Howdy All
Last Wednesday, Miracle Marilyn, Sister Sally and I hiked Marion to the peak. There was some snow on Marion but manageable. We donned microspikes/Hillsound at the Deer Springs junction and slogged our way along to the Fuller ridge junction. I have balance issues due to multiple spinal fusions and bad left ankle and right shoulder fractures. Even with poles I was bouncing all over the place It was a relief to reach the Fuller junction and actually start climbing again. The buckthorn is overgrown on both sides of the trail. Enjoyed getting back into the pine trees as we climbed past Bed Springs and Lilly stream crossings. Little Round Valley looked great with a white blanket. As SanJacJon noted, the climb up to the junction did not follow the trail. Even in dirt, I'm always happy to get to the flat area at the junction. Made our way up to San Jacinto -- it was quite breezy. Took summit photos, then dropped to the sheltered area to enjoy lunch.
As expected, the descent in the crappy snow wasn't pleasant. We had to extricate ourselves from knee and crotch high post holes numerous times. For me, the worst part was from the Fuller ridge junction to Marion junction. I couldn't maintain a steady pace My invective nearly peeled the bark off the trees I was ecstatic when we were back in dirt.
Thanks to Marilyn and Sally for hanging with me when I got cranky and developed Tourette's.
View from lunch spot.
View from peak.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen