Framed photo of San Jacinto Peak from Black Mountain summit. We stood on that peak during December (may we humbly admit)
Our 'humble admission': San Jacinto last December
Jenni stands straight after a mean and strenuous climb. She was so hot she cut off her sleeves. (see above)
We knew it was going to be steep. Truth be told, we like it that way. Man, this was one tough climb. From the commencement or as the locals like to say: the get-go, the trail went straight up. The problem is that to get to the peak, one has to follow the path; there is no negotiation. As our editor often remarks, she can tell how steep a climb is from the return because her brakes tend to fail down these treacherous paths. We are much clearer: The perspiration on the brow and pain in the muscles on the ascent are sufficient indication.
Rocking before Mount Gorgonio, monster mountain between the cracks
There is a secret to Black Mountain. At the peak, a fire lookout tower stands proud. Because of this and perhaps some laziness of California rangers, a fire road exists which stops a half-mile from the peak. We know this because we met a young family just beyond the car park as we came through the bush. They had driven up from the other side of the mountain. Although the various trails looked busy when we passed them in the car on the way to this one, we were the only two climbing to the top. With weather approaching that of summer, we found the going tough but as always, challenging and enjoyable. Our editor assures us she had no intention of hitching a ride down to the car.
A view of Mount San Gorgonia from Black Mountain
The views of San Gorgonio are quite remarkable and in sight for most of the trail. Close to the summit of Black Mountain, the peak of the San Jacinto Mountain comes into view. It too, is stunning. We hiked to that peak during December in another outstanding day. The San Gabriel Mountains are also in view from the peak. It is a wonderful place to station oneself. We were thinking that a sunrise or sunset from that position should be outstanding.
Flower power, the hippie woman of the 2000's. Can you see the relief on her face as we approach the end?
Jenni on Black Mountain summit but below San Jacinto Peak on this occasion
Carl and his family who we met near the peak were a delight. They gave up us an insight into the names of the various peaks and places of interest surrounding us. This turned out to be a good thing as we'd apparently renamed the various mountains and towns surrounding us. Most of all, he showed us a more direct route back to our motel, something we appreciated. Earlier we made a bold statement about the apparent laziness of local rangers. While in Arizona and New Zealand as examples, we found that rangers and firewatchers have to make their way to the observation points on foot with provisions carried on their backs for a week's stay.
Let’s get the statistics out the way. The length is 8 miles with an elevation gain of 2,700 feet—a very solid 2,700 feet, whatever that means. The first two miles are known in genteel terms as: A butt kicker. How do we know that? You should take a look at our... On second thoughts, that's not a good idea.
After misbehaving, editor inserts offender in a web
It’s time to move on to our next stop: The Angeles National Forest. See you then…
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Another of Mount San Gorgonia from Black Mountain Fire-Watch Tower. Notice the building on the bottom left—an Indian Casino with the loosest...slots
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