Return to Jo Pond

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Had a wonderful return trip up Jo Pond with Karin, Yoli, Diana and Galen yesterday. I wasn't sure I wanted to return so soon, but Karin convinced me to complete the journey. After I shredded my legs on Tamarack, it took me a year to go back. Fortunately, Mark, Karin and Kathryn did a recon trip down to Cedar Springs from the PCT last Sunday, so going off trail was not an option

The weather was much warmer when we started compared to three weeks ago. The steep and seemingly never-ending switchbacks up to Garnet ridge and the heat worked us pretty good. It was a blessing to hit the ridge and make our way over to Cedar Springs. It really is a beautiful area and doesn't take long at all to get to the saddle when one stays on the trail

There was a wonderful breeze on the saddle and on the trail down to the ranch. We reached Freida (Karin's truck) about 2:45 and made the long drive down 74 stuck in a long group behind a tow truck Karen, Yoli and I celebrated a great day at Las Casuelas before heading home Thanks so much to Karin and Diana for arranging the car shuttle -- that is a heck of a lot of driving

Now, if the darn snow on the upper reaches of Skyline would just melt before the desert gets too hot ...

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Florian]

This is one of the few local trails i've yet to hike. Thanks for posting.

-Florian

[Hikin_Jim]

Sounds like an interesting area. Can't say I've been in there much.

On a map of Palm Canyon up to the main divide, I can see a trailhead over by Andreas Canyon ("A") and another by Hermit's Bench ("B"). Did you start out at either trailhead or is there yet another trailhead somewhere in there? It looks like either route winds up in the W Fork of Palm Canyon at point "C", yes?

I can see on the Satellite photos the trail working it's way up the canyon and then the ridge ("D", "E") to Cedar Spring ("F"). I assume point "F" is the point you're talking about, yes?

And then what? You follow the switchbacks up to the PCT at "G" and then drop down into East Canyon ("H") and from there exit it at Morris Ranch Road ("I"). Is that about right?

Hope I'm not asking to many questions. You know me, I'm the details guy. Inquiring minds want to know.

HJ

[Lcpl Hughes]

Sounds like a great trip

hope to do this trail some day

[bluerail]

Way to go guys, glad it worked out so well, and you had a good trip. Thats a great hike.

[tinaballina]

Pain sister, i was so happy that you returned so soon-good day to climb for all.

[Ellen]

Howdy Jim

We started in Indian Canyon by the gift shop, headed down to the palm oasis and got on the trail. In 2.6 miles, we hit the trail junction to go to Cedar Springs.

[img][img]http://img4.glowfoto.com/images/2010/05/03-1111418638T.jpg[/img][/img]

Howdy Steve

Thanks for introducing us to this great hike last year

Howdy Tina

Missed you, my friend.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Cool. Got it. Nice Google Earth image by the way.

Sigh. So many hikes, so little time.

HJ