Backpacking Trip #2 in the books
Not since my last backpacking trip one year ago have I had the pleasure to hoist a 50lb pack on my hips and shoulders and go for a 'leisurely stroll' down a dusty path.
This time around the college buddies and I ventured a little closer to home... San Gorgonio summit. It's located about 90 minutes east of Los Angeles and happens to be the highest peak in Southern California. It stands at 11,499 feet and has views of Big Bear Lake to the North and parts of Palm Springs to the South. (It was rather startling to see lush green to one side and dusty desert on the other.)
Approximately 30 miles in total, two nights under the stars and 4,000 of vertical feet from the parking lot.
We managed to blaze our own trail on the second day of our hike by missing the [air-quotes] "trail" and finding our own way up the face of the rocky peak. During endless switchback hikes, I've always wondered what it would be like to just head straight up ... I no longer need to ask myself that question. Answer: It's slow-going, a little painful and scary at times.
Rocks slid under foot and hearts were pumping through shirts. All in all, I think the altitude played a part in our decision to forge ahead up that beast. In the end, we were rewarded with a beautiful view, a wedding at the summit and a [once again, air quotes] "easy trip" down the switchbacks.
Good times! I will see you next year Mr. Backpack (once the memory of the pain goes away and all that remains are the sweet memories of hanging with good friends.)
