Hobbies Galleries

Tour de Foothills Metric Century 62 Mile Cycling Event, Upland CA November 14, 2009 : weblink: http://www.tourdefoothills.com/

Tour de Foothills Metric Century 62 Mile Cycling Event, Upland CA November 14, 2009

weblink: http://www.tourdefoothills.com/

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 3:16pm PST

Solvang Prelude Half Century 50 Mile Charity Cycling Event for SCOR Cardiac Cyclist Club, Solvang CA November 7, 2009 : weblink: http://www.bikescor.com/prelude/welcome.htm

Solvang Prelude Half Century 50 Mile Charity Cycling Event for SCOR Cardiac Cyclist Club, Solvang CA November 7, 2009

weblink: http://www.bikescor.com/prelude/welcome.htm

Updated: Nov 15, 2009 2:52pm PST

A "Tri" Style Weekend with Friends: Hike, Bike, Swim, and BBQ October 24, 2009 : An active and scenic weekend with our friends starting with a 4 mile hike to Mt Roubidoux in downtown Riverside at sunrise, followed by a 40 mile RT bicycle ride through Riverside and Redlands, and finishing off the afternoon with a swim, hot tub soak, and Hawaiian BBQ party at Dave and Claudia's home...! weblink: http://shroudedindoubt.typepad.com/skin_and_bones/2005/02/shrines_mt_rubi.html

A "Tri" Style Weekend with Friends: Hike, Bike, Swim, and BBQ October 24, 2009

An active and scenic weekend with our friends starting with a 4 mile h ...

Updated: Oct 26, 2009 7:29am PST

West Fork San Gabriel River Hike to Glenn Camp, Azusa CA October 11, 2009 : weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/WestFork_4472.asp

West Fork San Gabriel River Hike to Glenn Camp, Azusa CA October 11, 2009

weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/WestFork_4472.asp

Updated: Oct 12, 2009 5:12am PST

Three Club 36 Mile Advanced Level Ride, Corona-Norco CA September 18, 2009 : Honest but humorous sentiments by group friend Larry regarding our club ride...! Well we did the "3 club ride" last Saturday with Riverside, Redlands and Cycle Connection. I would guess about 100 people did the ride. It was only about 36-37 miles but Oh... what a route it was. The opening hill was pretty tough but do-able. I THOUGHT this was probably going to be the hardest hill on the route but NO... You go up another hill back down (I mean up) by Green River. It's do-able. Then you go up another by the Norco Rehabilitation Center. It's do-able. Then you go around by the Hidden Valley Gold course in Norco. Oh Yeah, another hill. BARELY do-able. It's a beast of a climb at over 14% grade and two miles. I know I was tired along with the people who were by me. Thank goodness there is a downhill after that. To finish the ride you have two more hills (inclines). The're do-able but by then your tired and the heat and humidity are starting to wear you down. I'm kinda glad it was only 36-37 miles :o) weblink: http://www.riversidebicycleclub.com/#

Three Club 36 Mile Advanced Level Ride, Corona-Norco CA September 18, 2009

Honest but humorous sentiments by group friend Larry regarding our clu ...

Updated: Sep 21, 2009 11:34pm PST

Labor Day Holiday Weekend 2009 : weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/TahquitzDS_4472.asp

Labor Day Holiday Weekend 2009

weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/TahquitzDS_4472.asp

Updated: Sep 09, 2009 7:47pm PST

Bike-the-Bay 25 Mile Benefit Ride, San Diego CA August 30, 2009 : weblink: http://www.bikethebay.net/site54.aspx

Bike-the-Bay 25 Mile Benefit Ride, San Diego CA August 30, 2009

weblink: http://www.bikethebay.net/site54.aspx

Updated: Sep 02, 2009 9:38pm PST

Aspen Grove and Fish Creek Trail Group Hike, San Gorgonio Wilderness-Angelus Oaks CA August 29, 2009 : weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=1&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4451

Aspen Grove and Fish Creek Trail Group Hike, San Gorgonio Wilderness-Angelus Oaks CA August 29, 2009

weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike= ...

Updated: Aug 31, 2009 9:56pm PST

Mt Williamson Group Hike, Big Pines CA August 23, 2009 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152023/mount-williamson.html

Mt Williamson Group Hike, Big Pines CA August 23, 2009

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152023/mount-williams ...

Updated: Aug 24, 2009 10:02am PST

Yosemite National Park CA Sightseeing and Hiking Fourth of July Weekend 2009: Devil's Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and Cathedral Lakes : weblink1: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/cathedral-lakes/cathedral-lakes.htm weblink2: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=514 weblink3: http://www.yosemitegatewaymotel.com/ weblink4: http://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/nearbyattractions.htm weblink5: http://www.groveland.com/lodgLux.htm

Yosemite National Park CA Sightseeing and Hiking Fourth of July Weekend 2009: Devil's Postpile, Rainbow Falls, and Cathedral Lakes

weblink1: http://www.yosemitehikes.com/tioga-road/cathedral-lakes/cath ...

Updated: Jul 08, 2009 2:30am PST

Father's Day Hike Along Santa Ana Mountains Main Divide, Lake Elsinore CA June 21, 2009 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/507606/trabuco-peak.html

Father's Day Hike Along Santa Ana Mountains Main Divide, Lake Elsinore CA June 21, 2009

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/507606/trabuco-peak.h ...

Updated: Jun 22, 2009 6:22pm PST

City Of Angels Children's Hospital 50 Mile Charity Ride, Los Angeles CA April 26, 2009 Sponsored by Volkswagen USA : weblink1: http://www.coafunride.com/

City Of Angels Children's Hospital 50 Mile Charity Ride, Los Angeles CA April 26, 2009 Sponsored by Volkswagen USA

weblink1: http://www.coafunride.com/

Updated: May 10, 2009 11:52am PST

Mt Baldy Training Hike for Machu Picchu, Easter at Mount Baldy Village CA April 12, 2009 : Always impressive and offering a tough but awesome experience...Mt Baldy delivered again for Easter weekend..! Ines and our new friend Angel both hit the mark and summited on their first attempt. Congratulations..! weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150444/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy.html

Mt Baldy Training Hike for Machu Picchu, Easter at Mount Baldy Village CA April 12, 2009

Always impressive and offering a tough but awesome experience...Mt Bal ...

Updated: Apr 13, 2009 10:28am PST

Black Mountain Fire Tower Hike, Idyllwild CA April 4, 2009 : weblink1: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/27c.htm

Black Mountain Fire Tower Hike, Idyllwild CA April 4, 2009

weblink1: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/27c.htm

Updated: Apr 06, 2009 7:59pm PST

Pyramid Peak Hike, Idyllwild CA March 21, 2009 : weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=17&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=5261 weblink2: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/28j.htm

Pyramid Peak Hike, Idyllwild CA March 21, 2009

weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike ...

Updated: Mar 21, 2009 10:17pm PST

San Gabriel Mountains Duo: Mount Lowe and Mount Markham, La Canada-Flintridge CA March 7, 2009 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/244499/mount-lowe.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/229555/mount-markham.html

San Gabriel Mountains Duo: Mount Lowe and Mount Markham, La Canada-Flintridge CA March 7, 2009

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/244499/mount-lowe.ht ...

Updated: Mar 07, 2009 11:21pm PST

Hike to Orocopia Mountain, Indio CA February 22, 2009 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/372744/orocopia-mountain.html weblink2: http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/feb/stories/paton.html General George S Patton with his staff officers, flew over a vast expanse of sand and brush weeds in Southern California and portions of Arizona and Nevada. Later, he covered much of the area on foot and on horseback. He decided this was the place to build a force for desert combat. The area selected by General Patton in the California and Arizona deserts encompassed approximately 18,000 square miles, making it the largest military installation and maneuver area in the world. Patton described the new area chosen as: "...the best I have ever seen . . . it is desolate and remote . . . large enough for any kind of training exercises." The first troops to arrive at the Desert Training Center described it as "the place God forgot." It was eventually to become the WW II training ground for more than a million troops in seven armored divisions and thirteen infantry divisions. When General Patton started operating the Desert Training Center, he knew little about the desert. He called upon the expertise of Roy Chapman Andrews, an explorer who had made several expeditions to the Gobi Desert. Patton explained to the officers, "If you can work successfully here, in this country, it will be no difficulty at all to kill the assorted SOBs you meet in any other country." excerpt courtesy of Desert USA magazine 1999

Hike to Orocopia Mountain, Indio CA February 22, 2009

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/372744/orocopia-moun ...

Updated: Feb 24, 2009 8:32am PST

Valentine's Day Weekend & Tour de Palm Springs Metric Century 65 Mile Cycling Event February 14, 2009 : weblink: http://www.tourdepalmsprings.com/

Valentine's Day Weekend & Tour de Palm Springs Metric Century 65 Mile Cycling Event February 14, 2009

weblink: http://www.tourdepalmsprings.com/

Updated: Feb 15, 2009 12:40pm PST

Santa Rosa Mountain Hike, Idyllwild & Anza CA January 17, 2009 :

Santa Rosa Mountain Hike, Idyllwild & Anza CA January 17, 2009

Updated: Jan 18, 2009 12:22pm PST

Palm Springs 55-Mile Bicycle Ride for Ines Birthday, January 11, 2009 :

Palm Springs 55-Mile Bicycle Ride for Ines Birthday, January 11, 2009

Updated: Jan 11, 2009 11:37pm PST

SoCal New Years 2009 Bike and Hike Weekend: Sunset Loop Redlands CA and Cuyamaca Peak Julian CA : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151754/cuyamaca-peak.html

SoCal New Years 2009 Bike and Hike Weekend: Sunset Loop Redlands CA and Cuyamaca Peak Julian CA

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151754/cuyamaca-peak. ...

Updated: Jan 04, 2009 11:28am PST

SoCal Snow, Cuyamaca State Park, and Julian CA December 19-21, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151754/cuyamaca-peak.html

SoCal Snow, Cuyamaca State Park, and Julian CA December 19-21, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151754/cuyamaca-peak ...

Updated: Dec 21, 2008 6:20pm PST

Sitton Peak Hike, Santa Ana Mountains, Lake Elsinore CA November-December 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152268/sitton-peak.html

Sitton Peak Hike, Santa Ana Mountains, Lake Elsinore CA November-December 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152268/sitton-peak.h ...

Updated: Dec 19, 2008 10:33pm PST

SoCal Run & Cycle Weekend: Candlelighters 5K Run-Walk for Children's Cancer, Redlands CA and Cogswell Dam 15 Mile Bicycle Ride-Hike, Azusa CA November 23, 2008 :

SoCal Run & Cycle Weekend: Candlelighters 5K Run-Walk for Children's Cancer, Redlands CA and Cogswell Dam 15 Mile Bicycle Ride-Hike, Azusa CA November 23, 2008

Updated: Nov 24, 2008 11:17pm PST

Tour-de-Foothills Metric Century 100 Km-62 Mile Cycling Event November 8, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.tourdefoothills.com/

Tour-de-Foothills Metric Century 100 Km-62 Mile Cycling Event November 8, 2008

weblink1: http://www.tourdefoothills.com/

Updated: Nov 10, 2008 9:16am PST

Fall Exercise Hike to South Fork Meadows of Mt San Gorgonio, Angelus Oaks CA October 19, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.sgwa.org/trails2.htm

Fall Exercise Hike to South Fork Meadows of Mt San Gorgonio, Angelus Oaks CA October 19, 2008

weblink1: http://www.sgwa.org/trails2.htm

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 2:10pm PST

Multiple Sclerosis 100 Mile Charity Cycling Event Bay-to-Bay Irvine to San Diego CA October 11-12, 2008.....Sponsorship by BP Petroleum :

Multiple Sclerosis 100 Mile Charity Cycling Event Bay-to-Bay Irvine to San Diego CA October 11-12, 2008.....Sponsorship by BP Petroleum

Updated: Oct 20, 2008 1:26pm PST

^^Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa^^ Global Highpoint Hike and Safari September 8-20, 2008 : Weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150202/kilimanjaro.html

^^Mt Kilimanjaro, Africa^^ Global Highpoint Hike and Safari September 8-20, 2008

Weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150202/kilimanjaro.h ...

Updated: Oct 10, 2008 4:02pm PST

Labor Day Weekend 2008: Jose and Barbara Medina Pig Roast and White Mountain CA Hike as Training for Kilimanjaro : Weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150221/white-mountain-peak.html Weblink2: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=2&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4222

Labor Day Weekend 2008: Jose and Barbara Medina Pig Roast and White Mountain CA Hike as Training for Kilimanjaro

Weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150221/white-mountai ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2008 7:47pm PST

Bicycle Ride 45 Miles to Huntington Beach CA August 24, 2008 :

Bicycle Ride 45 Miles to Huntington Beach CA August 24, 2008

Updated: Aug 26, 2008 6:53pm PST

Group Bicycle Ride 32 Miles to Lake Mathews & Claudia and David's Housewarming Party, Riverside CA August 9, 2008 :

Group Bicycle Ride 32 Miles to Lake Mathews & Claudia and David's Housewarming Party, Riverside CA August 9, 2008

Updated: Oct 04, 2008 9:05am PST

Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto #2, Palm Springs CA August 3, 2008 & Training for Kilimanjaro : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150673/san-jacinto-peak.html What a beautiful day to hike 12 miles in the San Jacinto mountains with some really great friends...! Well, at least until the lightning, thunder, large raindrops, then ice pellets started! That, coupled with the "still sore" calves and knees pretty much tells the story. Still friends everyone, right..???!! Based on our most recent experience several weekends ago on July 20, a much improved weather day, starting out with bright sun and around 70 F at the top tram station, then cooling to around 65 F near the top of Mt San Jacinto prior to the localized severe storm that blew through just as we summited dropping the temp to 50 F. What a rude awakening after a nice cool immersion experience to hit Palm Springs with the leftovers from a 108 F high humidity day there! Fortunately both the food and specialty margaritas at Las Casuelas were excellent and helped minimize the various areas and levels of pain. Despite the odd weather "education", I believe it was a wonderful and scenic day....and a high achievement day....for our group!

