Since the tram is closed and we've been harassed by gnats, mosquitos, etc. in the San Gorgonio and Cucamonga wilderness, we decided to head up Deer Springs and look for the peak that my friends named in my honor last year. Our weather was prefect -- the temperature was just right and we were treated to gorgeous clouds in the afternoon. While ascending the Marion trail would have been a more direct approach, none of us wanted to come down Marion
Shortly after passing the Marion and Seven Pines sign, we went XC up the ridge to a lovely little plateau. We were doing a good job route finding (helped by cairns) until we reached 9.4 K. Kept traversing west trying to find a way up through the rocks and brush. Finally called it and stopped for lunch. I somehow got pine sap all over my hands and poor Marilyn sat on a rock covered with cactus spines. Following lunch and removal of said spines, we retraced our route. On our way back, I believe we found the route up. I'm looking forward to heading back to solve the mystery. We encountered Doreen the Skyline Queen at the Strawberry junction 
After the long descent, we enjoyed fabulous burgers at JoAnne's in Idyllwild. Stats for the day -- 14.5 miles with 4.1 K gain. Miles of smiles,
Ellen