Sally and I headed up the trailhead from Angelus Oaks a bit before 6 AM. The trailhead road is in awful shape -- I was hoping my '99 Honda wouldn't shake loose
We encountered several new downed trees which required going over or around
The snow patches started around 8 K. We donned microspikes after entering the forest from the ridge. Although there were footsteps, it was clear that not too many folks have been up the trail.
Once we reached Manzanita flats and the sign, we decided to follow footsteps going up and over the ridge rather than traversing around it. After reaching the open, flat area below the wooden bench, we opted to head up to the left of Limber Pine camp rather than try to stay on the trail. We then headed up the ridge to the east of Limber Pine camp that eventually connects with the ridge trail that goes along the backbone of the San Gorgonio range. This required us to manuver around several rocky outcroppings, which was interesting wearing crampons.
Finally, we were climbing up unimpeded through the snow to the backbone ridge -- reminded me of going up Skyline from Flat Rock. Once we reached the ridge, we went left (east) and summited west San Bernardino peak (~10,600 ft). There is still a substantial amount of snow on the ridge and the summit. I was happy to see no sign of "cupping." We had a leisurely lunch -- the temperature was in the mid-40's and there was a mild breeze. Looking towards San Gorgonio and the snow covered peaks along the way was breath taking.
Sadly, we did have to descend. We dropped back down to the ridge and headed towards a gully that Lance refers to as the Toboggan Run
We used to climb up this from Limber Pine camp to obtain the backbone ridge until Lance introduced me to the other approach. The almost noon sun was softening up the snow and the grade wasn't too steep, so we took out our ice axes and started glissading down -- this time I wore pants to protect the ... um... left gluteal area that sustained injury from the Sunday shorts glissade 
We were able to glissade from about 10,400 to 8,800 ft -- woo hoo 
Had to traverse to the right (east) a bit to rejoin our ascent route -- I was having too much fun going downhill
Dropped down to the flat area and up and over the ridge, then down to the sign at Manzanita Flats. Replaced the crampons with microspikes. The snow had softened up considerably, so it was like trying to walk in deep sand 
I guess this was the payback for getting to glissade We finally entered the forest again and removed the microspikes before starting the long, sweeping descent down the ridge to the trailhead.
Now for a surprise -- no Mexican food -- we had wonderful cheese burgers at the Oaks restuarant in Angeles Oaks before heading home. Thanks to Sally for her always wonderful companionship and a great post hike meal
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