Aerial Tramway Hike to Mt San Jacinto #2, Palm Springs CA August 3, 2008 & Training for Kilimanjaro

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150673/san-jacinto-p ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2008 5:54pm PST

Visit with Veronica & Dave and Sightseeing around Mt Palomar Observatory, Julian CA July 27, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomarnew/ weblink2: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/overview.html weblink3: http://www.julianca.com/about_julian/index.htm

Visit with Veronica & Dave and Sightseeing around Mt Palomar Observatory, Julian CA July 27, 2008

weblink1: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomarnew/ weblink2: http://w ...

Updated: Jul 28, 2008 4:27pm PST

Palm Springs Tramway to Mt San Jacinto Hike #1 July 20, 2008 :

Palm Springs Tramway to Mt San Jacinto Hike #1 July 20, 2008

Updated: Jul 26, 2008 11:27am PST

Sightseeing & Garfield Peak Hike, Crater Lake National Park OR..and..Jetboat Dinner Cruise & Table Rock Butte Hike, Grant's Pass OR July 3-6, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151170/mount-scott.html weblink2: http://www.craterlakelodges.com/ weblink3: http://www.craterlakeresort.com/ weblink4: http://www.hellgate.com/Splash/ weblink5: http://www.nps.gov/archive/crla/brochures/bicycling.htm

Sightseeing & Garfield Peak Hike, Crater Lake National Park OR..and..Jetboat Dinner Cruise & Table Rock Butte Hike, Grant's Pass OR July 3-6, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151170/mount-scott.h ...

Updated: Jul 07, 2008 7:02pm PST

SoCal Bike and Hike Weekend: Sunset Blvd Redlands CA & Devil's Backbone Trail to Pine Mountain, Wrightwood CA June 28-29, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150950/pine-mountain.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/196829/dawson-peak.html

SoCal Bike and Hike Weekend: Sunset Blvd Redlands CA & Devil's Backbone Trail to Pine Mountain, Wrightwood CA June 28-29, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150950/pine-mountain ...

Updated: Jun 30, 2008 5:58pm PST

San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon Weekend with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team-in-Training, San Diego CA May 31-June 2, 2008 :

San Diego Rock-n-Roll Marathon Weekend with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Team-in-Training, San Diego CA May 31-June 2, 2008

Updated: Jun 04, 2008 9:22pm PST

Memorial Day Weekend 2008 and Hike to Tahquitz Peak Fire Tower, Idyllwild CA : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151446/tahquitz-peak.html weblink2: http://www.gastrognome.com/ Wow....a busy but really fun weekend! Barry's (aka "Papa Bear") birthday party with the bicycle club riders at the Paisano Italian restaurant in Rancho Cucamonga Friday night; a very nice home dinner with Jeri, her son, her manager, and friends Saturday evening in Palm Springs; bicycle riding (well...practice for me after 30 years) Sunday on the San Bernardino bike trail; shopping with Ines and Veronica Sunday afternoon at the Cabazon-Morongo Casino outlet mall; hiking Monday with Ines to the Tahquitz Peak ranger fire tower; and capping the weekend off with dinner at the Gastrognome in the small resort town of Idyllwild. Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone...!

Memorial Day Weekend 2008 and Hike to Tahquitz Peak Fire Tower, Idyllwild CA

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151446/tahquitz-peak ...

Updated: May 27, 2008 7:55pm PST

**Jerimoth Hill, RI** Highpoint Visit May 16, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152342/jerimoth-hill.html

**Jerimoth Hill, RI** Highpoint Visit May 16, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152342/jerimoth-hill ...

Updated: May 19, 2008 3:37pm PST

**High Point, NJ** Highpoint Visit May 15, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152438/high-point-new-jersey-.html

**High Point, NJ** Highpoint Visit May 15, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152438/high-point-ne ...

Updated: May 16, 2008 5:13am PST

Mother's Day visit to Oak Ridge TN, Round Top Mountain CT, and **Mount Frissell, CT-MA** Highpoint Hike May 14, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152455/mount-frissell-southwest-shoulder.html

Mother's Day visit to Oak Ridge TN, Round Top Mountain CT, and **Mount Frissell, CT-MA** Highpoint Hike May 14, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152455/mount-frissel ...

Updated: May 16, 2008 4:58am PST

Sightseeing & Lost Horse Gold Mine Hike, Joshua Tree National Park CA May 2, 2008 :

Sightseeing & Lost Horse Gold Mine Hike, Joshua Tree National Park CA May 2, 2008

Updated: May 05, 2008 3:39am PST

Mt Baden-Powell Snow and Ice Climb Wrightwood, CA April 20, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150664/baden-powell.html

Mt Baden-Powell Snow and Ice Climb Wrightwood, CA April 20, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150664/baden-powell. ...

Updated: Apr 22, 2008 3:20pm PST

Death Valley CA Visit with Easter Weekend Hikes to Fossil Falls and Corkscrew Peak....March 21-23, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154960/pyramid-peak-death-valley-.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153731/corkscrew-peak.html weblink3: http://www.furnacecreekresort.com/furnace-creek-inn-1222.html

Death Valley CA Visit with Easter Weekend Hikes to Fossil Falls and Corkscrew Peak....March 21-23, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154960/pyramid-peak- ...

Updated: Mar 23, 2008 8:35pm PST

Santa Rosa Mountain--Toro Peak Hike, Anza CA March 2, 2008 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/307132/toro-peak.html

Santa Rosa Mountain--Toro Peak Hike, Anza CA March 2, 2008

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/307132/toro-peak.html

Updated: Apr 07, 2008 7:09pm PST

Spitler Peak Hike #2, Idyllwild CA February 17, 2008 :

Spitler Peak Hike #2, Idyllwild CA February 17, 2008

Updated: Feb 18, 2008 6:09am PST

West Fork San Gabriel River Canyon Hike, Azusa CA February 9, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/WestFork_4472.asp weblink2: http://www.nearfield.com/~dan/sports/bike/mountain/sgwf/index.htm Hard to believe looking at some of these photos over the past week around the plant in Ontario and day of the hike around Azusa Canyon and the river that the temperature was almost 80 F....! It was supposed to be a beautiful, sunny weekend, and warmer than over the past several months, so I wanted to get out and explore a new hike but not tackle more snow climbing.....at least this time. I had originally wanted to do this hike in the fall, as I am sure the wild trout stream would be very scenic with some fall colors and leaves layered all around it......but it turned out better than I had thought since in winter there are no leaves to block the incredible view of the surrounding mountainscapes, especially when snow covered. The hike is pretty level on a single lane paved forest access road, gaining only about 800 vertical feet from the trailhead to Cogswell Dam, my target for the hike. Roundtrip mileage across the dam and back was approximately 15-16 miles, and definitely quick for me.....even with photos and a 40 minute stop at the dam, a roundtrip time at almost exactly six hours. I saw several pairs of mountain and street bike couples, a few picnicking families with small children, a group of young Boy Scouts setting up for an overnight outing at Glenn Camp, and the USFS and LAMWD personnel managing the facilities. An absolutely beautiful day to be out in the San Gabriel mountains!

West Fork San Gabriel River Canyon Hike, Azusa CA February 9, 2008

weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/WestFork_4472.asp weblink2 ...

Updated: Feb 11, 2008 8:24pm PST

The Desert Divide: Spitler and Apache Peak Hikes, Idyllwild CA January 13, 2008 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/222689/spitler-peak.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/253966/apache-peak.html

The Desert Divide: Spitler and Apache Peak Hikes, Idyllwild CA January 13, 2008

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/222689/spitler-peak. ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2008 7:13pm PST

Bertha Peak, Big Bear Lake CA Hike December 30, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/308287/bertha-peak.html I had not ventured up to Big Bear lake for several years, and wanted to do that along with a hike.....so a little research later resulted in choosing the Cougar Crest trail to local highpoint Bertha Peak, starting at the Big Bear adventure center located off of Highway 38 on the north shore of the lake about 5 miles east from the dam. I had hoped for a long-awaited heavy snowstorm for some classic "postcard quality" photos of the Big Bear area, but only light to moderate snow up to this weekend point in time. The extended weekend following this visit and hike, January 4-7, was the first major snowstorm of the season, 1-2 feet worth above 7000 ft elevation. However, for the hike, sunny weather and temperatures around 45 degrees at the lake level, and natually slightly cooler moving up into the surrounding higher mountains. The hike started out as scheduled, other than the extra full hour it took to get there, 2 1/2 hours total driving time from Corona.....the rest of SoCal was out to sightsee and sled with the kids this weekend as well. Temperatures were around 48-50 F at the adventure center, with a stiff breeze of about 20 mph blowing from the south. A short interpretive ranger hike was gearing up about the same time as I started my hike to Bertha, approximately 7 1/2 miles roundtrip from the center. Views were excellent over Big Bear lake as stated in the LocalHikes.com and summitpost.org website hike summaries. Just about the time I intersected the PCT, there was a distinct snow level line of about 4-6 inches that hung with me the balance of the hike, especially on the north facing sides of the mountains. I brought, but did not put on any crampons for this hike, although the thought crossed my mind in several of the icier spots. The peak has an FCC air traffic control station and several other government relay stations on it, along with great views of both Big Bear lake and the Mt San Gorgonio complex (10,600-11,500 ft elevations). Temperatures had dropped along the way and hung around 35-36 F at rthe peak with the wind still blowing, so a final wind chill reading of approximately 26-28 F. I made it down just after dark having started at around 12:30 pm, and did not end up needing a headlamp. There was still a man, his son, and a large Irish setter headed up at the point I was already a mile down, and about 20 minutes or less before sunset. They did not have any lights, extra food, or footgear for ice, so I sincerely hope they made it down safely. I told the rangers after loading up the car that there were still hikers on the mountain, in the event they called or were not soon seen and accounted for. Overall, a beautiful day at a high lake (7000 ft elevation) and a nice hike to view the entire area...!

Bertha Peak, Big Bear Lake CA Hike December 30, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/308287/bertha-peak.h ...

Updated: Dec 31, 2007 8:45am PST

Palomar Mountain Summit Firetower & Observatory Hikes, Fallbrook CA December 2, 2007 : weblink1: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/31d.htm weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/243656/palomar-mountain.html Weather forecast below for the SoCal area the weekend following my 4WD and hike adventure that itself was plagued with road closures on both East and West entrances from CA Hwy 76 due to severe mudslides and dam break flooding. The only open road in the area was the fire road to the summit firetower on Palomar Mountain...a 14 mile one-way adventure at about 5 mph in 1st gear due to the condition of the rutted and washed out dirt base, and presence of boulders that had rolled across the road, even forcing me to get out twice and roll some out of the way for passage! Needless to say, another full day's adventure by the time I had nearly circumnavigated Temecula twice, failed to get to the Observatory, and completed the roundtrip to the firetower. Positive factors and some saving grace for the day involved great weather, a lack of solid snow and ice on the road for more than I have shown in the photos, and a section of the road in the middle that had a base coating of asphalt over the dirt. THE SNOW LEVEL WILL START ABOVE 7000 FEET BUT WILL LOWER TO NEAR 5000 FEET IN THE SAN BERNARDINO MOUNTAINS BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON. THERE COULD BE LOCAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OVER TWO FEET AT THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS BUT WIDESPREAD TOTALS SHOULD BE IN THE HALF TO ONE FOOT RANGE IN THE SAN BERNARDINO AND RIVERSIDE COUNTY MOUNTAINS. THE SNOW LEVEL WILL LOWER TO NEAR 4000 FEET BY SUNDAY. THE HIGHER ELEVATIONS OF THE SAN DIEGO MOUNTAINS (i.e. Palomar) COULD EVENTUALLY GET UP TO HALF A FOOT OF SNOW. IF THE STORM CONTINUES TO DEVELOP AS EXPECTED...IT WILL ONCE AGAIN POSE A SIGNIFICANT THREAT OF MUD AND DEBRIS FLOWS IN AND BELOW RECENTLY BURNED AREAS AND ON STEEP TERRAIN. SINCE RAINFALL RATES ARE LIKELY TO BE HIGH AT TIMES ON FRIDAY...THE DEBRIS FLOW THREAT WILL BE ENHANCED. THERE WAS SUBSTANTIAL RECHARGE OF SURFACE MOISTURE AND AQUIFERS BELOW RIVER BEDS FROM THE STORM LAST WEEKEND...SO MORE OF THE RAIN THIS STORM WILL RUN OFF INTO STREAMS... RIVERS...AND NORMALLY DRY WASHES. IN ADDITION TO POSSIBLE LIFE THREATENING FLASH FLOODS AND DEBRIS FLOWS...SHORT PERIODS OF VERY HEAVY RAIN CAN PRODUCE URBAN FLOODING OF POORLY DRAINED...LOW LYING AREAS.

