[Bloated Chipmunk]

A week ago I finally got around to doing the one-way hike down Noble Canyon from the Penny Pines TH in the Lagunas to the Pine Valley TH a couple thousand feet below. When I scheduled this trip a few wks. prior, I'd hoped that it wouldn't be too hot since much of this trail (especially the lower section) is out in the sun & could be grueling. On the contrary, the day turned out to be foggy & misty, & quite blustery @ the upper end.

PP TH

Fog, mist, & wind for the upper part of the trail

Pines

Droplets

The trail is pretty easy to follow, except for one somewhat confusing junction w/the Big Laguna Trail. The upper-middle section is probably the nicest--big trees & babbling brook. As the day wore on, my rain jacket showed its age & my already too-big pants sagged more & more due to the weight of the soaked ankles that kept dragging in the dirt despite my rolling them up, & the waistband down.

Along the trail

Shady trail

Holey log

Water

Some water still in the creek

We came across an old mine, then descended into the more open lower part of the canyon. The mist would stop briefly here & there, & ultimately tapered off enough that my pants could dry out a bit. I still had saggy ass tho.

Mine

Misty

Prickly pear

Looking back up the trail

Nice place to camp

Manzanita bark

Looking back

PC TH

10ish miles later we were @ my car, & then drove back around to the upper end to get the other car. All in all a nice, out-of-the-ordinary-Seattle-like day in SoCal.

[Bedivere]

That area looks a lot more lush than many you've posted. I'm guessing the fog/mist/rain must not be too uncommon there.