3uu2BkqZLZciBmfYqMF9Ch-BKheewe0aSJVumVxMA/s1600/20140526_120328_2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBeXlz1_E5mkN4W2ehmTmbguCve02pUlqTfQCxjtMCpG9kLQSSoBevXwuSXtaOCkFrQXPn7Cj9oiqkpH-ArmqQHJemN-Cbn72KR3uu2BkqZLZciBmfYqMF9Ch-BKheewe0aSJVumVxMA/s320/20140526_120328_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Carlos lower left! |</span></div>
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This is where we left the trail and pretty much followed the path of least resistance for the next six or seven hours. Since so much time has passed since between writing this and actually being down there the smaller details will be found best in Brennan's <a href="http://www.dankat.com/advents/roygrg.htm" target="_blank">write up</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8r8sV96M_yESy4YZo67V7z9vO8bGPDwdNCXYFZU2xRQO3PNVEyQerIOwE2L6OaXcX30OauEVCEMeObPkA2Ttf2sr5fRNl9h3fXLV-i6z3OCIz3agcUECQ2wiB3_DQ2jYSzVY42fssPg/s1600/RoyalGorge_09.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8r8sV96M_yESy4YZo67V7z9vO8bGPDwdNCXYFZU2xRQO3PNVEyQerIOwE2L6OaXcX30OauEVCEMeObPkA2Ttf2sr5fRNl9h3fXLV-i6z3OCIz3agcUECQ2wiB3_DQ2jYSzVY42fssPg/s320/RoyalGorge_09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Jump! |</span></div>
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The beginning of the canyon was much wider and allowed for easy travel with a shallow creek always near by. Many bends in the canyon passed, the going became a little slow as the vegetation grew much thicker. Walking directly in the water was best most of the time. Deeper at times, but never much over our knees. We did have to pick our way across a couple very large tree debris fields that had piled up before the canyon became too narrow. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Collin was in the drink first |</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Carlos bombing it |</span></div>
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There is one waterfall in this canyon and it could be bypassed with the care on the left (looking down canyon). Even then it could end up in a plunge with a bad step. We didn't see any ropes or webbing Brennan wrote about in 1999. Now that all those details are out of the way... we just jumped off the falls into the pool below! Not advised, but was no problem with enough water in the pool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t02VYDDBLnpTnFwZI1fXoRCYpffgVDq_4xjjXzSBOFo5zdtcwUfvcDcxJX-x3bbEJsOo-gqgrv7yGk9f41L9HZHX4Bpi6Teq8vCbB6zhDxPZwA23Al1R6YvXJ1hKpz3nqTJiLEq3Tw8/s1600/RoyalGorge_15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1t02VYDDBLnpTnFwZI1fXoRCYpffgVDq_4xjjXzSBOFo5zdtcwUfvcDcxJX-x3bbEJsOo-gqgrv7yGk9f41L9HZHX4Bpi6Teq8vCbB6zhDxPZwA23Al1R6YvXJ1hKpz3nqTJiLEq3Tw8/s320/RoyalGorge_15.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| I slipped |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZHpY8I39BHsFS_q2crk8yVNTbphdPp_OLX9Ih4Wy54hayOTUQKOOE52ymeIH7ULd4DcKFcw5BfsW658NaLdzy7tTFiBsYGyRk0vGAzCDWNdmRvNEzyOjTF-p3eixNHAmrjGh5W7lfpY/s1600/20140526_133208_3_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqZHpY8I39BHsFS_q2crk8yVNTbphdPp_OLX9Ih4Wy54hayOTUQKOOE52ymeIH7ULd4DcKFcw5BfsW658NaLdzy7tTFiBsYGyRk0vGAzCDWNdmRvNEzyOjTF-p3eixNHAmrjGh5W7lfpY/s320/20140526_133208_3_1.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