Palomar Mountain Summit Firetower & Observatory Hikes, Fallbrook CA December 2, 2007

weblink1: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/31d.htm weblink2: ...

Updated: Dec 02, 2007 10:46pm PST

Mt Baldy Training Hike November 18, 2007 :

Mt Baldy Training Hike November 18, 2007

Updated: Nov 20, 2007 8:15pm PST

**Mt Mitchell, NC** Highpoint Hike with Visits to Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain NC October 10-11, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150539/mount-mitchell.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153329/mount-craig.html weblink3: http://nuwrayinn.com/ weblink4: http://www.switzerlandinn.com/ The summit tower and all access trails are closed to the public as of mid-October 2006, in preparation for the new summit tower construction with an estimated completion date of September 2007. Two new tunnels are also being built along the Blue Ridge Parkway during this same time, so winter access to this entire area will be limited. An unpopular decision for me, but will have to postpone the visit and hike and wait the new projects out.

**Mt Mitchell, NC** Highpoint Hike with Visits to Linville Falls and Grandfather Mountain NC October 10-11, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150539/mount-mitchel ...

Updated: Nov 08, 2007 9:41pm PST

**Clingmans Dome, TN** Highpoint Hike(s) Circa 1964-1972 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150543/clingmans-dome.html Well, the appearance is a little different now.......but maybe some things don't change as much as we think they do....and couldn't resist the opportunity to post these "rugged" photos from a few years back. Here is a young highpointer, long before it was fashionable, dressed in then state-of-the-art Tennessee summer hiking attire......high performance Keds, and matching socks, shirt, and shorts....the shorts with the requisite ironed creases....and finally, the obligatory high performance digital (sorry...that's Polaroid instamatic) camera in hand ready to go...! Other photos......a even younger hiker with his Mom posing as we go across the Little Pigeon River on the way up the Chimney Tops trail, and the infamous "need another hand or two" camera action with a film change on the Polaroid beside Highway 441 on the way to Alum Cave Bluffs in the fall. Enjoy.............!

**Clingmans Dome, TN** Highpoint Hike(s) Circa 1964-1972

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150543/clingmans-dom ...

Updated: Aug 28, 2007 6:15pm PST

White Family Reunion, Omaha NE October 6-7 and **Hawkeye Point, IA** Highpoint Visit October 8, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152530/hawkeye-point.html weblink2: http://highpointers.org/newsletter/62/sterler-interview.shtml

White Family Reunion, Omaha NE October 6-7 and **Hawkeye Point, IA** Highpoint Visit October 8, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152530/hawkeye-point ...

Updated: Oct 09, 2007 9:05pm PST

Yosemite National Park: Sightseeing Hikes to Mono Lake and Green Creek Lake & Canyon, Lee Vining and Bridgeport CA September 29-30, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.yosemitegatewaymotel.com/default.htm weblink2: http://www.terragalleria.com/california/california.mono-lake.html weblink3: http://www.geocities.com/johnwako@sbcglobal.net/east-green.html weblink4: http://www.trails.com/tcatalog_trail.asp?trailid=HGS372-057

Yosemite National Park: Sightseeing Hikes to Mono Lake and Green Creek Lake & Canyon, Lee Vining and Bridgeport CA September 29-30, 2007

weblink1: http://www.yosemitegatewaymotel.com/default.htm weblink2: h ...

Updated: Oct 02, 2007 9:22pm PST

Etiwanda Peak, Mount Baldy CA Hike September 16, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/222267/etiwanda-peak.html A very strenuous 17 mile round trip hike originating from the Icehouse Canyon trailhead, which completed my Inland Empire ridgeline traverse quest....the entire 8000 ft (+) elevation ridgeline located due north of the Ontario airport and dominating the area skyline....and the last of three day hikes over a two year period for a total investment of 43-44 miles! Also a serious tme investment this trip of almost 15 hours accompanied by our newest accountant at the plant, Stephen Smith. The views were impressive and expansive, stretching from the ocean back through Orange County, past Corona and Riverside, and out to San Bernardino and Palm Springs. What a bright and beautiful fall weather birthday weekend to hike in SoCal! Less than two weeks on the heels of the hottest weather of the summer with Inland Empire temps consistently in the 105-108 F range, expectations were for a clear and sunny weekend with surface temps around 80 F, and mountain temps (>7000 ft) around 70 F. So another surprise.....morning temps were in the high 40's in Mt Baldy village and at the trailhead. As we climbed, the temp never went above 55-60 F, falling to 50-55 F most of the upper portion of the hike and at the summit along with a fairly stiff 15-20 mph breeze, finally dropping to 40 F by midway down that evening. A total (and welcome) contrast to the previous weather pattern and feeling a lot more seasonal almost overnight! Despite the daylight savings time advantage, we descended the last three hours of the evening with headlamps, and made it to the Mt Baldy lodge and restaurant at 10:55 pm.

Etiwanda Peak, Mount Baldy CA Hike September 16, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/222267/etiwanda-peak ...

Updated: Sep 17, 2007 12:07pm PST

**Charles Mound, IL** Highpoint Hike September 1, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152963/charles-mound.html

**Charles Mound, IL** Highpoint Hike September 1, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152963/charles-mound ...

Updated: Sep 03, 2007 7:14am PST

Cornell Peak, Palm Springs CA Hike and Rock Climb August 26, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153715/cornell-peak.html weblink2: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2813488-thai_smile_palm_springs-i;_ylt=Ageu9yjEs6.fM42R5lXXCSc_FmoL

Cornell Peak, Palm Springs CA Hike and Rock Climb August 26, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153715/cornell-peak. ...

Updated: Aug 04, 2008 5:57am PST

Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco CA Hike June 30, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150862/mount-tamalpais.html weblink2: http://www.mtnhomeinn.com/home.html

Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco CA Hike June 30, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150862/mount-tamalpa ...

Updated: Jul 02, 2007 8:27pm PST

Mt Langley, Lone Pine CA Backpack Camp and Climb May 26-28, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150246/mount-langley.html A very unique and beautiful 21-22 mile backpacking, camping and climbing trip over three days Memorial Day Weekend to Cottonwood Lakes and Mount Langley CA, one of the fifteen "fourteeners" (peaks over 14,000 ft elevation) in CA at 14,026 ft. The hike involved a five-step plan from car camping at the Olancha rest stop along CA-395 Friday evening; backpacking to Cottonwood Lakes from Horseshoe Meadow and setting up camp Saturday; hiking to the summit of Mt Langley and returning to camp Sunday; packing up camp, returning to the car at Horseshow Meadow, and driving back to Lone Pine Monday afternoon, where I left a suitcase and work clothes at the Comfort Inn; then a return drive straight to work in Ontario Tuesday morning to start the new week! Hiking conditions were excellent during the entire three day adventure, with heavy thunderstorms forming late Monday afternoon moving out of the Sierras and looming over Lone Pine, but without any precipitation there. Daytime temperatures were around 65-70 F and night was cool (let's say almost cold) at 30-35 F, as camp was located at 11,000 ft elevation. I met some incredibly great people along the way, including Homer, Debra, Allie, J.P, Dave, Matt, Fiona, and Loren on the hike up and back from Mt Langley, and Bill and Cass on the return hike to Horseshoe Meadow. Best wishes to all of them on their future endeavors.

Mt Langley, Lone Pine CA Backpack Camp and Climb May 26-28, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150246/mount-langley. ...

Updated: Jun 16, 2007 10:43pm PST

Grand Canyon National Park AZ: Visit and Rim-River-Rim Hike May 10-14, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.bobspixels.com/kaibab.org/show_photo.php?photo=bright_angel_lodge weblink2: http://www.grandcanyonlodges.com/Phantom-Ranch-704.html weblink3: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/trail-closures.htm#CP_JUMP_144036 weblink4: http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/day-hiking.htm

Grand Canyon National Park AZ: Visit and Rim-River-Rim Hike May 10-14, 2007

weblink1: http://www.bobspixels.com/kaibab.org/show_photo.php?photo=br ...

Updated: May 25, 2007 6:41pm PST

"Big Iron" Mountain, Azusa CA Hike April 22, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150975/iron-mountain-1.html weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/route/264070/heaton-flat-trail-and-south-ridge.html John Robinson, author of Trails of the Angeles, states that "8007 ft elevation Iron Mountain is by far the least accessible peak in the San Gabriels....No trail approaches its isolated summit, and to climb it you must start miles away and thousands of feet below." In this SoCal hiking legend's view, "Big Iron" is the most strenuous one-summit hike in the entire San Gabriel range. The route along the Heaton Flat Trail, then along its south ridge is the most frequently used route to Iron Mountain, a.k.a. "Big Iron". But the route is demanding....a round-trip by this route is over 14 miles with 7,200 feet of elevation gain. The last mile to the summit packs 2,000 feet of gain itself. My own words and take on this hike......well....."difficult", "strenuous", "demanding", "aggressive" all come to mind.....how about "ABUSIVE"....that seems to fit pretty well! Total time invested from the trailhead was 13 hours 17 minutes, including three meal breaks and (as always) lots of photo stops. There is an extra 1/2 mile each way from the parking lot to the trailhead, making the total hike distance closer to 15 miles. Temperatures started out around 58-60 F at the San Gabriel river trailhead, but steadily dropped down as I climbed hitting 30 F at the top with a stiff 30 mph SW wind blowing, and wind chill around 15 F. I got rained on once, and snowed on twice during this time as well! Needless to say, I did not hang around too long, plus needed to start back from an "overspent time" standpoint. The trail itself was straightforward on route finding, except a few areas on the several thousand vertical feet of "bumps" along the ridgeline between the main trail and summit, and the main climb to the summit itself. The trail was tough going up, rock chutes, scree, and crumbling clay etc, but I was actually having an excellent "vertical" day, personally. However, coming down with all the slime created from the rain and snow was both difficult and very slow, especially as night took over and the headlamp came out. Having started the hike at 9:56 am it felt really good to be back at 11:13 pm that evening, with the accomplishment of BIG IRON behind me!

"Big Iron" Mountain, Azusa CA Hike April 22, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150975/iron-mountain ...

Updated: Apr 23, 2007 7:34pm PST

Mission Peak--Fremont, CA Hike April 6, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/MissionPeak_7362.asp weblink2: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151511/mission-peak-ca.html

Mission Peak--Fremont, CA Hike April 6, 2007

weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/MissionPeak_7362.asp weblin ...

Updated: Apr 07, 2007 9:28am PST

Devils Tower--Hulett & Sundance, WY Area Visit March 28-30, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150309/devils-tower.html weblink2: http://www.devilstowerlodge.com/

Devils Tower--Hulett & Sundance, WY Area Visit March 28-30, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150309/devils-tower. ...

Updated: Apr 02, 2007 10:04pm PST

**White Butte, ND** Highpoint Hike March 26, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151926/white-butte.html

**White Butte, ND** Highpoint Hike March 26, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151926/white-butte.ht ...

Updated: Mar 27, 2007 10:00am PST

**Harney Peak, SD** Highpoint Hike & Mt Rushmore Sightseeing March 25, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150511/harney-peak.html

**Harney Peak, SD** Highpoint Hike & Mt Rushmore Sightseeing March 25, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150511/harney-peak.ht ...

Updated: Apr 01, 2007 11:25am PST

El Cajon Mountain, El Cajon-San Diego, CA Hike February 25, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153145/el-cajon-mountain.html

El Cajon Mountain, El Cajon-San Diego, CA Hike February 25, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153145/el-cajon-mount ...

Updated: Feb 26, 2007 7:23pm PST

Mount Islip, Angeles Crest--Crystal Lake, CA Hike February 17, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152603/mount-islip.html weblink2: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/14c.htm

Mount Islip, Angeles Crest--Crystal Lake, CA Hike February 17, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152603/mount-islip.h ...

Updated: Feb 18, 2007 1:38pm PST

Mount Williamson, Angeles Crest--Valyermo, CA Hike February 4, 2007 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152023/mount-williamson.html weblink2: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/13f.htm

Mount Williamson, Angeles Crest--Valyermo, CA Hike February 4, 2007

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152023/mount-william ...

Updated: Feb 05, 2007 2:45pm PST

Bighorn Gold Mine and Stamp Mill, Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike January 14, 2007 : weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/BigHornMine_4472.asp A nice way to start the SoCal winter and New Year out....a day hike of about 4 miles roundtrip to the SE side of Mt Baden-Powell along an old mining road and foot trail.....with lots of fresh air and excellent surrounding peak views from the trail. The weather also cooperated in being cold, but fairly quiet. And yes.....I look cold in my photos because it was...(!)..I couldn't figure out why my hands were getting cold and a little numb through my gloves, albeit only medium grade Polartec.......it was only 19 F at the trailhead, 14 F during the hike, and finally dropping down to 10 F on the return trip, all with a light 5-10 mph breeze making the wind chill about (-4) F. Not too bad for no heavier clothes than I had on. About 3-4 inches of snow average, and of course it varied as you see in the photos.....bare ground in the sun to maybe 12" with some previous hard ice on the ice chutes and canyon washes along the way. There were about three or four "dicey" areas to navigate for a relatively short hike, made somewhat easier with my Yaxtrax Pro snow grips. After passing the first ice chute, I noted that I was the only set of tracks in the snow from that point the balance of the way to the mine building. And to top it all off.......a "true SoCal winter weekend" with a one hour plus traffic line going up AND back through Wrightwood, with two photos depicting some of the local activity!

