Sally, Perry A and I headed up Momyer about 5:45 AM. Everytime I start on this trail I wonder who decided on the route -- I feel like I'm wandering around all over until I start climbing up the ridge
This was Perry's first time and Sally's second time hiking this route.
The wildflowers on lower Momyer were esquisite. We headed up the old trace trail past the burn area and starting switchbacking up the ridge through the forest. Then the trail cuts to the left of the ridge and starts climbing up through overgrown brush -- Manglenita, Stinkapen and F---thorn. Since my legs are still bear the scars from C2C, I donned the bottoms of my convertable pants.
Above 9 K, the brush really got thick, grabbed us and impeded our climb --just what I want on a steep trail. The brush also kept untying my bootlaces, although at least that gave us a good reason to stop and recover
Finally, we wound around to the right side of the ridge and started the long traverse beneath East San Bernardino peak over to the ridge.
We headed east along the ridge trail, then climbed up Anderson and enjoyed a very pleasant lunch on the summit. Made our way back down to the ridge trail and headed over to Dollar Saddle. There were sections of snow covering the trail near Sheilds peak but nothing dangerous. On the way down from Dollar Saddle, we ran into the only other hikers we saw all day on Alger Creek. We switchbacked down the ridge and crossed the first creek -- no wildflowers yet
There's definately been a lot of work done on Alger creek since my last two loop hikes in 2010 and 2011. The brush has been cut back from the trail, trees have been removed and eroded sections have been repaired. Thanks to the SGWA trail crew for their incredible work. As we continued to descend, it became warmer -- summer is definately around the corner. At least the bugs weren't out yet.
We reached the intersection for the old Dobbs trail and headed down. Perry vocalized what we all felt at that point -- "Is this descent ever going to END?" Before too long, we were back down at Mill creek and made our way back to our cars at the trailhead.
After a sumptous lunch (cheeseburgers for Sally and I and Cobb salad for Perry at the Oaks), Sally took me back to my car at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. We walked inside to find out when Vivian would be open and viola! -- we ran into ranger Ed and discovered Vivian is open NOW
Grabbed a permit before heading home. Looking forward to my next visit to the San Gorgonio wilderness.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
