Lance had Tuesday off so we headed up the San Bernardino peak trail. It was bitterly cold (20 degrees) after the brief snow dusting. I actually had to stop and put on my fleece and balaclava at about 8.3 K. Other than the new dusting, there was no significant snow until after Manzanita flats. Right about the wooden bench, we donned crampons and headed straight up the ridge. The trees were covered with rhime ice. Sometimes we'd be in direct sunlight, other times we'd be covered by clouds. There were clouds below us as well. What a bad time to forget a camera
By gaining the ridge early, we were able to avoid scrambling around the lower section of rocks. I think the higher section of rocks on the ridge can be avoided by going to the left -- will have to check this out next time. The snow and temperature was absolutely perfect for crampons. The new dusting looked like powdered sugar and helped fill in some of the cupping at higher elevations. We summited at 10 AM -- about four hours. It was still cold (20 degrees) but the wind wasn't blowing much. Thus, we were able to enjoy the beautiful views of Forest Falls, the Yucaipa ridge and San Jacinto as we fueled up.
Came down the tobaggon run (gulley to the west of the ridge) and regained the trail after dropping down from Limber Pine. Finished off the perfect day with great food at El Mexicano in Forest Falls.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