Bighorn Gold Mine and Stamp Mill, Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike January 14, 2007

weblink: http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/BigHornMine_4472.asp A nic ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2007 10:27pm PST

**Hoosier Hill, IN** Highpoint Visit and Hike January 4, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152524/hoosier-hill.html

**Hoosier Hill, IN** Highpoint Visit and Hike January 4, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152524/hoosier-hill.h ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2007 8:44am PST

**Campbell Hill, OH** Highpoint Visit and Hike January 3, 2007 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154109/campbell-hill.html

**Campbell Hill, OH** Highpoint Visit and Hike January 3, 2007

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154109/campbell-hill. ...

Updated: Jan 05, 2007 9:10am PST

Bridge to Nowhere, East Fork San Gabriel River Canyon: Azusa, CA Hike December 2, 2006 : weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike=8&GetHikesStateID=1&ID=4038 weblink2: http://beckettmw.com/2004/01/hike_the_bridge_1.php

Bridge to Nowhere, East Fork San Gabriel River Canyon: Azusa, CA Hike December 2, 2006

weblink1: http://www.localhikes.com/HikeData.asp?DispType=0&ActiveHike ...

Updated: Apr 21, 2007 8:43pm PST

**Mt Rogers, VA** Highpoint Hike and Little Switzerland, NC and Norris, TN Visits October 26-28, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150778/mount-rogers.html

**Mt Rogers, VA** Highpoint Hike and Little Switzerland, NC and Norris, TN Visits October 26-28, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150778/mount-rogers.h ...

Updated: Oct 31, 2006 5:03pm PST

Yosemite National Park: Mt Dana and Devil's Postpile Hikes, and Mammoth Mountain, CA Area Sightseeing October 13-15, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150284/mount-dana.html At 13,053 ft elevation, Mt Dana is the second highest peak in Yosemite National Park and has good highway trailhead access from the Tioga Pass road (CA-120).

Yosemite National Park: Mt Dana and Devil's Postpile Hikes, and Mammoth Mountain, CA Area Sightseeing October 13-15, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150284/mount-dana.htm ...

Updated: Oct 18, 2006 4:49pm PST

Iron Mountain, CA and San Gabriel River Canyon Preview, September 24, 2006 : weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150975/iron-mountain.html weblink2: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/15d.htm New territory explored in my area on this pleasant, clear early fall Sunday afternoon, traveling North on Highway 39 from Azusa into the San Gabriel mountains! I located and did short walks from three new trailheads to plan future hikes. Iron Mountain is not the highest peak (8007 ft elevation), but is the least accessible and most remote peak in the San Gabriel mountain range, with a full day commitment 15-plus mile roundtrip hike and over 6600 ft vertical elevation gain. It joins the Mt Baldy massif from the west side creating a very deep gorge for the beautiful San Gabriel river to flow through. The San Gabriel river in these photos bring back memories of Hell's Canyon and the Snake River in Idaho earlier this year, just on a slightly smaller scale.

Iron Mountain, CA and San Gabriel River Canyon Preview, September 24, 2006

weblink1: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150975/iron-mountain ...

Updated: Oct 06, 2006 6:49am PST

**Mt Mansfield, VT** Highpoint Hike and Stowe, VT Visit September 15, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150938/mount-mansfield.html

**Mt Mansfield, VT** Highpoint Hike and Stowe, VT Visit September 15, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150938/mount-mansfiel ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2006 6:47pm PST

Maine Driving Tour: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, ME Visit September 12-14, 2006 :

Maine Driving Tour: Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor, ME Visit September 12-14, 2006

Updated: Sep 18, 2006 7:33pm PST

**Mt Washington, NH** Highpoint Visit September 11, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150248/mount-washington.html

**Mt Washington, NH** Highpoint Visit September 11, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150248/mount-washingt ...

Updated: Sep 18, 2006 7:07pm PST

**Mt Greylock, MA** Highpoint Visit September 10, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150465/mount-greylock.html

**Mt Greylock, MA** Highpoint Visit September 10, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150465/mount-greylock ...

Updated: Sep 11, 2006 4:46am PST

A Return Trip to Mt San Gorgonio, CA September 3, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150533/san-gorgonio.html A long Labor day holiday weekend was another perfect opportunity to work in a long local hike, as has been my tradition over the past several years. One day of rest prior to the hike and another full day of "recovery" afterwards, and prior to the start of the heavy work routine, this week beginning on Tuesday. The real objective here was to climb this mountain "clean", and end it without the drama of the prior Fourth-of-July hike in 2005 ending in a San Bernardino-Forest Falls rescue team heli-pickup in Mill Creek Canyon on the fourth day following. Long and difficult it is.....17-18 miles car-to-car and a total of 15 hours 15 minutes elapsed time from start to finish to SoCal's highest mountain at 11,500 ft elevation. A very full-commitment day from 8:30 am to 11:45 pm with a 4 hour headlamp return trip. Trail quality of 80-90% "rockfall" wash rock with some pleasant streamside dirt hiking and log crossing in the earlier portion following the first long rock wash type uphill trek. Weather, which is normally a "non-issue" in SoCal, started out as a nice sunny 65 degrees F at the trailhead, but over the course of the afternoon became a 43 degree F thunder and lightining ice storm, actually turning the trail and forest white for about a half an hour while many of us waited out the ice pounding under heavy tree cover. Needless to say, "cold and soaking wet" were the operational words of the moment! Apparently Hurricane John down in the California Baja Peninsula was pumping up unseasonable moisture into the SoCal area and this was reacting as it passed over the highest mountains in the area. Following the storm(s) which actually moved east to west (a little unusual in itself) the weather cleared somewhat and the temperature moved up to 45 F and finally to around 50 F as we approached the summit several hours later. Cloud formations and the views were pretty incredible, as was the sense of accomplishment. I met several interesting and very nice groups of people (and some rude ones as well that I will leave out of this story) including one very pleasant and energetic young couple, Kyle and Hanna, that I had previously met on Mt Baldy several weeks ago. Kyle works for REI Inc and will be participating later this week (Labor Day week) in an 8000 meters vertical challenge in 24 hours between REI and another outdoor outfitter with all locations in SoCal participating. What does this mean? He will be attempting to climb Mt San Gorgonio, Mt San Jacinto, and Mt Baldy back-to-back-to-back in a 24 hour period in a physical contest. All individually 1/2 day to full day hikes in themselves! Best wishes! Also, my thanks to "Stuart" and his family from San Diego for allowing me to be added to their hiking permit, or I would not have been able to go at all.....quota was already filled by 7:30 am! All-in-all, a wonderful and exciting day. Happy Labor Day weekend to everyone!

A Return Trip to Mt San Gorgonio, CA September 3, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150533/san-gorgonio.h ...

Updated: Sep 04, 2006 10:27pm PST

**Borah Peak, ID** Highpoint Climb August 19, 2006 : Weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150190/borah-peak.html

**Borah Peak, ID** Highpoint Climb August 19, 2006

Weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150190/borah-peak.htm ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2006 10:23am PST

A Return Trip to Mt Baldy, CA July 30, 2006 as Training Exercise for Borah Peak, ID : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150444/mount-san-antonio-mount-baldy-.html

A Return Trip to Mt Baldy, CA July 30, 2006 as Training Exercise for Borah Peak, ID

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150444/mount-san-anto ...

Updated: Aug 02, 2006 8:03pm PST

Sitton Peak, CA Hike July 16, 2006 : Weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152268/sitton-peak.html

Sitton Peak, CA Hike July 16, 2006

Weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152268/sitton-peak.ht ...

Updated: Jul 17, 2006 5:21am PST

**Britton Hill, FL** Visit June 15, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152497/britton-hill.html

**Britton Hill, FL** Visit June 15, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152497/britton-hill.h ...

Updated: Jun 16, 2006 9:33pm PST

Whiting Ranch Park, CA Hike June 3, 2006 :

Whiting Ranch Park, CA Hike June 3, 2006

Updated: Jun 05, 2006 6:22pm PST

**Mt Hood, OR** Climb May 19-20, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150189/mount-hood.html

**Mt Hood, OR** Climb May 19-20, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150189/mount-hood.htm ...

Updated: May 26, 2006 9:10pm PST

**Spruce Knob, WV** 4WD Highpoint Visit and Hike April 29, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150796/spruce-knob.html

**Spruce Knob, WV** 4WD Highpoint Visit and Hike April 29, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150796/spruce-knob.ht ...

Updated: May 03, 2006 4:09pm PST

**Mount Davis, PA** Highpoint Visit and Hike April 27, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151425/mount-davis.html

**Mount Davis, PA** Highpoint Visit and Hike April 27, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151425/mount-davis.ht ...

Updated: May 02, 2006 10:13am PST

**Backbone Mountain, MD** Highpoint Hike April 27, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152048/backbone-mountain.html

**Backbone Mountain, MD** Highpoint Hike April 27, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152048/backbone-mount ...

Updated: May 02, 2006 7:02am PST

**Ebright Azimuth, DE** Highpoint Visit April 26, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154722/ebright-azimuth.html

**Ebright Azimuth, DE** Highpoint Visit April 26, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154722/ebright-azimut ...

Updated: May 01, 2006 10:12pm PST

**Taum Sauk Mountain, MO** Highpoint Hike March 22, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154007/taum-sauk-mountain.html

**Taum Sauk Mountain, MO** Highpoint Hike March 22, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/154007/taum-sauk-moun ...

Updated: Apr 08, 2006 11:52am PST

Cuyamaca Peak, CA Hike March 19, 2006 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/32e.htm

Cuyamaca Peak, CA Hike March 19, 2006

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/32e.htm

Updated: Mar 31, 2006 10:42am PST

Twin Peaks Mountain, CA Hike February 12, 2006 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/14b.htm

Twin Peaks Mountain, CA Hike February 12, 2006

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/14b.htm

Updated: Feb 13, 2006 12:26pm PST

**Black Mountain, KY** Hike January 19, 2006 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153383/black-mountain-ky.html

**Black Mountain, KY** Hike January 19, 2006

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153383/black-mountain ...

Updated: Jan 22, 2006 12:34pm PST

Onyx Pass and Peak, CA Hike January 1, 2006 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/23g.htm New Year's weekend has become a second time of Holiday vacation exploration for me in recent years, and this one was no exception......except the weather was not cooperative to my original goal of sightseeing and possibly winter hiking Half Dome in Yosemite Park. All of this to be followed by one of the world's best Sunday brunch buffets (on New Year's Day this year, so an extra celebration there!) at the awesome Ahwahnee Lodge inside the park. OK, so what happened? Six (6) feet of snow already on the ground in the Eastern Sierra and Yosemite area, making the hiking "difficult" to say the least, another strong storm inbound for the Holiday weekend, with another four (4) feet of snow predicted at higher elevations and flooding rains at lower elevations outside the park (like where I had planned to stay). All in all, a long six (6) hour drive each way for a totally indoor weekend and one good dinner, so the decision was made to stay in the SoCal area. Between storms in my home region the weather was cloudy, but calm enough for consideration of a shorter adventure on Sunday following some minor late night New Year's Eve recovery time. I had previously driven through Onyx Pass (8443 ft elevation) several times over the previous two years, and chose this relatively short four mile hike to Onyx Peak (9113 ft elevation) from the Sierra Club's Hundred Peaks Section (the SoCal local chapter) website. New Year's Day was mostly cloudy and misty down in the lowlands, but gave way to a little better scenery the further I drove up into the San Bernardino Mountains towards Onyx Pass. Along the way, I stopped several places in Redlands and Mentone to take some profile photos of San Bernardino Peak to include in last week's Christmas hike gallery.

Onyx Pass and Peak, CA Hike January 1, 2006

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/23g.htm New Year's w ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2006 10:14pm PST

San Bernardino Peak, CA Hike December 24, 2005 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/24b.htm It has become one of my traditions the past several years to go exploring on long Holiday weekends, given plenty of time to complete travel, long hikes, photo processing, etc. Since I had just returned from an early Christmas celebration with my children and in-laws out of state the week prior, I did not want to travel far, but explore something new and significant. The weather in Central CA (or, NorCal locally), was not going to be good, but in SoCal it was.......so, I decided to tackle San Bernardino Peak for the Christmas Holiday weekend. Good thing I have some recovery time built into the schedule for Sunday and Monday......I estimated 17 miles roundtrip with a 5000 ft vertical gain to the 10,649 ft peak, at a time of 7 hours 45 mins up and 5 hours 30 mins down, for a total hike time of 13 hours 15 mins including photo stops, food and water breaks, and summit time. When the summitpost.org authors say a hike takes "most of a day", or "a full day".........they're serious! A note about San Bernardino Peak........as much as Mt Baldy (San Antonio) is a SoCal "classic" in the San Gabriel mountains, so is Mt San Gorgonio in the San Bernadino mountains (also an infamous hike for me summer of 2005), and Mt San Jacinto in the San Jacinto mountains. However, when one visits the LA and Inland Empire area, classic geographic icons of what you first see from ground level include Cucamonga Peak (highest peak above Ontario airport) and San Bernardino Peak, a "standout" cone shaped mountain anchoring down the western end of the San Bernardino mountain range and directly facing all those looking east. With this in mind, I added San Bernardino Peak to my "to do" list. Of note, although Mt San Gorgonio had copious amounts of Manzanita bush, it comes nowhere close to the seemingly endless sea and newest "king" of Manzanita acreage in my experience.....San Bernardino Peak. Weather was nearly ideal for the hike, especially for late December. Clear skies and almost no breeze, with temperatures ranging from around 60 F at the trailhead in the early morning to an estimated 38-40 F at the peak at sunset. The last 1-2 miles there was several inches of hard glazed snow beside the trail and out into the forest floor, but I worked around all of it without having to attach crampons. Typical for my longer hikes, the sunset photo opportunities were excellent but quickly fleeting as I made the summit. All-in-all, a wonderful Christmas Eve spent in the serene outdoors!

