Perry A, Sister Sally, Allison and I met at the Idylwild ranger station. We left a car at Humber park, then headed over to Deer Springs TH. Started hiking a bit before 6 AM. The aromatic azaleas provided a nice distraction from the occaisional gnats. After about an hour of hiking, Sally picked up a muffin wrapper. At bit further up, I picked up the plastic wrapping for the muffin and an empty can of Arizona ice tea
Fortunately, that was the extent of the trash.
I love the PCT section of Deer Springs -- wonderful wildflowers, ferns, the knick-knack rock (it has holes filed with pinecones), rock formations, meadows and streams. Made our way up the "desert section" after Fuller Ridge and the final two butt kicking climbs into Little Round Valley. Something new -- the campsites are named and have signs. Saw this on the Strawberry loop but forgot to mention it in the trip report. We joked that the campsites should be sponsored by sports food companies -- Powerbar point, Cliff view, Gu junction, etc.
The never-ending switchbacks up to the summit junction went by quickly, helped by morning shade and a nice breeze. We made our way up through the rocks -- the summit only had two other people -- ah! They'd camped in Round Valley the night before. Thanks to the breeze, the views were incredible. My sharp eyed friends could even see the Palomar observatory. Scrambled down and began our descent by taking the winter snowshoeing route back to Miller saddle.
Since it was still fairly early, we didn't encounter anyone coming from the tram on the way to Wellman's. Started encountering more people on our way to Saddle junction. The blessed breeze disappeared on the way down Devil's Slide and it started to warm up. The cloud formations over San Jacinto were really interesting -- one looked like a spinning nebulla. Arrived at the TH and headed back into Idylwild for a wonderful meal at the Mexican restaurant across from the ranger station. Another great day with friends
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
