It's A Very Good Place To Start

If you've happened to stumble across this blog and like what you see, you would do well to start at the very beginning and follow its progress.  Just read the post and at the bottom click on Newer Post. Enjoy!

Start At The Very Beginning

Favorite Hikes Number ONE

The Mountain Fire in 2013 destroyed almost 28,000 acres of forest in the San Jacinto area south of Idyllwild.  It closed a section of the Pacific Crest Trail that nearly three years later has yet to reopen.  It also burned several structures and has closed a significant part of the San Jacinto Wilderness area.  I am grateful that I'd been able to hike in the area before the fire and saddened by the memory of what was lost.  This is one of my favorite hikes I've ever done and I don't know when I'll be able to do it again, if ever.  I know the mountain will recover one day.  I only hope I'm around to see it.

My Favorite Hike

Favorite Hikes Number TWO

I see Mount San Jacinto almost every day.  I looms large on the Western Skyline of the Coachella Valley where I live.  If I could live on it I would.  But since it's mostly wilderness area I have to content myself with visiting and then returning home to the desert.  Plus, it'd be too cold for my wife. Days spent hiking there are always memorable and although I've hiked it hundreds of time I still look forward to when I can get back there.  This is one of my best days on the mountain.

Best day EVER on San Jacinto

Favorite Hike Number THREE

This was my longest hikes of the year and one of my longest hikes ever.  Snow Creek Village to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway via the PCT in one day!  I've climbed Snow Creek several times but it had always been via Snow Creek itself.  This was the first time I'd ever gone up the PCT all the way to Fuller Ridge.  I don't think it'll be my last although I have to admit I haven't done it again yet.  Maybe this fall once it cools down.  Maybe.

Snow Creek to Tram via PCT

Favorite Hikes Number FOUR

San Gorgonio is the tallest mountain in Southern California.  It's wilderness encompasses almost 95,000 acres and there are numerous trails leading to its summit.  I chose to do a loop on this day and enjoyed perfect weather and, except on the summit, saw very few people.  When the crazy rat race in Southern California seems to robbing one's soul, it's a great place to escape to.

Mount San Gorgonio

Update: The area included in this hike is being decimated by the Lake Fire, which started June 17, 2015.  At this point the fire has burned over 15,000 acres and significant portions of the area I went to during this hike.  Sadly, this area will take years to recover.  It is heartbreaking to any hiker who has been in this area and those who had yet to enjoy it.

The Lake Fire