San Bernardino Peak, CA Hike December 24, 2005

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/24b.htm It has becom ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2006 11:12pm PST

**Driskill Mountain, LA** Hike December 14, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151925/driskill-mountain.html There was an excellent opportunity for a mid-week trip during this year's Christmas vacation, while most of my family was at work, to complete a highpoint that I had overlooked on previous visits to AR. I asked my son-in-law Tommy to join me on this one during an "off-day" for him, which turned out to be a lot of fun with a little exploring thrown in from photo stops and route finding to the country church trailhead. It was a pleasantly cool, cloudy winter day (55-60 F) with misty rain as we approached the trailhead and hiked the two mile round trip to the Louisiana state highpoint at Driskill Hill, elevation 535 feet.

**Driskill Mountain, LA** Hike December 14, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151925/driskill-mount ...

Updated: Dec 15, 2005 8:23pm PST

Ontario Peak, CA Hike November 6, 2005 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/17b.htm Having just returned from Hawai'i with Suzanne and Josh the weekend before, I still felt like getting outside and taking advantage of the beautiful fall weather and attempt a local, scenic, and healthy "exercise" hike. I had originally planned both Cucamonga and Ontario Peaks in the past, so this turned out to be an excellent opportunity as well as a solid 14 mile hike for the weekend. Temperatures were in the high 40's to low 50's above 7000 ft elevation, which made for a cool and comfortable hike day. Time up was just over 5 hours and time down was right at 4 hours, making the total with lunch stops and photos at 9 hours 5 minutes. Ontario Peak at 8693 ft elevation rises vertically 1.5 miles, overlooking the Inland Empire of the greater Los Angeles area. It is a part of the highest ridgeline of peaks in the San Gabriel mountains, including "sister" Cucamonga Peak that I hiked Labor Day weekend September 2004. The highest inclusive area peak, Mt San Antonio (Baldy), is located immediately to the north.

Ontario Peak, CA Hike November 6, 2005

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/17b.htm Having just ...

Updated: Nov 27, 2005 6:11pm PST

**Mauna Kea, HI** Hike October 27-28, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150854/mauna-kea.html

**Mauna Kea, HI** Hike October 27-28, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150854/mauna-kea.html

Updated: Nov 13, 2005 11:41pm PST

Bishop & Big Pine, CA Tour and Middle Palisade Glacier Hike October 8-9, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150514/middle-palisade.html

Bishop & Big Pine, CA Tour and Middle Palisade Glacier Hike October 8-9, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150514/middle-palisad ...

Updated: Oct 11, 2005 8:58pm PST

**Wheeler Peak and Mt Walter, NM** Hikes with Taos, NM Area Photos September 3-4, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150429/wheeler-peak-nm-.html

**Wheeler Peak and Mt Walter, NM** Hikes with Taos, NM Area Photos September 3-4, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150429/wheeler-peak-n ...

Updated: Sep 07, 2005 7:01pm PST

**Wheeler Peak and Mount Walter, NM** Hike October 30, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150429/wheeler-peak-nm-.html Halloween weekend I had made plans to travel to the Taos NM area to climb both Wheeler Peak, highest point in NM at 13,161 ft elevation and Black Mesa OK, about 3 hours east on the CO-NM-OK border area and the highest point in OK at 4975 ft elevation. Since both were accessible and convenient to this area, it would be excellent timing to commemorate Carolyn's birthday (October 27) this weekend. I knew Oklahoma would still have pleasant weather this time of year, and New Mexico had not yet received any significant snowfall for the season, so an excellent way to both round out and wind down the hiking season. Well you how things normally go when I make long term plans............so, stayed tuned! I woke up a little late due to the late arrival back to the room the night before, and then did the free breakfast thing again prior to getting motivated enough to move towards the Wheeler trailhead. Breakfast was a little disoriented and disorganized because the John Kerry bus had scheduled a stop in Taos at the Best Western for the afternoon. So, FBI and CIA agents were all over the lodge and dining room just prior to letting Kerry out of the bus and the speech start. I left soon after all this got going, having a more well-defined vision and mission for the day. I left word at the front desk that if I was not back by 12:00 midnight (allowing for a slow 16 mile hike) for them to send the volunteer fire or rescue team up after me. It was a beautiful day, temperature in the mid-30"s at the ski area and trailhead. There was more snow on the ground than I even thought after the flurries two nights prior, around 3-4 inches. I actually made good progress up, and better maybe than I thought considering the Black Mesa hike the day before. I met a really nice group of late twenty-or-thirty-something people from, believe it or not, Austin TX. One of the girls had recently relocated from Little Rock to Austin. Small world! We spoke for a few minutes, took photos, and then moved on up the trail. I made it to a great viewing spot within about 2 miles of the summit (see website photos) by 4:00 pm, passing two of either the largest coyotes I have ever seen, or two medium size 30-40 lb wolves. Didn't really matter about the genealogy, they didn't like me on their turf and I got circled and barked and growled at for 5-10 minutes before being able to move on. Estimating ahead, I would have made summit after dark at 6-6:30 pm and probably could have just made it back to the lodge by midnight. However, in the best interest of safety and the fact that I would not have gotten any quality summit photos after sunset, I decided to again make a really tough "turn back" decision. I contacted Suzanne for my traditional "summit cell phone call" and spoke with her a few minutes prior to starting down. I was pretty cool at the time, snow level between 4 inches in severely windblown areas to more than 15 inches in sheltered ones, temperature around 28 F, and wind chill about (-2) F. I arrived back at the trailhead around 8:00 pm, with only one slide-and-fall incident over a frozen creek, and enough time to just make dinner in Taos before closing at 9:00 pm. What a day, and a good one at that for 12 of my 16 scheduled miles in the snow, despite having to abort the mission early! A really nice area, I will be back in spring or summer 2005 to officially finish this one.

**Wheeler Peak and Mount Walter, NM** Hike October 30, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150429/wheeler-peak-n ...

Updated: Dec 04, 2004 5:50pm PST

**Mt Whitney, CA** Hike August 18-20, 2005 : Hey Nick and Kristin, get ready......this is what we will be trying to conquer during your visit in August!

**Mt Whitney, CA** Hike August 18-20, 2005

Hey Nick and Kristin, get ready......this is what we will be trying to ...

Updated: Aug 29, 2005 2:33pm PST

**Mt Whitney, CA** Preview October 24, 2004 for Hike August 18, 2005 : On the way home from Boundary Peak NV and Bishop CA, I wanted to drive through Lone Pine CA and preview the area around Mt Whitney and the trailhead location of this famous and popular hike to the highest point in the lower 48 states at 14,494 ft elevation. As you can see, winter has come early to the Eastern Sierras this year. The Mt Whitney Portal road winds for nearly 20 miles up from the town of Lone Pine CA and through some popular "LA movie territory" of the Alabama Hills..............a clever name for them in CA right?! I have personally never seen any Alabama hills in that state that remind me of these, but hey, I didn't name them either. This is one of the most highly used set of rocky mountain foothills used in both mainline movies as well as many TV Westerns series including early 2004 as the most recent. I found the trailhead and took several photos of the general area and you can get a feel for the dramatic granite spikes and overall steep terrain here. This is supposed to be one of the toughest and most picturesque hikes in the country, as well as the CA highpoint at 14,497 feet on a 22 mile round trip hike with a 1 1/2 mile vertical gain. Some very incredible people do this as a very long "day hike" starting around 3:00 am and finishing around 9:00 pm that night. However, I do not see myself as one of these at this point in my life! There are also a lot of helicopter rescue calls on this hike for people who get high altitude sickness, frostbite, or just cannot go on further, are worn out, and have to quit. We are planning a possible IP company trip this summer with some of the more athletic west coast regional sales and office co-workers as a team-building exercise........but this will include overnight camping (1 or 2 nights) to lessen the daily stress and mileage and hopefully get everyone to the top to celebrate. I plan to hike this one in the summer of 2005.

**Mt Whitney, CA** Preview October 24, 2004 for Hike August 18, 2005

On the way home from Boundary Peak NV and Bishop CA, I wanted to drive ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2004 4:27pm PST

**Woodall Mountain, MS** Hike July 25, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153825/woodall-mountain.html

**Woodall Mountain, MS** Hike July 25, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/153825/woodall-mounta ...

Updated: Mar 02, 2006 9:57pm PST

Mt San Gorgonio, CA Hike July 3-5, 2005 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/24i.htm

Mt San Gorgonio, CA Hike July 3-5, 2005

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/24i.htm

Updated: Sep 04, 2006 10:26pm PST

Mt San Gorgonio, CA Preview November 20 & 26, 2004 for Hike July 3, 2005 :

Mt San Gorgonio, CA Preview November 20 & 26, 2004 for Hike July 3, 2005

Updated: Jun 27, 2005 7:01pm PST

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike June 12, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150452/boundary-peak.html Finally........the "Nemesis" (and well worthy of the capital "N") hike to the Nevada highpoint Boundary Peak at 13,140 ft elevation is over on the fifth attempt! If you have followed my past three trip accounts (and total of four individual efforts) in 2004 on this specific hike, it has been doomed at some point in the trip with high winds, poorly marked trails (and copious amounts of back-and-side-sliding) wasting valuable time and energy especially up to the scree rock king listed as "Peak 12,201", out-of-season winter weather in summer, SUV's stuck and almost overturned going to the Kennedy Point trailhead, and just plain heavy snow with low clouds and fog early in the season and of course not in the weather forecast. This weekend was an outstanding example of excellent early summer weather, 50-55 F during the hike, light winds less than 20 mph and a sun UV factor of 10+ "extreme". I made it all the way to Kennedy Point this time with my Land Cruiser in 4WD Low Range with the lockers engaged, which saved a much repeated 2 miles extra length in the hike from the Queen Mine. Snow was in patches along the north slopes and ridge overhangs from 3 ft to almost 10 ft depths, but the trail except for the last mile was basically dry. I elected to not put on crampons near the summit to save time (and not the best reason) as it was late in the afternoon, and took photos shown below at the last flat area just prior to the summit to be as safe as possible while sliding back and forth without poles for self portraits using a tripod and camera timer in the 2-3 ft "postholing" depth of snow. My personal timing to be back at work early Monday morning also precluded I not spend any additional time traversing on to Boundary's twin peak, Montgomery Peak CA, so that I could get 3 hours "quality" sleep before driving 4 1/2 hours back for a full work day! I had actually been looking forward to the extra side excursion since I had made so many prior attempts to Boundary itself. I will say it felt truly fantastic to complete this hike which should not have been the issue it has, but for whatever reason has most definitely been my most prominant "nemesis hike" and problem child thus far in the US state highpointing effort.

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike June 12, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150452/boundary-peak. ...

Updated: Jun 17, 2005 3:50pm PST

Anza-Borrego, CA Desert Park Hikes and Tours March 26-27, 2005 :

Anza-Borrego, CA Desert Park Hikes and Tours March 26-27, 2005

Updated: Apr 26, 2005 2:57pm PST

**Panorama Point, NE** and Pine Bluffs, WY Hike March 12, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151932/panorama-point.html

**Panorama Point, NE** and Pine Bluffs, WY Hike March 12, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151932/panorama-point ...

Updated: Mar 22, 2005 11:05am PST

**Mount Sunflower, KS** Hike March 11, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152360/mount-sunflower.html

**Mount Sunflower, KS** Hike March 11, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152360/mount-sunflowe ...

Updated: Mar 24, 2005 7:50pm PST

Strawberry Peak, CA Hike February 26, 2005 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/11b.htm

Strawberry Peak, CA Hike February 26, 2005

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/11b.htm

Updated: Mar 21, 2005 8:23am PST

**Guadalupe Peak, TX** Hike February 13, 2005 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150689/guadalupe-peak.html

**Guadalupe Peak, TX** Hike February 13, 2005

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150689/guadalupe-peak ...

Updated: Feb 22, 2005 7:34pm PST

Santiago Peak, CA Hike January 1, 2005 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/18a.htm Santiago Peak is one of those mountains that has intrigued and captivated me each day leaving and returning home since moving to the SoCal area in late 2001. It overshadows my neighborhood, Horsethief Canyon, as the highest peak of three (Santiago, Modjeska, and Trabuco) at 5687 ft elevation in the Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains, and is the highest point between LA and central Mexico along the west coast mountain ranges. The top of Santiago Peak also home to one of the largest telecommunication arrays of any relay station in SoCal. I estimated around 50 domes and dishes of 6-10 feet in diameter hanging like giant Christmas ornaments on approximately 10 different main towers. There is much less than half the equipment present shown in any of my photos. What an excellent way to start the New Year! It is a deceivingly tough and long hike through USFS fire roads on the Horsethief Canyon (east) side, or up the Holy Jim trail and fire service roads from the Orange County (west) side of 16-18 miles round trip and 4000 ft vertical elevation gain depending on trailhead choice. Sensitive to estimated hiking time and hours of daylight, I chose the closer trailhead on 1-1-05 (at the edge of Horsethief Canyon) which ended up being a wise one. "Up" time took 5 hours 40 minutes, and "down" time took 5 hours 5 minutes, and including summit and photo time consumed the day from 9:40 am to 9:05 pm. Temperatures were relatively nice for New Years Day between major storms, about 55 F at the house and 38 F at the top. The day started out sunny and spring-like as you can see, but had completely fogged/clouded me in before making it to the summit. I used my headlamp nearly all the way down for the first time and heard lots of coyote pack barking, howling, as well as deep cat meeeowing/growling, but did not see any animal eyes flash in my light beam. I did quicken my pace as much as my legs could take, anyway. Needless to say, I was really tired, sore, and hungry that evening but feeling great that I successfully completed my longest single day hike ever at an estimated 18 miles!

