Past the half-way mark, the sights like this one, were most impressive. A little fire damage fore
For most of the ascent, 'ghost' like mountains looked down upon us until we approached the summit
Overpowering, intimidating but wonderful
Our editor discovered the mountain, actually that happened a long time ago; we mean to say while in San Diego she identified it from a book. The problem, she pointed out, is that to reach the summit we would have to gain 3,300 feet. In an unusual explanation for her, she said it should take 2.5 hours to reach the top—a gain of 1,320 feet per hour. We were thinking at the time: ‘What’s the rush? We’ll take another few hours, if need be’. Ha!
The valley was far below, the edges exhilarating, the mountain across the way, massive
Blue flower 'power' at the higher altitude, red lower down
To put things in perspective, we should mention that anytime we can circumvent, avoid or ignore the Los Angeles area, we will do so. Obviously, our prejudice is showing. However, the mountains along Freeway 210, just for starters, are incredible. The Angeles National Forest looks like a treasure and we have only seen and experienced a tiny taste of it. Nevertheless, we have yet to change our minds about the City of Angels. The other day we wrote about devils in the wilderness and now it’s angels in the city. Hmm! It looks like one could spend a year in this district and not experience the hiking available. Back to our editor who later decided she did not think Mount Lukens was the right climb for us.
“But, Jen,” we said, “it’s also used by hikers training to climb Mount Whitney.” Whitney is the highest in the contiguous United States.
“That’s my point. Are we intending to climb it?” She replied.
“Not this trip but maybe next year.”
“Therefore, we don’t need to practice; let’s skip Lukens.”
In a rather devious scheme, we challenged the editor to an arm wrestle, one hand tied behind the back—the winner has the right to choose. In the end, we chose the tougher climb, Stone Canyon Trail which is spectacular. Good choice, Editor!
We were usually on the edge (not this occasion), a little too close at times as the unmaintained trail sloped towards the canyon and was very narrow
The hazy weather gave the mountains a surreal look—it was captivating
Jen making her way up, stops for a long breath and short smile
We had the trail to ourselves, 7.5 miles in what might rate as one of the finest climbs we have undertaken. Both of us developed sore throats recently so we are not in ideal health. However, there was some mind over matter as we climbed the 3,300 feet along cliff edges the whole way. It is truly an outstanding experience. The trail is rough, the views are spectacular, there are dangerous sections where maintenance is lacking but this seems to add to the adventure. One is surrounded by so many mountains that one feels engulfed. Our particular target only came into view after two hours of climbing. Should this be typical of Los Angeles, then what a fine place it is—the wilderness, of course.
Beyond and above the mountains at right rear, our destination
A snake slithered across our path so quickly today that we did not realize it until it reached the bush. On Sunday, a young snake ambled past us and then sprang into the air at least two feet to try and reach a low hanging branch of a shrub. We have no idea of its game plan; it was most surprising to see such movement.
We enjoyed some cloudy conditions, mist or fog at the outset which provided magnificent scenery. Upon reaching the peak, the fog was quite thick so views of Los Angeles, the ocean and Catalina Island were blocked. We remember reading that on a clear day, a person could obtain those views from the peak. A clear day in Los Angeles seems like an oxymoron to us. Then again, we did mention our prejudice. At the summit, where we saw more antennae and equipment than ever before, we were unable to attain telephone reception. Go figure!
Standing and probably gaping, or gasping for air
One more hazy, lazy day of spring
Homeward bound, twenty minutes into descent. Always look up even when going down.
In South Africa, there is an expression that we used frequently during our army days—‘Vasbyt’. Loosely translated, it means: Bite hard, hang-tough, push yourself…. Once again, our editor was remarkable as she soared up that steep monster without a whine.
Vasbyt, Jenni.
Cheers,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Color, serenity and fragrance, very calming
Editor climbing fast, steep and...very serious
The mountains were deserted. We thought we had discovered a new frontier. Then at the summit, we saw this...apparently
someone had been before
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