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Bloated Chipmunk Cock Rock Searcher
Joined: 29 Jan 2007 Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics Location: Margaritaville |
This day hike was a precursor to the real bday trip to come, a multi-day adventure in Yosemite (stay tuned for TR!). Since my bday always occurs on or near LDW, I saved Yosemite for just after the holiday wknd. as to avoid the crowds...or @ least as much as one can expect to avoid the masses in a very popular natl. park.
I studied the map the night before & concocted a plan to link several trails together in order to knock out a pk. I hadn't been up before, as well as get a mix of desert views, forested areas, & meadows. This hike is best done on a weekday as parts of the Mt. Laguna area can get quite busy on the weekends as people seek areas w/shade.
I parked @ the Storm Canyon overlook platform, snapping a couple pics before setting off.
Storm Canyon
I dropped below the platform to pick up the PCT & turned south.
Looking back @ the parking area & viewing platform On the PCT On the PCT
I reached the side trail to Foster Pt. & decided to check it out as I hadn't been there before.
Side trail to Foster Pt. Foster Pt. Sign @ Foster Pt.
I retraced my steps to the PCT & continued along.
Moving along...
When the PCT reached a point close to Pk. 5,958', I left the trail & bushwhacked over to the summit which was just a short distance away & not much higher up.
Summit register Summit views Summit views Summit views
It was a nice summit but the peace & quiet was periodically disrupted by some guy yelling somewhere in the vicinity of the bump just NW of Monument Pk. I looked over in that direction but never saw the source of noise.
Incessant yelling coming from over there somewhere
I bushwhacked back to the PCT & continued south, pulling over briefly @ an overlook near where that guy must've been yelling. By now I didn't hear him anymore.
Back on the PCT Pano from a nearby viewpoint Big drop
On I went, passing below Monument Pk. (been there, done that) & dropping down to where the PCT meets the Big Laguna Trail.
Continuing south on the PCT below Monument Pk. Gettin' woodsy now Turning west on the Big Laguna Tr.
I turned west on the BLT, crossing S-1 a short distance later.
Shrooms Continuing on the BLT after Xing Sunrise Hwy.
Some flowers were blooming in a burnt area along the trail.
I reached a rd. & turned rt., then later crossed Los Huecos Rd. The BLT dropped south down a pretty forested area & then swung more westerly as it approached Boiling Spring Ravine & the eastern edge of Big Laguna Meadow.
I reached the edge of the meadow & kept to its eastern edge, heading in a northerly direction now. I passed cows grazing in the meadow along the way.
Meadow & cows Meadow & cows Meadow & cows Big pine Big pine Mortero
I turned right on the part of the BLT that goes on the western edge of Little Laguna "Lake". I put it in quotes since I've never actually seen a lake there, just a slight depression in the grass.
This is supposed to be Little Laguna Lk.
Next, I made another right turn to start heading toward El Prado CG. I came across a bathroom & peeked inside, finding that rodents had pretty much taken it over. Needless to say I did not use it.
Very old pisser
I reached the CG roads & made my way north & then east, passing by a historic cabin.
The home stretch
I reached S-1, & then just had a short walk along the shoulder back to my car. This was a nice mellow loop w/lots of variety; will prolly take my group on it someday.
Stats Rt.
Then, a quick drive home to shower & get ready for my bday party.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
Home is where the hiking is.
"Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas
A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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