Santiago Peak, CA Hike January 1, 2005

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/18a.htm Santiago Pea ...

Updated: Jan 14, 2005 3:03pm PST

**Brasstown Bald, GA** Hike December 14, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152987/brasstown-bald.html

**Brasstown Bald, GA** Hike December 14, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152987/brasstown-bald ...

Updated: Jan 01, 2005 10:42pm PST

**Sassafras Mountain, SC** Hike December 14, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152371/sassafras-mountain.html

**Sassafras Mountain, SC** Hike December 14, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/152371/sassafras-moun ...

Updated: Jan 13, 2005 11:32am PST

**Black Mesa, OK** Hike October 29, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151933/black-mesa.html Halloween weekend I had made plans to travel to the Taos NM area to climb both Wheeler Peak, highest point in NM at 13,161 ft elevation and Black Mesa OK, about 3 hours east on the CO-NM-OK border area and the highest point in OK at 4975 ft elevation. Since both were accessible and convenient to this area, it would be excellent timing to commemorate Carolyn's birthday (October 27) this weekend. I knew Oklahoma would still have pleasant weather this time of year, and New Mexico had not yet received any significant snowfall for the season, so an excellent way to both round out and wind down the hiking season. Well you how things normally go when I make long term plans............so, stayed tuned! I made one wrong highway turn late Thursday night 10-28-04 driving up from Albuquerque, which took me another hour or so out of the way, arriving in Taos at the Best Western Kachina Lodge around 12:30 am and in a moderate snow flurry/storm (that wasn't supposed to be happening of course). Since I typically don't do as well on long hikes without 1-2 days full rest prior, I decided the easiest choice was to do the "short" OK highpoint hike to Black Mesa Friday and wait to do the Wheeler Peak hike on Saturday, which would also give a little extra time for the light snow to melt or blow away up higher. I had calculated a 2-2 1/2 hour drive from Taos across some pretty remote land to hit the extreme corner of the OK panhandle for Black Mesa, and had gotten somewhat of a late start sleeping in following the long drive up and making time to go eat the free "cooked to order breakfast" I got at the lodge. As I said in an earlier message, Lynn and Chuck may get a kick out of knowing (or remembering) that Black Mesa OK is located near one of their old, but short duration, railroad based relocations to Liberal KS, located north-northeast of Black Mesa. Black Mesa is a high volcanic plateau actually formed by old eruptions several million years ago across in NM. Well, the drive to OK was a true experience. I did stop briefly to take some nice field, mesa, and tree-changing-color photos along the various state highways, and to see the Capulin Volcano National Monument. After that, I saw some incredibly remote small communities/villages. At one point, I had not seen electrical/power lines for nearly 10 miles, so I cannot even vouch for that. After this area, the state highway disappeared into a 1 1/2 lane dirt road for over 20 miles, just prior to the NM-OK border. I will say this is this best dirt highway I have ever driven on and much, much better than the 40-50 miles Nick and I drove in Death Valley out to the giant sand dunes during his visit! I actually hit just over 80 mph for about half the drive, and hey, there was absolutely not another human on the road with very long visibility, so no worries there. The Jeep Grand Cherokee rental did well and did not seem to mind! And for those of you inclined to ask these things, no it was not a "hemi engine" model. I finally found the correct turn out in the middle-of-nowhere NM and made it to the OK trailhead around 4:00 pm which is late, no, make that very late in the afternoon to be starting a hike. I am not sure which is more remote at this point, "nowhere NM" or "nowhere NV", as both are pretty desolate! Actual time over from Taos (with stops for photos) was around 4 hours, so I need to apply some revision to my map calculations. Regardless of actual mileage involved (which had not been posted on any of the websites) I knew I had to "put the turbos on" and get moving or it would be dark again (my theme) soon. Reading the sign at the trailhead, I was more than a little disheartened to read that the trail length was a little over 8 miles, and I had been thinking maybe 4-5 miles all along. I was fairly proud, though, as move it quick I did. "Up" time was 1 hour 13 minutes, and "down" time after photos at the monument was 1 hour 20 minutes (getting tired and feet sore) with over half the return trip in the dark. Again. This was a really beautiful and different kind of scenery compared to the rocky, mountainous places highpoints usually lead to..............high plains grasslands on a flat mesa top with small canyons all around. Pretty cool state monument (an obelisk) also. On the return trip back across the infamous dirt road, I saw an unbelievable number of wild animals including 2 red foxes, 2 deer, 1 very large elk (up close and personal.....larger butt end than the width of the Jeep), 2 hawks, and literally dozens of rabbits and field mice scampering to either side of the road......too many to count. I also waited on 1 domestic herd of Angus cattle who were very happy standing where they were. I arrived back at the lodge around 1:30 am, after a short nap stop along one of the roadside pull-offs coming up from the main highway and Angelfire ski area, another famous ski and camping area around Taos. I woke up and moved on to the lodge when my feet and arms felt cold, as it was 18 F outside at this point. The question was........would I be ready for yet another successful and exciting adventure day following this one on Saturday?

**Black Mesa, OK** Hike October 29, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/151933/black-mesa.htm ...

Updated: Nov 07, 2004 8:30am PST

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike October 24, 2004 : I was hoping that "third time was charm" on this attempt to summit Boundary Peak NV. Wrong again, with another wild weather story, dedicated effort, and failed finale..........but another amazing day in the White Mountains! I traveled back up to Bishop CA this weekend to make a third (and hopefully a charmed and final) attempt to fully complete the Boundary Peak NV hike. As you can see from the photos, and I as I stated in the gallery description, winter has come very early to the Sierras and even SoCal home area this year! A forecast for "slight chance of snow flurries late in the afternoon" turned into full blown snowstorm as I drove around Benton CA and into NV to the trailhead at 9:00 am. Even though I took the Land Cruiser this time and was in 4WD with all lockers engaged, I still could not make it up even to the point I got the Honda Element stuck earlier in the summer due to the packed snow and ice build-up. So, I pulled off on top of a hill overlooking the road in, to not push the safety factor any further. On the way down these are the photos I took of the 'Cruiser in the snowstorm. Since I feel I have well broken in on this trail, I did not feel obligated to stay exactly on it, nor could I really follow it that well due to the 1-2 feet of snow already on the ground on the north side of the mountain. So, I cut cross-country across the tops of the first two ridges and got to the main ridge line leading to the where the main summit trail should be. This is where I took the few gallery photos of me, although I did not take time get the tripod out. I balanced the camera on top of a small sagebrush bush and hoped for the best. This was also my first winter hike where I did not wear only winter shorts, but a new Gore-Tex snow bib, turtleneck shirt, and sweatshirt combo for a little more protection and insurance in case I was out longer than planned. Everything being much slower in deep snow than on just rocks, dirt, etc and the trail very elusive, time flies by............and I had to make yet another "turn back" decision that I just simply don't like having to do. Regardless, it was another good exercise day of around 6 miles or so and the opportunity to make another stop on the way home that I would not have had an opportunity to do otherwise............to find and preview the Mt Whitney CA "portal" road and trailhead to that very popular, steep, and long hike out of Lone Pine CA. I plan to make it back (and to completely finish) this NV highpoint hike by early summer 2005!

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike October 24, 2004

I was hoping that "third time was charm" on this attempt to summit Bou ...

Updated: Nov 06, 2004 10:13pm PST

Telescope Peak, CA Hike October 10, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150584/telescope-peak.html In celebration of my daughter Suzanne's birthday today, I hiked the highest mountain in Death Valley Park, Telescope Peak at 11,049 ft elevation and 14 miles round trip. This hike became an objective of mine during my first visit to Death Valley in May 2004, but I didn't know when I would be able to return to complete it. This weekend was a perfect opportunity! Now, the rest of the story..........I woke up with a lot of energy and desire to get out and go somewhere different today. I had wanted to climb Telescope Peak in Death Valley ever since my visits to that very unique, rugged, and barren area earlier in the spring and summer. It is a fairly aggressive hike at 11,049 feet elevation and a 14 mile round trip distance, and is the highest point in Death Valley National Park. So, I headed out of the house around 7:30 am and arrived at the Mahogany Flats campground and trailhead around 9:45 am and started the hike without realizing it at exactly 10:00 am. So, the neat and very coincidental event here was a hike on the 10th month and 10th day at 10:00 am. There was absolutely no one I saw or met along the trail until the very end of the day, but it was a nice clear, cool, and breezy day to think about things as I climbed, probably around 46 degrees F with a 15 mph wind. I was glad I brought my heavy (although short sleeve) Starter basketball top to go with my sleeveless Nike stretch top, CW-X climbing tights, and Starter shorts bottoms since I had planned on the temperature being at least 10 degrees warmer than it was. I made the top around 3:30 pm and thought I had heard "thunder" several times on the last 1/2 mile up. Thinking (and hoping) "not a repeat of the August thunder and ice storm at Boundary Peak NV" I kept an eye out to the sky, but there was no storm approaching. As I took off my backpack at the summit and readied the tripod and camera, a fast moving object caught my peripheral vision............a dark charcoal-to-black colored jet that looked like a flying wedge or triangle coming incredibly fast through the "saddles" between nearby mountain peaks, but below me at maybe 9000-10,000 ft elevation. The jet sound itself was still way off to my left over Death Valley, miles away. I looked down into the glass cockpit as it flew by Telescope Peak, raised my arm and gave them a big "thumbs up", and received what Art (my operations manager and ex-Navy Pilot) has told me is a "wing wave" that pilots do to each other as they whizzed on around and back out to the desert. As they disappeared, I heard thunder again, which turned out to be them punching past the sound barrier at over 800 mph and was the sound I had heard earlier on the way up. Art and I also came to the conclusion that the plane was an F-117A Stealth fighter (not bomber). Very, very cool indeed! I signed in the summit register, and dedicated this hike to Suzanne for her birthday. I took a lot of photos both directions of the hike (but didn't capture the jet fighter) and did my usual hike back to the car and trailhead in the dark (a recurring theme) at around 7:30 pm. The temperature was already down to the upper 30's by this time, so a good time to head back down lower into the valley and south to home. A beautiful day, good exercise, and great sense of accomplishment.

Telescope Peak, CA Hike October 10, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150584/telescope-peak ...

Updated: Oct 16, 2004 4:44am PST

**Mount Elbert, CO** Hike September 23 & 25, 2004 : weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150325/mount-elbert.html This was my second trip to the central Colorado area (first was relocating from Michigan to California in 2001) and first attempt to climb both Mt Elbert and Mt Massive, time and weather permitting. Mt Elbert is the highpoint target of Colorado at 14,440 ft elevation and an 11-12 mile round trip hike with over 4000 ft vertical gain over the hike. Mt Massive is truly a "massive" mountain with five peaks over 14,000 ft elevation in one complex, and second highest in Colorado. Grand summary..........."it was already beginning to look a lot like Christmas" in Colorado in September! First, it was totally beautiful............snow capped mountains (above about 9000 ft elevation) from Monday and Tuesday's storms offset by the bright yellow Aspen trees and dark green spruce trees. Nice contrast. Minor issue..........it was not supposed to be snowing yet, and I wasn't really looking forward to climbing new territory in tough conditions. Thursday evening I was really tired and had just simply run out of time and energy to climb further that day, and fell short of the summit of Mt Elbert by around 1/4- 1/2 mile or so. It was 6:00 pm, sun about to set and I was 3-4 hours away from the car at that point, 25-30 degrees F temperature and over 20" of snow in drifts to come back down through. I had already spent 5 1/2 hours going up, estimating that day at 10 miles round trip. Got back to the car at 9:05 pm after 2 hours in the dark coming down using a small carabiner flashlight. I did not feel my best that day and it was very frustrating. I really, really debated what to do on Saturday since Thursday did not go according to plan. A little more snow had fallen (2-4"), but the sun was out bright and clear. So, I decided to make a second go of Mt Elbert (I had originally planned to be climbing Mt Massive) and win this time. Good thing I got started two hours earlier Saturday, because I needed the time after seeing where the top really was located following from Thursday. Bottom line.........I made it! Highest peak in CO, and second highest peak in continental US behind Mt Whitney (14,499 ft elevation). 6 1/2 hours up, 4 hours down, estimated 11-12 miles round trip, and total of 22 miles for the weekend. Wind blowing and snowing on top, 15-20" snow depth, 30 degrees F, wind chill around 0-10 degrees F. I did meet one couple who summited within 5 minutes of me coming up from a different trail, and we were the last ones on the mountain that day. I came down in the dark again, but with the "practice run" I had made on Thursday, I tried it fully in the dark vs using a flashlight for personal training purposes. You would be amazed at how well you can see after full night eye adjustment takes place, but made it down and even across a creek crossing OK. And just for the record, I did not wear "only shorts" hiking either day contrary to my SoCal style. I wore a snow bib, heavy sweatshirt, and gloves on Thursday and a new type of climbing "tights", long sleeve shirt, nylon wind jacket, and gloves on Saturday. I wore my "medium strength" Kahtoola crampons (3/4" aluminum spikes) both days. I was the only climber either day that wore crampons, and witnessed a lot of people having some serious traction issues going up and down in the ice and snow.

