Headed up Forsee yesterday a bit before 6 AM with Lance and Perry A. Decided to try to loop in the opposite direction than when Sally and I did it. The temperature was cooler than expected and we made good time -- discussing WW II passes the time nicely. There were lots of lovely wildflowers on Forsee and we weren't harassed by biting flies
When we reached Anderson flat, we had a lovely breeze. Summited Anderson peak at 9 AM and had breakfast, before dropping back to the trail and making our way to east San Bernardino peak (Perry's first time) and finally west San Bernardino peak. I want to thank the San Gorgonio trail crew for the fabulous work they've done clearing this section -- it used to require bushwhacking.
We heard voices as we approached the peak and were pleasantly surpised to find a large group of Boy Scouts wearing red shirts who were sitting at the summit. I asked which way they'd come up and one replied "the STEEP way"
After a short rest, we were off again. Ran into more Boy Scouts and other folks on the way down. Limber Pine spring was flowing nicely -- we saw the Scout's camp as we passed by Limber Pine bench.
It became warmer as we descended. Finally reached the junction sign at Manzanita flats. We made our way the trace trail -- making sure that we were on the route (I didn't want to bushwhack again). We crossed the ravine where Sally and I lost the trail -- it was easy to see how that happened. Other than occaisonal gnats, we weren't bothered too much by bugs -- a nice surprise. The wildflowers on the trace trail were gorgeous -- guess I'll need to do this hike one more time this summer before they dry up.
Before long, we were at John's meadow and the final leg (3 miles) of our hike. Yippee- only about an hour to go. The trail from John's back to Forsee is basically an undulating traverse that goes on and on...Before long, I noticed that no one was talking. I started fantasizing about the cheeseburger and fries I was going to have for lunch. An hour passed -- where's that damn junction sign? Finally, I heard Lance call out -- we hung a left and got in food mode. Reached the car 8.5 hours after we'd left.
We inhaled the wonderful food at the Oaks (guess what I had
), then headed home. Having done this hike in both directions, I've decided that this way is easier -- most of the climbing is out of way before the heat gets bad. Thanks to Lance and Perry for their wonderful company
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
