[Bloated Chipmunk]

For the 1st in a series of small hikes before a bigger trip, I found a route in one of my guidebooks that was not already checked off the list & decided to go for it. It was an easy loop in the Lagunas, all trail with views to the east into Anza-Borrego. I saw one guy head down the trail as I was gearing up, but no one after that. I parked @ the spacious, underutilized Sunrise Trailhead along S-1 & hung my Adventure Pass. As usual it was a sunny day w/a pleasant, warm temperature. I picked up the Sunrise Trail heading south from the parking lot.

TH

It rambles beneath Pk. 5,444', then crosses the rd. by the gate for Lucky 5 Ranch.

Desert views

Once across S-1, the route is on an old rd. that descends to the PCT.

Mtn. mahogany

PCT

I turned northbound on the PCT as it paralleled not far below the hwy. Thankfully @ some point during my outing I was able to escape the noise of S-1.

@ one point I rounded a corner to find articles of clothing & a fairly new-looking, lg. 1st aid kit abandoned @ the side of the trail.

1st aid kit & clothing left behind

Continuing on, I eventually found a nice overlook just off the trail to sit & have a snack & rest. I gazed out to the great void to the east--my beloved Anza-Borrego--& longed to be hiking there again but I would still have to wait a couple mos. until the temps reached a bearable level.

Moving along, I made the left turn onto the trail that would head back west, cross the hwy., & bring me back to my lonely car roasting in the parking lot.

My lonely car

Stats

[Ski]