**Mount Elbert, CO** Hike September 23 & 25, 2004

weblink: http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150325/mount-elbert.h ...

Updated: Oct 25, 2004 8:14am PST

Cucamonga Peak, CA Hike September 6, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/17e.htm Cucamonga Peak (8859 ft elevation) and its two slightly lower sister peaks, Ontario and Etiwanda, dominate the Inland Empire skyline and collectively form the major focal point when landing at the Ontario CA airport or driving north up Interstate 15 from San Diego or Temecula. This last and highest section of mountains in the San Gabriel range includes the highest point, Mt Baldy (10,064 ft elevation), which sits back (slightly north) of Cucamonga and is effectively hidden from view if closer than 30 miles due south. The weather was absolutely wonderful on this early autumn day for a 14 mile hike, with deep blue skies and mid 80's F temperature at the ground and 70 degrees F temperature near the peak with a light breeze. The view of the Inland Empire area all around to San Bernardino, Palm Springs, Corona, and Orange County was amazing.

Cucamonga Peak, CA Hike September 6, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/17e.htm Cucamonga Pe ...

Updated: Sep 15, 2007 12:49pm PST

**Humphrey's Peak, AZ** Hike August 28, 2004 : This was my first visit to Flagstaff, and first attempt to successfully hike the highest mountain in Arizona, Mt Humphreys, at 12,633 ft elevation. Humphrey's Peak is located just outside of Flagstaff AZ. I had planned a 5-6 hour drive (but longer than expected as usual) after work on Friday evening, a climb on Saturday morning, dinner in town Saturday night, and sightseeing Sunday on the way home. Some of these well laid plans (quit laughing) held up, some didn't! As I have mentioned before, getting out of LA any afternoon is a nightmare, Fridays being the worst. I made it past the Colorado River crowd at Laughlin around 11:00 pm and activity was still pretty high, as this was one of the last weekends of "official summer" prior to Labor Day and school starting, etc. I finally got really tired about an hour west of Flagstaff and pulled over and slept for about an hour near some "Big Rigs" pulled over for the night. A little rested, I started driving again and made it to Flagstaff and the hotel about 2:45 am. Needless to say, this didn't leave as much time as I really wanted (or probably needed) following a long work week and drive to be fully ready for the days challenge activity. I got up around 8:45 am, packed the car for the day, and started off towards the Arizona Snowbowl northwest of town. The Snowbowl is the central area for all the AZ folks to get together for snow skiing in the winter, much like "Mammoth" in CA and "Aspen" or "Veil" in CO. There is not a big money atmosphere here though, simple and country or mountain like. Flagstaff is a pretty cool town as well, big enough for a college (NAU-Northern AZ Univ) but retaining a small town ability to get around and even a historic downtown section with brick sidewalks, old street signs and lamps, old restored buildings, etc. People even strictly obeyed the speed limits in town, something I haven't seen for a while out here! Anyway, the day was beautiful and blue with very few clouds, maybe not quite as "navy blue" as it was at White Mountain and the Bristlecone Pine forest but very nice none-the-less and temperature about 70 degrees F with a very light breeze. Town elevation is 7,000 ft so a comfortable setting, especially for summer. I stopped to take photos along the short drive to the Snowbowl area entrance, and there was some outstanding views of Mt Agassiz (12,356 ft elevation and primary mountain dominating the downtown view from Flagstaff) and Mt Humphreys (12,633 ft elevation) across solid fields of bright yellow flowers (brown-eyed susans perhaps?). Nice 5 mile drive up the mountain road to the parking lot, and I got out eager to get started for the day. The first half of this hike is much like the area around Idyllwild in the San Jacinto forest for those that have been in the SoCal area, and similar to the Chimney Tops or Mt LeConte areas of the Smokies for you folks that have been in TN...............lots of hemlock, spruce, limber pine, aspen, mountain oak, mahogany, and even CO blue spruce trees abound. The aspen tree leaves were shimmering in the light breeze and looked beautiful. The trail has lots of big roots, smooth rocks, leaves, and dirt on it in this section, which disappear in the top half as it turns "volcanic" in nature with barren and ragged brown, red and black pumice stone that is very loose. The mountain range itself is an extinct old volcano that was originally over 15,000 ft high, but exploded sideways some 1 MM years ago and has eroded down to the 12,633 ft of today. Cool, huh? The top half of this hike is totally underrated by the hiking books and websites. The length of this hike is just as underrated.........general consensus is 9 miles roundtrip, and I will tell you it is every bit of 11-12 miles estimating from both "up" and "down" hike times. This mountain has three "false peaks", those where you think you are at the top and then around a bend or rock formation, you see more trail headed UP. I usually do not need any encouragement from fellow hikers, as I do pretty well on my own...........but today I took their words of encouragement (and needed them) to over come five periods of nausea and "I want to quit" feelings. A very poor day for me personally in a beautiful setting......very sad. I believe most of this stemmed from not having eaten a proper breakfast (or any for that matter) and not having been rested properly. I finally got "normalized" about 100 yds from the top after eating dried fruit and drinking about 1/2 liter of water and made the rest of the hike up (and down later) at a great pace. Nice weather, about 50 degrees F with a breeze at the top and sunny. I met two young guys (about 19-20 yrs old) Steve and Peter from NY state who were hiking extremely well (passed me about 1/4 mile before the top) and we spent some time on top talking and celebrating. You could easily see 100-120 miles off into the distance in all directions, and the Grand Canyon and Painted Desert areas were only about half that field of view at 60-65 miles off to the north and northwest of the peak. There was a distant forest fire on the Kaibob Plateau, which runs from the edge of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon all through the North Rim, where Carolyn and I had gone and stayed for her birthday two years ago (Jacob Lake) in late October. After photos, I started down around 5:00 pm as I was really hungry, despite the backpack snacks. The sun set at 7:00 pm and the post-sunset glow helped me see for another 30 minutes or so without a flashlight. About this time, I saw someone sitting near the edge of the trail almost in the dark, which turned out to be a father Tre (about 35-40 yrs old) and his son Randy (about 8-9 yrs old). They asked if I could help them find their way back to the trailhead, as they did not have a light with them and were way later coming down than they had originally thought. So, we made it a group affair and some fun and took turns holding the light and keeping on the trail. Randy was surprisingly good at "finding our way" once he had a light and walked with me. He will definitely make a good scout, if he decides to stay with the program. I believe this was his first or second year in scouting. We finally made it back to the parking lot at 8:45 pm, and me back to the hotel around 10:00 pm. No time for dinner out, but a really good all-meat pizza and large Sprite delivered from Papa Johns at 11:00 pm.

**Humphrey's Peak, AZ** Hike August 28, 2004

This was my first visit to Flagstaff, and first attempt to successfull ...

Updated: Sep 06, 2004 10:51am PST

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike August 15, 2004 : This was my second attempt to climb Boundary Peak (highest point in NV at 13,140 ft), following from May 2004. In May I had been staying in Death Valley at Furnace Creek for Memorial Day weekend and wanted to check out Boundary Peak on my own, preceding my son's visit in June. Travel time, locating the fire service road off CA Hwy 6, and a 50 (+) mph wind prevented me from completing the climb that weekend. I am convinced that some hikes become your personal "nemesis", and this one seemed to be the case for me the second time around on a Friday-the-13th weekend in August........aptly named and scheduled without any hestitation to susperstition by me. I finally made it to Bishop CA to the Days Inn at 1:15 am Friday night (Saturday morning) where I found the hotel-keepers wife still waiting up for me to arrive and check in. Nice folks. Saturday I drove up past the old Queen Mine site about 6 miles up the fire service road, where I had parked in May and mistook it for the trailhead which is actually almost 2 miles further up the road at the Kennedy Point saddle. Since I was not looking for any extra mileage this trip, just to summit, I attempted this last 2 mile time savings effort and ended up spending the late morning and early afternoon waiting on the excellent efforts of "Luis" with Mr K Automotive and Towing in Bishop. I had gotten my Honda Element 4WD sideways and stuck going into the last hairpin curve to Kennedy Point, eventually hanging half on and half off the mountain, and bottomed out in the soft rock scree against the tow hooks and skid plates. See photos 7-9 on page 1 of this gallery for a panoramic shot up the approach hill, photo 10 for the successful results of the 3 hour tow and wench effort, and photo 11 looking down from the problematic spot. Decisions, decisions.......Sunday was very busy as I had to gather all my travel gear up, check out, and decided to drive back up past Benton CA to the mine site and park there due to all the insight and intelligence I had gained from Saturday's adventure, then repeat the hike completion effort. However, this put me back in a moderate-to-heavy exercise routine at 11-12 miles round trip vs 9-10 as originally planned. I have always heard that local severe storms and/or snow are possible anytime of year certain places on earth, tall mountains being one of those, but mid-August in Southern CA not being under serious consideration at least by me. Well, let's just say you can follow the track of events through the day with the photos, but needless to say it was an adventure! A huge lightning-thunder-sleet-snow storm developed over me at Peak 12,201 and I felt like my back and neck were being shot by BBs out of an air pistol. The storm came in two waves several minutes apart, and the wind didn't pick up until the second one. I estimate the wind chill dropped to around 10-12 degrees F or so (38 F ambient with 30-35 mph wind) and shorts and a long sleeve T-shirt were a little on the cool side. I also met a guy named Tim headed down about this time, the thunder and ice hitting the ground having masked any chance of hearing him almost walk right into me. Tim was the only other person I had seen all day on the trail, and was either from Mammoth or San Diego (apologize for the lack of accurate recollection). The single event that turned me away from summit for the second time (nemesis developing here) was the two back-to-back lightning strikes within 50-100 yards of me near the peak. The first one almost took me down due to the sonic boom simultaneous to the flash I saw, and the second one lit the ground up bright blue-white for about two full seconds after the strike. At this point I decided to let the "sky and mountain gods" have it for the day. On the way down, the storm passed, and I met three guys from Oregon on their way up late in the day, about 4:00 pm, who were going to camp for the night at the Queen Mine site. I definitely wished them luck and a safe hike. The snow and ice level was down to around 8,000 ft, and had accumulated to around 2". This was several hours after the storm had started, and I continued to take White Mountain range snow shots in August all the way through Benton on the way back to Bishop and Hwy 395 towards home. All in all, a very unique, expensive (tow bill), scary and exhilerating Friday-the-13th weekend!

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike August 15, 2004

This was my second attempt to climb Boundary Peak (highest point in NV ...

Updated: Sep 05, 2004 4:18pm PST

Methuselah Trail--Ancient Bristlecone Pine Hike August 1, 2004 : I did not get the opportunity to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest during my son's visit in June 2004, so I couldn't resist an excellent chance to do so the day following the White Mountain hike. However, 4 1/2 more miles on top of White Mountain the previous day was not an easy decision! Weather was outstanding at 61 degrees F with a light breeze most of the day. The trees are absolutely amazing, and even more considering all the physical strife they have seen in their 4000 (+) yr life coupled to the timeline of human history they represent.

Methuselah Trail--Ancient Bristlecone Pine Hike August 1, 2004

I did not get the opportunity to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine fo ...

Updated: Aug 25, 2004 4:08pm PST

White Mountain, CA Hike July 30, 2004 : This trip to White Mountain was to complete a hike my son (Nick) and I nearly finished on 6-11-2004. Between a late start that day driving up from Furnace Creek, a windchill of around 18 degrees F, and light snowfall with some really ugly looking clouds, we opted to abort the hike approximately 1/4 mile from the research station on top. Today's attempt seemed even longer in time without his company, but with improved weather conditions. I did meet some interesting people during this hike, some of whom are included in the photos. An excellent day and 14 1/2 mile hike, with a successful summit to the third highest peak in CA at 14,246 ft!

White Mountain, CA Hike July 30, 2004

This trip to White Mountain was to complete a hike my son (Nick) and I ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2004 10:29pm PST

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike July 25, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/14i.htm Today's hike was my first time without snow and ice on Mt Baden-Powell (elevation 9399 ft). Since the majority of the Pacific Crest Trail is located on the north side of the mountain, snow and ice frequently remain at the higher elevations until late April or early May. This gallery can actually be combined with the photos in galleries from April 18 2004 and December 28 2003 to provide a complete tour of Mt Baden-Powell, albeit over two seasons of weather and appearance. I try to not take many duplicate shots from hike to hike when repeating one so that a single continuous story can be shown (or told) with the photos.

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike July 25, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/14i.htm Today's hike ...

Updated: Aug 16, 2004 8:03am PST

Mt Baldy, CA Hike July 17, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/16e.htm I had previously, and separately, hiked Mt Baldy from the ski lodge side via the Devil's Backbone Trail and from the Sierra Club's Ski Hut side via the Baldy Bowl Trail, but wanted to combine both in a single outing. I estimated a total of 11 miles on this route and took summit photos at the rock cairn at 10,064 ft.

Mt Baldy, CA Hike July 17, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/16e.htm I had previo ...

