San Gorgonio Peak via South Fork Trail & North Chute

[Sally]

Ellen, having done San G by way of South Fork Trail to a north chute 3 times recently, told me she had it nailed and was ready to take me up. Wednesday we got on the trail at about 6:00. Soon after reaching the Dry Lake Junction we headed up Christmas Tree Hill. When the snow became more prevalent we put on microspikes. In places the snow formed steep drifts that we practically had to claw our way up, but it wasn't time to get out the crampons yet as there were still bare patches to cross.

Soon we came to the series of morraine at the base of the mountain. They were covered with snow on their north sides and rocky on the other sides. After scrambling over the last wave of rocks, the north face of the mountain loomed in front of us.

Finally we got into our crampons. Ellen pointed out the route and we headed up. We noticed a guy a distance above us and Ellen shouted up to him to keep to the right. He shouted back "Where's the lift?" The snow was perfect because there was 2-3" of fresh snow on a not-to-icy base. I got to the point that I hed total confidence that the pointy things on my feet would hold me fast to the snow. But I wasn't so sure about my balance, so I proceeded slowly to avoid a mishap. Ellen and I made the observation that the route gets steeper the farther up you go, regardless of what mountain you're scaling.

A breeze came up, signalling that we were near the ridge.

When we attained the ridge it got very windy. We spoke briefly with the fellow we had shouted to earlier. He was on skies and had climbed the mountain in boots and no crampons. We put on more clothing and made our way to San Gorgonio summit. The trees and rocks along the ridge were covered in rime ice because of the dusting of snow the day before. The view was exquisite. I signed the register and we found a shelterd spot on the south side of the summit in which to have our lunch.

When we headed back down, Ellen thought it would be fun to glissade, but I was very apprehensive. After seeing her do a few runs I gave it a try. It took a while before I got comfortable with it, but finally I got the hang of it and was actually enjoying it. Sadly, the slope eventually petered out and we had to walk again.

Then Ellen proclaimed that we were going back a different way. This sent up a red flag as these were her exact words before our little misadventure on the Forsee Creek un-trail last week. But she led us down the left side of the drainage in a fairly safe and sane manner and soon we were back on the trail. We were routing through my backpack in the middle of the trail looking for rootbeer barrel and cinnamon candies when I looked up and there was this guy just standing there for I don't know how long. He said,"I know you. You're Ellen! I've seen you on the boards." The gal's got a reputation! Anyhow, the guy was on a shakedown hike for doing Shasta next week.

We made it back to the car and headed for Angeles Oaks for those fantastic hamburgers and beverages. Ah, the satisfaction of bagging a peak with a good friend!

[Hikin_Jim]

The gal's got a reputation!

Now that they've bagged Bin Laden, the FBI is looking for who to put in the #1 spot. She'd better keep a low profile from now on.

Nice TR.

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy Sally

I am so proud of you -- you are a natural mountaineer You'll soon be joining Lilbitmo and Daddy Long Legs on their wild adventures.

Thanks so much your friendship, company and trust -- it was an epic day.

Howdy HJ

I swear, I'm going to put a brown paper bag over my blond head so people start referring to me as "the unknown hiker."

Guess I better wear long sleeves and pants, too. The sratched arms and legs would be a dead giveaway

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

I swear, I'm going to put a brown paper bag over my blond head so people start referring to me as "the unknown hiker."

Actually, Ellen, I think I may have just what you need.



HJ