Return to Falling Rock Canyon

[Ellen]

Howdy All

The three amigas had hoped to hike up Vivian to San Gorgonio yesterday. but very high winds and the desire to not become airborne changed our plans. It was time to return to the scene of the "crime" (Dec 30 shoulder fracture).

We started around 5:30 AM with Kat, Sally's fellow employee at Nomad Ventures in Escondido. The hike quickly became magical thanks to gorgeous clouds.



Starting up Falling Rock Canyon.



Climbing up the rocky slope out of FRC.



Team photographer Sally at the saddle.



Looking back at Baldy as we start to head up the ridge towards Ontario Peak.





Looking west from Ontario peak.



A short fuel break at Ontario Peak.



Walking along the Ontario Ridge trail to Big Horn peak.



Climbing up to Big Horn peak.



Hiking cross country down from Big Horn peak to Icehouse Saddle.

On the way down the Icehouse Canyon trail, Sally and I looked for the perpetrator of the injury (gnarly root) but couldn't find it. I did the Rocky victory dance when I reached my car in one piece. A fabulous day with great company.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

PS: This is what happened to my right shoulder the last time I hiked down Icehouse Canyon:



I had surgery on Jan 8 -- this is the X-ray 12 weeks post-op:



Nice to have an uneventful hike down

PPS: I dedicate this hike to Ken the Mountain Doc (Ken Murray MD)

[Sose]

Beautiful! Truly a magical place!

[Sally]

It was a great day! One thing I can say about Baldy and her friends is that she frequently gets the cloud magic. That was one of the nicest FRC's I have ever done thanks to the pretty clouds, refreshing cool temps, and, most especially, being with wonderful company. I don't think we killed Kat off. Hopefully she will want to share more adventures with us!

Now, if only something could only be done about the heinous traffic on the commute home...

[Hikin_Jim]

OMG! There's an alien creature inside Ellen's shoulder. Just look at that multi-leg beastie clinging to her bone! No doubt it's sucking the marrow out of her.

HJ

[zippetydude]

I'm glad there were no mishaps this time! BTW, that initial climb on the scree doesn't look all that inviting. How long is that section? Looks like an ankle injury just waiting to happen...

By the way, Ellen, how goes the healing with the shoulder?

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Z-dude

I'll have to time how long it takes to climb out of the scree section up to the ridge -- it's one of my least favorite parts of the hike. Due to the steepness and the lousy footing, I'm especially vigilant

The shoulder is doing well, thanks I have more range of motion, more strength and less pain. Yesterday Sister Sally and I hiked up the Dobbs ridge to San Gorgonio (Miracle Marilyn is on a cruise). We got lucky -- had a dusting of new snow, rime ice and ever-changing clouds.











Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Beautiful photos from your Dobbs - Gorgonio hike, Ellen. Thanks for posting them.

HJ

[Ellen]

A few of Sally's fabulous camera photos:











Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Nice stuff! I think Mr. Chipmunk is after your single malt.

HJ