This morning was frigid. We broke camp quickly and got moving as soon as possible. We went through a ski area, and it was funny to see the ski lifts surrounded by such little snow. At least, I thought it was funny. We stopped for a bit on the highway, and I thought I would take off my pants and hike in my shorts. At that moment, an icy breeze came through. Clearly nature wanted me to keep my pants on.
We have been following Highway 2 regularly. We passed Grassy Hollow Campground and Jackson Flat Camp, and descended down to Vincent Gap. That's when I realized we would be going up the side of Mt. Baden-Powell. Lord Baden-Powell founded the boyscouts (coincidence that we ran into a troop of them the day before...?), and there is a monument on the top of this mountain. Also, Vincent Gap is at 6600 feet and the top of the mountain is at 9399! The trail only goes to 9250, but that was a hell of a climb over 4 miles. And the last bit of it was covered in snow. The trail got lost in the two feet or so of snow, so we just followed the footprints straight up (which is normaly really stupid. NEVER follow footsteps in the snow unless you are sure you know where they lead.) We decided to summit the mountain, sine I didn't get to do San Jacinto, and besides, it's the second tallest in the San Gabriels, behind Mt. Baldy. Hey mom, I summited a mountain!
The climb down from the mountain got a bit hairy. The people ahead of us had lost the trail, and of course we were following them. Finally Don't Panic had had enough, and went looking for the trail. It was about 35 feet above us, and I had to scramble to get back to it. We trudged on until we got to Little Jimmy Campground, only to find it, too, was covered in snow. We found a dry spot and set up camp. We were 2000 feet below where we camped last night, and we were hoping there wouldn't be any snow. Oh well, can't plan for everything (unless you're a boyscout.)
People: leave me comments! I love reading them when I get into town.
7 comments:
It sounds like you all are having a great time...starting to think I should quit my job and join you all :) But for now, I'll just live vicariously through you - reading your blog during my lunch.
So did you totally skip Wrightwood? Sounds like things are going well.
Way to go Katie! I've been following your blogs since you started....I get excited to see when you have posted a new one! I am so amazed at all the stories you have to tell! You are a very good writer!! (We don't have any adventures like this in Philly - hahaha!) Take care of yourself girly!
Laura Taylor/Phila. ofc
To wingit & dontpanic
From
Marcus & Blue - White Water Canyon...
Seems like months ago when you were here!!! We are following you faithfully behind... Did you find your camera??? Do you need food???
Blue and I got rustled with a Mountain Lion 2 nights ago... I've got stiches and he does not!
Make sure you have all your writings, and you too Jake, (you both write beautifully), backed up on a DVD somewhere... And make sure you take pictures... If you lost your camera Katie, I will send you one... Do not give up :)
Marcus & Blue xoxox
PS: Don't panic - stay with her :)
Hey Katie,
I can't believe that you've been gone for over a month. I love reading your tales to hear what you have been up to. It sounds crazy but tons of fun. =P
Say hello to Jake for me
Katie,
I'm one of the two dayhikers you ran into just before summiting Baden Powell. Found your site and enjoyed your writing thus far. I'll follow along since I won't be doing the PCT anytime soon. Maybe I'll learn to get my base pack weight down too. My friend is still mumbling about your 9lb base weight.
Hi Katie, I've been following your blog since Iris gave me the address, it's so exciting!! I gotta agree with Dana, I am definetely living vicariously through you, keep up the good work!
Alexandra
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