I convinced my friend to go slumming with me up Icehouse Canyon. Little did I know I how accurate that statement had become. Both of us had commitments later in the day and were just looking to move the muscles.
Just before the avalanche debris field, we started to see spray painted blazes which continued the 2-mile marker then picked up again at the upper Chapman Trail Jct. and continued to the saddle.
We were both convinced this was done by a regular user or users of the canyon to permanently blaze the trail to assist them in winter getting to the saddle. During the winter, many people wander about in search of a trail rather than follow the contours of the ground. Most of these folks travel the canyon every single weekend.
So, if you are planing to use Icehouse Canyon in the coming months be prepared for this stinking eyesore.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Sunday, October 11, 2009
The Whitney Hangover
Generally, when I'm done with a Whitney summit attempt there is a big letdown. This year it was a really big let down. One run in 2 weeks and yesterday was my first day in the trail since 9/20...other than injury this was the longest I have been off the trails in years.
I forced myself to run this week...3 times for a total of a little over 90 minutes and hit the trails...not just any trail but my favorite trail in SoCal. It ended up being a very interesting 4 hours.
With the Angeles National Forest being closed more than a few people decided it was time to visit Mt. San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek Trail. Fortunately, for many they were shutout at Vivian Creek and ended up on the San Bernardino Peak Trail.
I decided today was going to an ease back into hiking trip. Depending on how I felt would be how far I would go. The goals were Manzanita Flat or the bench at a 8,800', which offers fabulous views of the San Bernardino Range, I made it to the latter.
After a half hour, saying to myself I really have to come back here more, I headed back down. Most everyone I talked to on the way back to the trailhead was shutout at Vivian and were all surprised how pretty this trail is.
I forced myself to run this week...3 times for a total of a little over 90 minutes and hit the trails...not just any trail but my favorite trail in SoCal. It ended up being a very interesting 4 hours.
With the Angeles National Forest being closed more than a few people decided it was time to visit Mt. San Gorgonio via the Vivian Creek Trail. Fortunately, for many they were shutout at Vivian Creek and ended up on the San Bernardino Peak Trail.
I decided today was going to an ease back into hiking trip. Depending on how I felt would be how far I would go. The goals were Manzanita Flat or the bench at a 8,800', which offers fabulous views of the San Bernardino Range, I made it to the latter.
After a half hour, saying to myself I really have to come back here more, I headed back down. Most everyone I talked to on the way back to the trailhead was shutout at Vivian and were all surprised how pretty this trail is.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Back From Mt. Whitney
Observations from four eventful days on the trail and a bit more...
Things don't always go as planned, this trip was it in spades.
This started out as a four person trip, it was down to 3 when we left SoCal and 2 by the time we reached Bullfrog Lake...geezers, creaky backs and backpacking 50 miles 4-days don't go together...sometimes.
Left shins and granite don't particular like running into one and another, either...The winner the granite and Johnson and Johnson.
Because of our late start and our partner's creaky back, we ran out of time...and energy. We ended our day a mile short of our Center Basin Junction planned destination. We could not have been happier with our choice of campsite. However, frosty the sleeping bag did make an appearance.
Our big day...Let's go over Forester Pass and end the day at Wallace Creek...it would have been about 16-miles and we had to be there by 4 PM because the sleeping bags had to dry. I will continue when you stop laughing.
It was a great day, with great scenery, which ended 4.4 miles short of Wallace Creek at the junction of Tyndall Creek Ranger Station and PCT/JMT. No big whoops...the next day would only be 12-miles with no pass to cross...but we had to finish early because frosty the sleeping bag made another appearance and brought his friend along, Connie D'sation dela Tent.
Scenery wise, this was the most spectacular day. We were mightily impressed with the views from Bighorn Plateau, this is where where my friend's camera said memory card full...time to edit previous and newly taken pictures. When we reached Crabtree Ranger Station Junction, it was time to throttle back...we lallygagged our way to the Timberline Lake for lunch, then was on to MBH Tarn above Guitar Lake...you won't see that name on any map.
The scorecard...
Day One: People 20 Deer 4
Day Two: People 8 Marmot 4
Day Three People 9 (including 3-JMT hikers we had been playing tag with) Cute Furry Animals 0
Forget day four because I'm not that anal retentive.
Now, it's time for better tossin' and turnin' by chemistry for our 1 AM Suunto Vector Wake-Up Call...folks, don't count on your Suunto Vector waking you up, so that we might partake in the sun rising over the Panamints on the last day of summer.
Over last 3 days, we would take 2 to 2 1/2 hours getting our rear ends moving...today it took 1:15.
