I consider it a preparatory hike. While it's impressive at 8 miles r/t with a 2700 ft elevation gain, it is only HALF of the elevation gain of our planned hike to Idaho's Borah(slotted for late August)in the same mileage.
The hike was amazingly not difficult. Two things that began to affect my ascent at about mile 3. I felt some rubbing in my heel, which made no sense to me. I have been hiking in my Asolos for several years now and these were new hot spots. The others (more predictable ones) always develop on the descent. I had Teyla with me, so I decided to press on to the Waldron tree (limbar pine) and apply some moleskin there. Somehow in Sequoia my blister kit transferred to the fiance's pack, and he somehow left it on the kitchen table that morning. So... I was SOL. I was favoring my heels so then I began to feel some knee/hip pain, but I knew it was due to changes in my gait.
I waited about 30 minutes at the Waldron and enjoyed apples with Teyla. It was refreshingly cold, but at times I was chilled so much I sought out the sun and protection from the wind. Fiance arrived and rested a few more and we headed to the top.
Views at the top were amazing and I did note that there were no bees (unlike the last time we did this trail). There was a place to camp that I had not noticed before - occupied by some backpackers. The wind was not nearly as chilling as along the spine (near the Limbar pine tree), so it was an enjoyable place to have lunch and take in the sights. Mount San Antonio (AKA Baldy) was beckoning, Rancho looked cloudy/hazy, and the views of the HD were fantastic. The limbar pines are pretty cool, too.
I limped most of the way down (so did the fiance after rolling his ankle) which warranted a trip to the Chiropractor today. I very much dislike the descents and today was no exception.
The blister kit has been added to the list of things to bring for Borah. The largest one is pretty bad, but all in all I feel really great about this hike. I didn't experience any soreness the next day and I feel refreshed.
Some information on the hike:
Trailhead is out of Vincent Gap in Angeles National Forest, about 10 miles west of Wrightwood. The sign says 3.7 miles at trailhead, but later you see you've gone 3.8 miles at the junction to Dawson Saddle. Here you have about .2 miles to the summit. The limbar pines are very old; the Wally Waldron tree is estimated at 1500 years old. They are burly pines with thick trunks and thin branches. There are about 40 switchbacks on the trail which makes the trail wonderfully steady. Watch the change in trees; you'll go from oaks to firs to sugar pines and finally on to the limbars.
About the Wally Waldron Tree
The fiance & Teyla
View of the HD
Tey & I by the Lord Baden Powell monument.
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