Updated: Aug 12, 2004 5:45pm PST

**Mt LeConte, TN** Hike June 21, 2004 : Having grown up in the East Tennessee area I had been to the traditional "highpoint" of Clingman's Dome (elevation 6643 ft) many times with my parents, but had not ever taken the opportunity to climb the second highest peak of Mt LeConte (6593 ft elevation). The summer of 2004 was one of the rainiest (of a typical afternoon rain and thunderstorm prone region) which made it a little difficult to enjoy vacation, but we still tried regardless. The photos of the hike show the heavy cloud and fog scenes as well as cool air that makes Mt LeConte well advertised destination in the Southeast and relatively pleasant for a 12 mile round trip hike.

**Mt LeConte, TN** Hike June 21, 2004

Having grown up in the East Tennessee area I had been to the tradition ...

Updated: Aug 23, 2004 10:35am PST

White Mountain, CA Hike June 11, 2004 : White Mountain was an exciting hike for both my son Nick and I as a first time "fourteener", which is a climbers term for a mountain over 14,000 ft elevation (14,246 ft in this case) for those unfamiliar with it. This was our first visit to Death Valley and our first vacation with only each other. Although we did not "completely" finish the hike, we got to within 300 ft vertical of the top and could clearly see the stone research station, which still provided a great time together and the accomplishment of a 14 mile round trip hike at high altitude. Nick still jokes with me about the major temperature extremes we experienced, 109 degrees F in Furnace Creek (actually still a little on the cool side for June) and 35 degrees F, wind, and snow flurries by the end of the day on White Mountain..............and everybody typically thinks the desert is always just about the heat!

White Mountain, CA Hike June 11, 2004

White Mountain was an exciting hike for both my son Nick and I as a fi ...

Updated: Oct 05, 2004 11:27pm PST

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike May 30, 2004 :

**Boundary Peak, NV** Hike May 30, 2004

Updated: Aug 17, 2004 7:19pm PST

Wildrose Peak, CA Hike May 28, 2004 :

Wildrose Peak, CA Hike May 28, 2004

Updated: Aug 17, 2004 2:48pm PST

Red Tahquitz Peak, CA Hike May 22, 2004 : weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/28c.htm

Red Tahquitz Peak, CA Hike May 22, 2004

weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/28c.htm

Updated: Aug 21, 2004 12:30am PST

Barley Flats, CA Hike May 9, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/11d.htm In celebration of Mother's Day, I hiked to Barley Flats (elevation 5600 ft) located (way) up the ridge from Big Tujunga Canyon in the San Gabriel wilderness, and got there about 1:55 pm Sunday afternoon. I calculated a pretty solid nine (9) mile round trip hike, which was actually for the purpose of meeting up with the LA Sheriff ESD Air Rescue Team at their "mountain basecamp" of Barley Flats. The day started out sunny, clear and fairly hot around 80-85 degrees F with no breeze (unusual). The purple blooming flowers were beautiful and as I got higher up the breeze and cooler air was welcome. Following the Sierra Club's website directions, I had started to the right (west) on the old road on top and toured through the old LASD work camp (and older US Gov't Nike-Ajax missile launch site) buildings when I heard the familiar sounds of large turbines and rotors firing up........the Rescue 5 helocopter back to the east about a 1/4 mile from where I was located. I did not see the ESD crew lift off, but couldn't miss hearing the helicopter heading east towards Mt Baldy about 2:00 pm. I waited around a short time, ate a snack, and drank some water until about 2:30 pm, then headed back down the trail. I was 1/2-1 mile back down the trail when I heard the return of Rescue 5 and got some photos of them circling the Barley Flats area and landing behind my field of vision. I also hoped this was training exercise and not a true "call-out". I made it down to the car around 4:30 pm and headed out Big Tujunga Road to connect back into Angeles Forest Highway. I once again saw Rescue 5 circling over me and came up quickly on the tragic accident down into Big Tujunga Canyon with a pickup truck over the side of the guard rail and at the bottom of the canyon. I stayed to see the guys in action since I had not gotten a chance to speak with them earlier on the hike. The on-lookers told me Rescue 5 had already cabled a paramedic team to the accident and were circling waiting for the pickup call. All I can say again is that these guys are truly awesome and admirable people, and there are a lot more who witnessed their team in action Sunday who felt the same way. A nice steady hand was on the controls as Rescue 5 hovered in the canyon making the final rescue pickup. It was a long drop into the canyon, I estimated around 800-1000 ft down. It was both sad and heartfelt to see these guys in action again, and wish we could have spent a few minutes together earlier in the afternoon. My personal note to this dedicated group of professionals........we are encouraged by your improved work schedule and funding, not from a "put in more hours per week" perspective but from a "successful and needed operation" perspective. Keep up the great work, we're all proud of your team!

Barley Flats, CA Hike May 9, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/11d.htm In celebrati ...

Updated: Aug 20, 2004 11:29pm PST

LA County Park: Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair Hikes 4-24-2004 : I decided to hike the Devil's Chair Trail (also named the Burkhart Trail) on Saturday 4-24-04 having been to that area earlier in the spring (mid-March) for a short hike and "check-it-out" photo day. The Devil's Chair is approximately an eight (8) mile round trip hike and the Punchbowl a one (1) mile circle. With no snow and no huge mountain to climb, I did each direction in about 1 1/2 hours walk time, plus lunch time at the lookout boulder (the "chair"). This area is on the north (opposite) side of the San Gabriel mountains (Mt Williamson specifically) you see from the Ontario airport, and located in what is called the "high desert", a very large desert-condition region several hundred miles square but at an elevation of 3500-5000 ft vs sea level like most deserts. Above 3500 ft, there is a very different type cactus that grows known as a "Joshua tree", and this area is full of them. The day was pretty hot, around 80-85 F, and very sunny with almost no breeze (unusual for here). This park is a beautiful and unusual area along the San Andreas fault line and rift, with many spiked sandstone rocks jutting almost straight up in the air 300-700 ft high. People use these for rock climbing and/or training and I got a couple of shots with climbers that reminded me of my children several years back in the AR mountains. I combined photos taken from my short March trip to the Devil's Punchbowl with this April trip to the Devil's Chair to more completely display the unique scenery and geography of the area.

LA County Park: Devil's Punchbowl and Devil's Chair Hikes 4-24-2004

I decided to hike the Devil's Chair Trail (also named the Burkhart Tra ...

Updated: Oct 18, 2004 1:18pm PST

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike April 18, 2004 : This was a very difficult hike for me personally, but one that I truly felt I needed to do following the death of my beautiful wife on this mountain January 17, 2004. My mission this day was not so much to finish the hike that had been started and nearly completed two times previously in December 2003 and January 2004, but to fabricate a memorial marker for her near the point of her accident. Despite being mid-April, a fresh 6-8 inches of snow had fallen the night before this hike, temperature the day of the hike was 40 degrees F, and there was still approximately 2 feet of snow on the ground on the north (Pacific Crest Trail) side of the mountain. The views to Mt Baldy along CA Highway 2 were stunning and the residual low clouds that were caught between the mountains made some absolutely beautiful photos.

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike April 18, 2004

This was a very difficult hike for me personally, but one that I truly ...

Updated: Aug 13, 2004 6:31pm PST

Lake Tahoe, CA-NV Sightseeing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing Trip Weekend of March 26, 2004 : The weekend of 3-26-04 I made my first trip to Lake Tahoe (CA-NV border area), which I had planned almost a month ago to meet one of my relatively new friends, Garrett Carlson at his cabin on the NW side of the lake. Since you guys haven't met him, he is a lot like my long time friends Mike and Randy, i.e. same age group, similar musical taste, easy to talk to, casual and outdoors oriented for boating, fishing, skiing etc, likes dogs, and generally good with people. He owns and manages a high performance replacement window and door business (like Anderson and Pella) in that area. The lake itself is located on the California-Nevada border along the Sierra-Nevada mountain divide and is almost 2000 feet deep. This area receives some of the highest snowfall in the world during the winter months, and this weekend was pretty much on target from what I saw, at about 3-4 feet deep in the yards and 10-12 feet deep higher up on the mountain and on the ski slopes. What I can say is this was a weekend of first time events for me: first time to see this beautiful lake, first time on a ski slope, first time snow hiking in snowshoes, and first time "all you can eat" sushi! I'll elaborate a little (you guys didn't really expect me not to, right?) Friday and Saturday I successfully attempted and accomplished a long time objective of snow skiing, except this time I chose snow boarding (27 years after I had chosen snow skiing going into college and never went). Most people agreed that if they were to start now, they would try snow boarding as opposed to traditional snow skis, so that's what I did. Hey, it's fun! I fell about two dozen times over the two half-days I took lessons (well, maybe three dozen times), but I went down a slope of about 1-1/2 to 2 football fields in length forwards at least four times without falling by the end of the first day, and down the same slope backwards (and no, I didn't care for that on the first few attempts) at least two times the second day without falling. So, I might not get an opportunity to do this again for a long time, but it was fun and a real learning experience! Sunday morning before I headed back home, we drove around the lake (about an 85 mile loop road) and saw where local theater groups perform Shakespearean plays in the summer months along the eastern lake shore, the South Shore area which is somewhat famous like a little Las Vegas with shops, casinos, etc, and Emerald Bay which is a very beautiful, remote, and highly photographed small cove in the extreme SE corner of the main lake. It is bordered by Jakes Peak and Mt Tallac, both in the 10,000 foot height range, and of course covered with snow this time of year against the emerald color (actually a deep teal blue-green) color of the lake. Very cool. I felt honored as we snowshoe-hiked to Eagle Point (about a three mile round trip) located at the very tip of the bay in over 2 feet of snow in my Nike Air-Tallac hiking boots to commemorate the area they were named after. On the way out of town and hungry, we stopped at a new sushi shop (it was good) and power-ate over two dozen pieces of sushi each. So like I said earlier, a weekend of "firsts"!

Lake Tahoe, CA-NV Sightseeing, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing Trip Weekend of March 26, 2004

The weekend of 3-26-04 I made my first trip to Lake Tahoe (CA-NV borde ...

Updated: Sep 20, 2004 11:12pm PST

Mt San Jacinto, CA Hike March 20, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/27f.htm The weekend of 3-20-04, I went back to finish a hike started on Christmas Eve at Mt San Jacinto park in Palm Springs, but incomplete due to time and a severe winter storm that came in near the top of the mountain. It has been 85-95 degrees in Palm Springs for almost the past three weeks, so I felt it was a good time to finish the hike and while the spring weather and scenery were still good. Good thing I took the snow gear as a back-up plan! Even though it was about 50 degrees at the start of the hike (8000 feet altitude) there was still almost 1 1/2 feet of snow at the ranger station, which rose to almost four (yes, 4) feet of snow near the top of the mountain. That's cold and deep when hiking in shorts, even for me. Needless to say..........made it, 12 miles of hiking, and to the top of not one, but two different peaks: 1-unintentional (Jean's Peak at 10,670 feet) and 1-targeted (Mt San Jacinto at 10,834 feet). Total time round trip was 8 hours, and worth every minute for the exercise and views. San Jacinto is the second highest mountain in Southern CA, and of course on my target-to-hike list. Arriving at the top of nearby Jean Peak was strictly an accident, as you cannot follow a marked hiking trail in deep snow (as it all looks white), so I followed the former hikers' snowshoe prints up the mountain. When I got to the top I realized it was not the highest one (a real letdown), and walked along the ridgeline (or backbone) between the two peaks to physically get to San Jacinto. Unbelievable sunshine and reflection also, probably a UV factor of 11 on a scale of 1 to 10, so you know what I looked like after the hike. Two groups of pretty serious hikers joined me at the top probably 10 minutes or so after I summited, wearing full-on Mt Everest looking gear including high tech snowshoes. I did feel a little "naked" compared to them wearing my Nike Dry-Fit sleeveless performance top, a pair of heavy canvas shorts, and even with my crampons (snow spikes) mounted to my hiking boots. I also had my "Carolyn backpack" (yellow and silver) on with full emergency gear in it. We all took photos for each other, ate a quick snack, then headed down the mountain (like almost straight down) and back to the ranger station. I have a lot of what I hope will be really cool photos of this hike, but they won't be back for over a week. As a compromise and to show you family members recent photos of similar areas I have been over the past few months, I have emailed you some web shots from another local hiking group. I have not met any of these guys (yet) to the best of my knowledge, but they cover a lot of the same ground I do and post digital photos on their web page. Their photos were taken of San Jacinto (two weeks ago) and Tahquitz Peak (three weeks ago). Carolyn and I hiked to the Taquitz fire tower (8850 feet, 8 miles round trip) over Thanksgiving weekend 2003. The snow obviously was not as deep then as now, but gives a general picture of the area and what I negotiate when winter hiking locally. Taquitz is located in the Idyllwild CA area, which I have not gotten a chance to take my family to see yet, but is sort of like a cross between Mt Baldy and Big Bear for things to do, scenery, etc.

Mt San Jacinto, CA Hike March 20, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/27f.htm The weekend ...

Updated: Aug 22, 2007 8:33pm PST

Sugarloaf Mountain, CA Hike January 1, 2004 : Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/22d.htm

Sugarloaf Mountain, CA Hike January 1, 2004

Weblink: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/guides/22d.htm

Updated: Sep 20, 2004 3:47pm PST

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike December 28, 2003 :

Mt Baden-Powell, CA Hike December 28, 2003

Updated: Sep 20, 2004 12:00pm PST