12.03 Idyllwild conclusion: Black Mountain, one tough so and so...
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...