Great Day in Good Canyon

[Ellen]

Howdy All

On Sunday, Sally, Ania, Randy, Glenn, Erica and I left Manker a bit before 7 AM to hike up Good Canyon. It was a chilly morning and we were pleasantly surprised by the dusting of new snow on the higher elevations of Baldy. We dropped into San Antonio Canyon and shortly turned right to head up Good Canyon. Wait -- was that Rocky J Squirrel in that pine tree? No, it was Randy taking our picture:



We hadn't ventured far up the canyon when Randy spied several big horn sheep. Sally was able to get a picture before the elusive critters went up the left side of the canyon.



I had hiked Skyline on Saturday with Miracle Marilyn and was regretting that as we made our way up. Eventually we hiked by several dry waterfalls and reached the "crux" -- the landmark to start scrambling up the right side of the canyon. There was one rock section that was a bit dicey due the new snow. Tall Glenn helped me get past that section. Then it was a matter of scrambling up a very steep, slippery slope now covered with new snow. I was in four wheel drive -- following footsteps and even handprints made by Glenn, Randy, Ania, and Erica. I brought up the rear and Sally kindly stayed with me. Finally, the grade of the ridge decreased and I was actually able to stand up and walk.



We maneuvered uphill through brush and dead fall, in and out of the clouds.





Finally intersected the main trail at about 9 K and rejoined our friends. After donning warmer clothing, we started up the Bowl trail.





There was still rime ice in some of the trees.



West Baldy peaking through the clouds.



We finally reached the summit after about five hours.





It was too windy and cold to stay on the summit, so we dropped a bit for our lunch spot.





From left to right in above picture: Erica, Glenn, Ania, Randy, Bloody Blonde



Apparently Randy waited too long to eat

After lunch, the Fearless Four (Erica, Glenn, Randy and Ania) took Sally and I off trail down the Baldy Bowl The Fearless Four probably could have reached the ski hut in half the time it took us, but they were very patient. After a short break at the ski hut to remove rocks from boots, eat, etc., we made good time down the snow-free trail back to our cars. Sally headed out for dinner with family and the five of us ate dinner at the Baldy lodge before heading home.

Thanks to everyone for an absolutely fabulous day

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Beautiful pictures Ellen! I knew that snow would lure you up, tired or not! I especially liked the composition of the picture looking up at the pine tree and the one of the snow clad ridge peeking through the clouds. Thanks for sharing.

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Z

Yes indeed, the snow seductress

I neglected to note that Sally took all of the pictures except the first. Check out her pinecone shot:



Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

Forgot to include one of the funniest moments of the hike. When we stopped for lunch, Sally removed her inflated bag of Lay's potato chips and set it down on the snow. The chips immediately starting sliding down the slope. Fearless Randy and Sister Sally raced after the chips -- the rest of us were laughing too hard to be of any help.

In addition to his mountaineering, canyoneering, and bicycling expertise and adventures, Randy W can now add "chip rescuer" to his resume. Our hero:

[Sally]

Of the many times I have been up Baldy, this was prettiest I've seen it. The company was great, too. I'm still laughing about the potato chips. Just as the chips were about to plunge down an even steeper slope Randy leaped through the air and literally tackled them and hurt his elbow in the process. This is the first time to my knowledge that someone has earned the purple heart for saving potato chips.

[arocknoid]

"...Good? Mahvelous, my dear!"

That's a right frolicsome trail report, Ellen, though that route does have some laborious sections.

Trip filled with critters, fine friends, frigid floral specticicles, even a feller flinging his self after a sliding bag o' chips. (op cit, lead quote)

This year's downpour rearranged the bottom section boulders like a windstorm in a cheetos factory. Water Power, baby. (oh, & a second for you: "...Gravity!" '..the most important thing for you right now..')

Soon may the slopes be snowy and chill.

kind regards,
arocknoid

[scotts]

An inspiring TR.

Those are wonderful photos. Especially the pinecones.

We flatlanders are awestruck.

[Ellen]

"...Good? Mahvelous, my dear!"

Fernando Lamas catch phrase:"You look marvelous!" made famous by Billy Crystal on SNL.

Water Power, baby. (oh, & a second for you: "...Gravity!" '..the most important thing for you right now..')

Hmm...this one is more difficult. All I can come up with is Captain Kirk trying to climb El Capitan in the beginning of Star Trek 5, "The Final Frontier."

Miles of smiles,
Ellen