I have been up to this section of trail 3 times and I still don't know what it looks like, but the stars really do look pretty; however, the 3 WAG bags left by the inconsiderate definitely did not look pretty...nor did the other 9 we observed the rest of the day...not including the quart ziplock full of you know what sitting next next to a WAG bag on a ledge at Lower Trail Crest.
After configuring our summit packs, it was off to the summit. By the headlights ahead we knew we would not be first on the summit...however, numbers 3 and 4 were not bad and 8 total for the sunrise was better than the zoo we met 3 years ago.
After taking, perfunctory brag photo or two...oh, the battery died and we did not have a spare,going ga-ga over the Sierra lighting off and shadow Whitney casts on the horizon, it was off to the Whitney Follies. The September 20, 2009 version only produced 3 memorable episodes...first...significant other urging totally wasted wifey or girl friend towards the summit 2-miles away when he should have been taking her back towards Lone Pine and the Bonanza Mexican Restaurant, second..we saw this guy with just a paper bag moving towards the summit, lastly, a group hiking up the Switchbacks with a small dog unleashed without doggie booties, we advised them of their animal abuse and the ranger up ahead who will turn there rear ends around because dogs can't do SEKI.
It's been 9-years since the trail had major maintenance and it starting to show it. It's not as bad as it was in 1997 but it is moving towards it slowly.
My partner and I decided we are going back to our self contained ways rather than cut weight by you bring this I'll bring that. The redundancy is a nice insurance policy when someone runs out of moleskin and someone else has the trots and needs a few sheets of TP.
As for the new gear and clothing...I did not take some of it because some of it was not washed and forecast was for mild temperatures, for the Sierra, little wind...
Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles...Are still the gold standard, as far as I am concerned.
Steripen...My partner's worked just fine, mine died an early death because of a bad rechargeable battery.
Kayland Contact 1000...Even with my feet being sore today from the 6,000' down, they continue to impress.
Suunto Vector...Stayed very close to the readings from my friend GPS; however, the alarm sucks big time.
Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pants...These are the best convertible pants I have ever owned, period, and they were abused big time on this trip...ask my left shin.
Black Diamond Spot Headlight...This is another gold standard item as far as I'm concerned. My partner's comment was 1-Watt LED was too bright at its highest setting...and he was right.
North or South? The north is the winner. If I had to choose between either of Horseshoe Meadow or Onion Valley as a starting point it would be Onion Valley...the scenery is so much better...but a little more work.
The itch has been scratched...the next Whitney itch is MR. When that will be scratched is anyone's guess. This trip has been planned a couple of times but life has gotten in the way of it. My guess is we will go up that route late summer a couple years from now.
Now, it is time to rebuild my first aid kit, repair kit and toilet kit; and to find new foods for the trail.
Things don't always go as planned, this trip was it in spades.
This started out as a four person trip, it was down to 3 when we left SoCal and 2 by the time we reached Bullfrog Lake...geezers, creaky backs and backpacking 50 miles 4-days don't go together...sometimes.
Left shins and granite don't particular like running into one and another, either...The winner the granite and Johnson and Johnson.
Because of our late start and our partner's creaky back, we ran out of time...and energy. We ended our day a mile short of our Center Basin Junction planned destination. We could not have been happier with our choice of campsite. However, frosty the sleeping bag did make an appearance.
Our big day...Let's go over Forester Pass and end the day at Wallace Creek...it would have been about 16-miles and we had to be there by 4 PM because the sleeping bags had to dry. I will continue when you stop laughing.
It was a great day, with great scenery, which ended 4.4 miles short of Wallace Creek at the junction of Tyndall Creek Ranger Station and PCT/JMT. No big whoops...the next day would only be 12-miles with no pass to cross...but we had to finish early because frosty the sleeping bag made another appearance and brought his friend along, Connie D'sation dela Tent.
Scenery wise, this was the most spectacular day. We were mightily impressed with the views from Bighorn Plateau, this is where where my friend's camera said memory card full...time to edit previous and newly taken pictures. When we reached Crabtree Ranger Station Junction, it was time to throttle back...we lallygagged our way to the Timberline Lake for lunch, then was on to MBH Tarn above Guitar Lake...you won't see that name on any map.
The scorecard...
Day One: People 20 Deer 4
Day Two: People 8 Marmot 4
Day Three People 9 (including 3-JMT hikers we had been playing tag with) Cute Furry Animals 0
Forget day four because I'm not that anal retentive.
Now, it's time for better tossin' and turnin' by chemistry for our 1 AM Suunto Vector Wake-Up Call...folks, don't count on your Suunto Vector waking you up, so that we might partake in the sun rising over the Panamints on the last day of summer.