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This point is still hours from the canyon's emergence into anything larger. We continued to twist and turn throughout the streambed. Jumping boulders & bothering deer. Eventually making a wide sweeping curve that showed on our map, we were getting closer to where the Arroyo meets Dark Canyon. We weren't behind schedule in anyway, but I remember it taking more time than expected to do the portion from the falls to the Oakwilde.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytMSL8NnCG0C1pZnmZ7EB0nAFOaFglaZ5v73hkXs6EuM3crr5EJlxjmr-1ZLHneuQOtXF237AqUAz0-0fClWlUWtDTbhNiliVg54GUlqk3rmqm6MF5zYGJ0yzGqerBFyF7exnlZCr5xc/s1600/20140526_145915_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytMSL8NnCG0C1pZnmZ7EB0nAFOaFglaZ5v73hkXs6EuM3crr5EJlxjmr-1ZLHneuQOtXF237AqUAz0-0fClWlUWtDTbhNiliVg54GUlqk3rmqm6MF5zYGJ0yzGqerBFyF7exnlZCr5xc/s320/20140526_145915_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG5ie5hSdtfV99PGcQkez3WDlQLBouiVewcwNy2S210a0JCmZWzmtvaAfUKL7wwklcNQZK2TdRUW_v7mAE3L49xZWe2Z7NG4bZzvkgOKMcRUo8j1JpkyULHHYVSdcpjEY9fAEcTYjyQU/s1600/20140526_144606.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQG5ie5hSdtfV99PGcQkez3WDlQLBouiVewcwNy2S210a0JCmZWzmtvaAfUKL7wwklcNQZK2TdRUW_v7mAE3L49xZWe2Z7NG4bZzvkgOKMcRUo8j1JpkyULHHYVSdcpjEY9fAEcTYjyQU/s320/20140526_144606.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Getting lower & wider in the canyon |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt9Cfy94VOXmEnYHauVEtIsLvWeMpF6lhRByFMY_o5Fd5ry70RG1QvyxWF8-XbdqWjemw3Sc2QwmLReWmKRm3YjmMYX9YtnyUPT_yC0oo2ELpM4MICP844-FMvmL93wrefkVZ8fyqp40/s1600/20140526_150934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJt9Cfy94VOXmEnYHauVEtIsLvWeMpF6lhRByFMY_o5Fd5ry70RG1QvyxWF8-XbdqWjemw3Sc2QwmLReWmKRm3YjmMYX9YtnyUPT_yC0oo2ELpM4MICP844-FMvmL93wrefkVZ8fyqp40/s320/20140526_150934.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I can't stress enough if you are the leader on this mission keep an eye on the power lines as soon as you can see them. This will be your beacon when all else fails. It will become fairly apparent when the canyon widens up significantly and there is much more classic chaparral with oaks as apposed to the Alders and vegetation that had been filling the creeks. We found not one sign of Oakwilde Campground, wandering up Dark Canyon a bit & along the huge trees that lined the two canyons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzazq9kP-OQqI8p5P7pIH_PmGk2Do527y_1eJe4K6Ww_3LOLMenu2GidYvGoSNS-NSfW7CwZRjxhFSLD9F0a9EsCjXAT9UYT2LEK2aNhKZAKvcpAG1Y67igVe_Aiu4a0oWDaTMGrO7PQU/s1600/20140526_155801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzazq9kP-OQqI8p5P7pIH_PmGk2Do527y_1eJe4K6Ww_3LOLMenu2GidYvGoSNS-NSfW7CwZRjxhFSLD9F0a9EsCjXAT9UYT2LEK2aNhKZAKvcpAG1Y67igVe_Aiu4a0oWDaTMGrO7PQU/s320/20140526_155801.