Baden Powell

Sunday we finally made it to the top of Mt. Baden Powell.
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.

Cooper Canyon Falls

It was a little cooler this week. I even thought about leaving my Sahara pants as pants instead of shorts .. for about 5 seconds.

The hike to Cooper canyon falls begins out of Buckthorn campground on Highway 2. Since the campground is still closed for the season, it is best to park at the campground exit. Here you will walk about .9 miles through the campground to the trailhead. There are plenty of signs now, all new, thanks to the recent renovation.

Trailhead also has a parking area if you are able to drive in.

From the trailhead, the hike is only 1.4 miles one way. It is all downhill and very little shade. There is the sound of rushing water almost the entire time, which I LOVE. If you go early in the season, like I did both years, be prepared to get your footsies wet. The trail has water crossing it in a few spots, and there are 2 creek crossings (including the one in the campground) and an additional one at the bottom of the falls. I wore my Brooks Cascadias and did fine, but I think this trail calls for a more sturdy shoe. Between the mud and rocks, I was sorta sorry I didn't have my Asolos.

Once you pass the first split - continue to your right (South East). At this point, it's only about .2 miles to the actual falls. You can see them to your left just below you. There is no sign, however, for the actual trail down to the falls. The trail is makeshift, steep with some mud. The last 15-20 feet is best navigated using the rope.

The first time I took this hike, I passed the falls and came to another creek crossing. At that point I knew I had gone too far, (you cans see the symbol for falls on the map, but it is not labeled, at least on my Tom Harrison map of the area).

If you have trekking poles, you can leave them near the rope. Also, with our dogs - we put Penelope in my pack and Teyla we let off leash. Fiance held her back until I got down, and I pointed the way she needed to go and she made it down no problem. She also does not like water too much, so we again held her until one of crossed the creek (at the bottom of the falls) and she then navigated to us. It was funny to see her try to climb the rock where we sat! "More paw, less claw". Well, she made it up but she had to find a way around the back of the rock.

Teyla was once again cordial to all the people on the trail and the doods down at the falls. They left about 10 minutes after we got there and we had the rest of the time to ourselves. I gave the Fiance a photography lesson on his new camera.

Sorry folks, all of my pics are from my android.

See the trail on Runkeeper here (including the walk through the campground)

Falls with pool (view from our rock)

Teyla, away from the water

Penelope on my lap on the rock (Cascadia's in the background)

Friday Wanderings

I really didn't do much outdoors last week - not that the weather didn't *scream* to be outside. Simply, we had enough snow to make everything soggy or icy. By Friday I figured all but the shady northern slopes would have melted and so I took the girls for a walk.

We didn't pick any new trails or venture off on a long hike. I did the three mile hike from Inspiration point into Grassy Hollow and about a mile past there, looping back to GH on the Jackson Flat road. It gives me enough up and downs to enjoy it the scenery and still work the muscles. Penelope did okay, despite some snowy areas. Much more snow and she's just not able to tolerate it with her miniature paws.

It was clear out to Rancho, and the views of the desert on the dry side were fantastic. I love when the temp dips to the 40's and the sun still shines. It was a lovely day to be in the mountains and fresh air. I truly hope to get out more this next week.

See it on Runkeeper

I think I'll head to Canada...

(Pic taken near Grassy Hollow visitor center)

Blue Ridge Hike

South View - sunny skies

As promised, I headed up to Blue Ridge via Big Pines today. The weather was threatening, and a few snow flurries met our faces, but nothing too worrisome. Fiance was AWESOME and gave it the ol' college try, threw up at .8 miles into it, and elected to head back to the truck. (He seems to be down with the stomach flu now - poor guy!)

The trail is moderate, nice climb of about 500 ft/mile. There are several view areas, nothing spectacular, but nevertheless beautiful. A few nice views of Mountain High east (and sometimes you can hear skiers and snow blowers). Most of this trail is north north-east facing, so in a normal winter it wouldn't be very accessible. Ran into some ice and a little hard snow near the top. Blue Ridge was nice today -not a soul up there and the South side (facing Rancho) was foggy - as if the world ended at the end of the campground. I enjoyed an apple at the top, gave Teyla her treats and water, and headed down - jogging most of the way. I really wasn't wearing proper shoes for trail running - my Asolos are way too clunky for that.

Total time was about 2.3 hours, with a 20 minute break at the top. Trail map says 2 miles one way; I clocked it at 2.25 from the car. Gear: Camelbak day pack, 3 liters of water, snacks (and extra), waterproof in pack, extra beanie, Sig Sauer. I'd say at least 15 pounds of gear give or take. Teyla carried her own water and treats and packable dish. Wore my NF Flight Series pants, Stoic Merino wool base, Polartec pro fleece and Black Diamond Glove liners. I was plenty warm (if not HOT) until the top during my rest where I felt the chill from my perspiration.

View it on Runkeeper

Pictures:
Trail Head

Lil' bit of ice

Teyla

Mountain High East

Campground - slightly blurry because my glasses were fogged!