Over last 3 days, we would take 2 to 2 1/2 hours getting our rear ends moving...today it took 1:15.
I have been up to this section of trail 3 times and I still don't know what it looks like, but the stars really do look pretty; however, the 3 WAG bags left by the inconsiderate definitely did not look pretty...nor did the other 9 we observed the rest of the day...not including the quart ziplock full of you know what sitting next next to a WAG bag on a ledge at Lower Trail Crest.
After configuring our summit packs, it was off to the summit. By the headlights ahead we knew we would not be first on the summit...however, numbers 3 and 4 were not bad and 8 total for the sunrise was better than the zoo we met 3 years ago.
After taking, perfunctory brag photo or two...oh, the battery died and we did not have a spare,going ga-ga over the Sierra lighting off and shadow Whitney casts on the horizon, it was off to the Whitney Follies. The September 20, 2009 version only produced 3 memorable episodes...first...significant other urging totally wasted wifey or girl friend towards the summit 2-miles away when he should have been taking her back towards Lone Pine and the Bonanza Mexican Restaurant, second..we saw this guy with just a paper bag moving towards the summit, lastly, a group hiking up the Switchbacks with a small dog unleashed without doggie booties, we advised them of their animal abuse and the ranger up ahead who will turn there rear ends around because dogs can't do SEKI.
It's been 9-years since the trail had major maintenance and it starting to show it. It's not as bad as it was in 1997 but it is moving towards it slowly.
My partner and I decided we are going back to our self contained ways rather than cut weight by you bring this I'll bring that. The redundancy is a nice insurance policy when someone runs out of moleskin and someone else has the trots and needs a few sheets of TP.
As for the new gear and clothing...I did not take some of it because some of it was not washed and forecast was for mild temperatures, for the Sierra, little wind...
Black Diamond Spire Trekking Poles...Are still the gold standard, as far as I am concerned.
Steripen...My partner's worked just fine, mine died an early death because of a bad rechargeable battery.
Kayland Contact 1000...Even with my feet being sore today from the 6,000' down, they continue to impress.
Suunto Vector...Stayed very close to the readings from my friend GPS; however, the alarm sucks big time.
Mountain Hardwear Convertible Pants...These are the best convertible pants I have ever owned, period, and they were abused big time on this trip...ask my left shin.
Black Diamond Spot Headlight...This is another gold standard item as far as I'm concerned. My partner's comment was 1-Watt LED was too bright at its highest setting...and he was right.
North or South? The north is the winner. If I had to choose between either of Horseshoe Meadow or Onion Valley as a starting point it would be Onion Valley...the scenery is so much better...but a little more work.
The itch has been scratched...the next Whitney itch is MR. When that will be scratched is anyone's guess. This trip has been planned a couple of times but life has gotten in the way of it. My guess is we will go up that route late summer a couple years from now.
Now, it is time to rebuild my first aid kit, repair kit and toilet kit; and to find new foods for the trail.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Off To Mt. Whitney
Ready or not, it is now time for 3 geezers to go 47-miles in 4 days. The good lord willing and a knee doesn't twist we will standing on Mt. Whitney every stitch of clothes we brought with us just before 6:39 AM Sunday morning to watch the sun climb above the Inyo Mountains...the forecast calls for Sunny, Clear at mid to upper teens, hopefully there will be no wind.
I'm in good to very good shape. My weight is finally below 170 lbs. consistently, my heart rate running and hiking is where I want to be. However, I had a physical problem which caused me to miss two runs and a hike leading up to this trip. I am in better shape than I was in 2004 when we did Horseshoe Meadow to Whitney Portal in 3 days.
Our itinerary is a follows:
16th...Travel to Whitney Portal, spend the night
17th...Leave one car at WP and travel to Onion Valley
The Hike...
17th...Onion Valley to Center Basin Trail Jct...11.3 miles
18th...CBTJ, over Forester Pass to Wallace Creek...13.5 miles
19th...WC to The Tarns above Guitar Lake...7.3 miles
20th...The Tarns to Whitney Portal with an appearance at the Smithsonian Hut at dawn...15.3 miles
I'm in good to very good shape. My weight is finally below 170 lbs. consistently, my heart rate running and hiking is where I want to be. However, I had a physical problem which caused me to miss two runs and a hike leading up to this trip. I am in better shape than I was in 2004 when we did Horseshoe Meadow to Whitney Portal in 3 days.
Our itinerary is a follows:
16th...Travel to Whitney Portal, spend the night
17th...Leave one car at WP and travel to Onion Valley
The Hike...
