Perry A, Marilyn T, Sister Sally and I headed up at 6:20 AM after leaving a car a Manker. I haven't been on the Icehouse Canyon trail for about a year and this was Sally's first time. Took a view break at Icehouse Saddle (hazy
), then headed up to Timber. Once back on the 3 T's trail, I was entering virgin territory -- I've never ventured past Timber.
I enjoy ridge trails (the desert divide PCT and the San Gorgonio ridge) and discovered the Three T's has it's own unique beauty and vistas. Perry warned us about the false Telegraph summit (thanks Perry) as we started the climb up. We diverted from the Three T's trail after the false summit made our way over to Telegraph. Sally and I fell in love with the gnarly trees decorating the ridge on the way to the summit.
It was 10 AM -- time for brunch! Marilyn treated us to her awesome avacado/wheat bread sandwiches and grapes. Not only is she a stud- muffin hiker, she provides lunch
I inhaled the sandwich and carried most of my lunch back down 
At least I contributed salty, reduced fat Ruffles potato chips 
We headed back to the main trail and noticed that the temperature was rising rapdily.
The charm of the trail disappeared on the way up to Thunder. Perry warned us that this final "T" was disappointing after the wild beauty of the first two. Sally hopped up on the ski lift chair. It looked like fun so I joined her. Following this picture op, we got down and began he weary and unpleasant task of walking over to the ski lodge. Took another fuel and water break before heading down the mind-numbing dirt road to Manker flats.
When we arrived at the Icehouse Canyon trailhead to retrieve Sally's car, we were pleasantly surprised by her husband Larry and daughter Allison. Marilyn and Perry had to head home, but Sally, family and I enjoyed a sumptuous dinner at PF Changs in Victoria Gardens. Thanks to my friends for a great day
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
