When I got to Mill Creek RS, my options were limited (Vivian, SouthFork and Fish Creek full), so I headed up San Bernardino peak. The gnats in the lower section were awful
-- DEET didn't discourage them and I can't wear a headnet when I'm climbing (also left it at home). When I arrived at the summit, I noticed a very nice camera laying on a rock. Fortunately, I didn't have to decide what to do as a young guy ran back a mile to get it. He was sooo happy 
As I was getting ready to leave, two nice San Diego guys that I'd passed on the way up summited. They're doing a multi-day backpacking trip coming out Vivian and this was their first San G trip, so we had a nice chat about the 9 peaks and San G wilderness in general. Going down, it was dog day -- I had a great time petting dogs and chatting with owners.
I was about 15 minutes or so down from Manzanita Flats when I ran into a couple who asked if they were close to top. I thought they were kidding. Unfortunately not. Gave them some badly needed recon and continued down. I was ready to wear my hankerchef bandit-style (per Florian's avitar) but my sunglasses kept the gnats out of my eyes. Finished off the day with a great cheeseburger at the Oaks.
The trail is in great shape, thanks to incredible work by the SGWA trail crew. Several trees that have blocked the trail for years (between the stone bench and summit) are now cleared
Great job folks!
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