17th...Onion Valley to Center Basin Trail Jct...11.3 miles
18th...CBTJ, over Forester Pass to Wallace Creek...13.5 miles
19th...WC to The Tarns above Guitar Lake...7.3 miles
20th...The Tarns to Whitney Portal with an appearance at the Smithsonian Hut at dawn...15.3 miles
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Icehouse No More
No more 30 minute drives to the trailhead in the foreseeable future...most of the Angeles National Forest is closed indefinitely.
For me, this means it is time to get reacquainted with San Gorgonio Wilderness. Saturday, I headed out the South Fork Trail at what I thought was a reasonable pace figuring it would take me a ~2:30 to reach Dry Lake, 5.5 miles, +2,100'. The pace was reasonable...my average heart rate was 129/bpm and the max. never passed out of my aerobic zone on the high side. With all that said, it only took me 1:50 reach Dry Lake. I am so used to snowshoeing in this area, I had no semblance time for distance hiking.
What surprised me was the lack of traffic on the trail. I left at 8 AM...late by my standards,and only saw 4 hikers and a volunteer during the ascent. On top of that, I had Dry Lake to myself for 30 minutes.
There are a ton of great trails out here with great destinations. If this a new area for your wander over to San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Website for everything you need for a good outing.
Oh, one other thing, you need a permit for all trails in this wilderness for both backpacking and day hiking. You can pick them up at the ranger station on Rt. 38 before heading up the hill.
For me, this means it is time to get reacquainted with San Gorgonio Wilderness. Saturday, I headed out the South Fork Trail at what I thought was a reasonable pace figuring it would take me a ~2:30 to reach Dry Lake, 5.5 miles, +2,100'. The pace was reasonable...my average heart rate was 129/bpm and the max. never passed out of my aerobic zone on the high side. With all that said, it only took me 1:50 reach Dry Lake. I am so used to snowshoeing in this area, I had no semblance time for distance hiking.
What surprised me was the lack of traffic on the trail. I left at 8 AM...late by my standards,and only saw 4 hikers and a volunteer during the ascent. On top of that, I had Dry Lake to myself for 30 minutes.
There are a ton of great trails out here with great destinations. If this a new area for your wander over to San Gorgonio Wilderness Association Website for everything you need for a good outing.
Oh, one other thing, you need a permit for all trails in this wilderness for both backpacking and day hiking. You can pick them up at the ranger station on Rt. 38 before heading up the hill.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Damn Heat!
This week heat got in the way of hard training. I'm crazy but not crazy enough to go out and run when it is 107* F in beautiful uptown Rancho Cucamonga.
However, I decided it was in my best interest to move the legs a bit Saturday. Just a steady pace up to Timber Mountain...1:55 to the top.
When the heat breaks, it will be back to hard training for another couple of week.
We are still looking for an in-shape man or woman to join us for our point to point trip from Onion Valley to Whitney Portal. We guarantee you 5 days of irreverent fun...along with 3 long days of backpacking, plus an easy one. We even show you where sitdown toilet is Upper Crabtree Meadow...that information alone is worth joining us on this trip.
However, I decided it was in my best interest to move the legs a bit Saturday. Just a steady pace up to Timber Mountain...1:55 to the top.
When the heat breaks, it will be back to hard training for another couple of week.
We are still looking for an in-shape man or woman to join us for our point to point trip from Onion Valley to Whitney Portal. We guarantee you 5 days of irreverent fun...along with 3 long days of backpacking, plus an easy one. We even show you where sitdown toilet is Upper Crabtree Meadow...that information alone is worth joining us on this trip.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
We Are Looking for One Good Man or Woman
We have one spot open on our permit from Onion Valley to Whitney Portal starting on September 17th.When I say good, I'm not kidding. We plan to eating burgers and fries at the Whitney Portal Store on 20th. Therefore, if you are interested you have be in good but not necessarily great shape.
The itinerary is a follows:
16th...Travel to WP, spend the night.
17th...Leave one car at WP and travel to OV.
The Hike...
17th...Onion Valley to Center Basin Trail Jct...11.3 miles
18th...CBTJ, over Forester Pass to Wallace Creek...13.5 miles
19th...WC to The Tarns above Guitar Lake...7.3 miles
20th...The Tarns to Whitney Portal with an appearance at the Smithsonian Hut at dawn...15.3 miles
If you have TOPO! California, I can send you the annotated file.
If you are interest in a great adventure e-mail me link thingy
Lastly, we are a bunch of geezers, if some 50 somethings can do this...well.
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