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Beginning our climb out of the Arroyo to Hwy 2 |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38GSE0s3fjKXAuc6k2p0L0m0RgeLoXV47BNXEJiDyPlwOHKizk1kLziMbkQ9memWhDm9VLO4FVOIf9keONNnDJ5FPwOKRJSDnOeBZ8kGekD2AJlQBxXvdb78Pv1oaj7AU9joo82tvmuo/s1600/20140526_162038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi38GSE0s3fjKXAuc6k2p0L0m0RgeLoXV47BNXEJiDyPlwOHKizk1kLziMbkQ9memWhDm9VLO4FVOIf9keONNnDJ5FPwOKRJSDnOeBZ8kGekD2AJlQBxXvdb78Pv1oaj7AU9joo82tvmuo/s320/20140526_162038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Lots of deterrents |</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpYyVJ6tw6llmHoSUXsL2eKeZ_PZdaPIUqy2LiudlmrRwUQSvqj6jiebSpTNz4EInjGcY5yj0LVb77Vt8NZ-e1AUYJ8_4DgphYlZyIuUO7bMhkAAJtwOuEnLZ3SecYI7qinVxY_khss/s1600/20140526_163505_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUHpYyVJ6tw6llmHoSUXsL2eKeZ_PZdaPIUqy2LiudlmrRwUQSvqj6jiebSpTNz4EInjGcY5yj0LVb77Vt8NZ-e1AUYJ8_4DgphYlZyIuUO7bMhkAAJtwOuEnLZ3SecYI7qinVxY_khss/s320/20140526_163505_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Looking back on the lower portion of Royal Gorge |</span></div>
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Before doing this trip, dive deep in researching a forgotten trail that a few people have written about on the net that connects Hwy 2 to Dark Canyon. I can't find the details while writing this, but I advise that. Combined with that info, we knew that the base of one of the power lines also connected with the trail. Now standing way below in the Arroyo Seco we had NO chance of finding where the trail spit out into Oakwilde, which is what we needed. Next best bet was some insane bushwhacking that still reigns in my "Top 5". Full crawling, root grabbing, type 2 fun. Forward progress was decent and eventually I paused to take a photo and noticed a faded orange trail flag above me on the slope. Voila! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVltrqcN90dCgAXAa4znhM3i-ZPxZd4KlVicdLVuFUBgaq4kvYmVvm9K9heUY2F8GKnloMMzin0x2gh1OGamSQ137Hmvz4ZNuSScNsM-GRwxhuUPr1JHXGOvZz4UPbZ4eGB7ZF39wWWQ/s1600/20140526_161844_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVltrqcN90dCgAXAa4znhM3i-ZPxZd4KlVicdLVuFUBgaq4kvYmVvm9K9heUY2F8GKnloMMzin0x2gh1OGamSQ137Hmvz4ZNuSScNsM-GRwxhuUPr1JHXGOvZz4UPbZ4eGB7ZF39wWWQ/s320/20140526_161844_1.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SFLt7GZfqkoWYVqDKFWXU9pxUyBmmm-P-RLWgenrrNmITsueAqwAg7r7XJNjt_oKxbvcwHhtwNwKfjYmczim7v5y8TYyvEZnWjKgKc2peOUOI5yJEJJmT2QLmJQP38aeGNzrpd6akfM/s1600/RoyalGorge_17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7SFLt7GZfqkoWYVqDKFWXU9pxUyBmmm-P-RLWgenrrNmITsueAqwAg7r7XJNjt_oKxbvcwHhtwNwKfjYmczim7v5y8TYyvEZnWjKgKc2peOUOI5yJEJJmT2QLmJQP38aeGNzrpd6akfM/s320/RoyalGorge_17.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">| Arroyo Seco left side |</span></div>
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I can attest that there is the faintest of trails though. Rounding the base of the now up close mega huge power line we took a use trail back to a narrow section of Hwy 2. Walking north about five minutes on the highway we finally arrived at our second car. But wait for it... the key we needed was then discovered to be in the other car at the trailhead! The adventure continues. A nice air purification specialist picked us up and dropped us back at the top of Switzer's.</div>
JDBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04447962747027582575noreply@blogger.com0