Week 5 On The Trail

Hi, week 5 saw me share a hitch-hike with a very, very, large dog, cross over the San Andreas fault, and climb 9,400 snowy feet to the top of Mount Baden Powell. But, the highlight of the week for my American hiking buddies occurred in the area of Cajon Pass, where the trail winds its way less than half a mile from a MacDonald’s restaurant. Cajon Pass is also the meeting place for several different highways and railways, making it a very important travel hub.

My car share with Buddy.

My large canine companion, Buddy, is owned by Frank, who very kindly gave me, and to other hikers, a lift from the PCT trailhead into the town of Wrightwood, which sits at the eastern end of the San Andreas fault.  From there, I submitted Mount Baden Powell, my highest mountain so far, at 9,406 feet.  The climb was steep, arduous and potentially perilous near the top, where I had to struggle through extensive snow fields. It was just like proper mountaineering, which I was not expecting! At the top we had lunch, watching a glider make repeated passes over the mountain top.
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Next week will see and increase in temperature, as I return to the desert floor for the dreaded crossing of the Mojave desert.

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On top of Mount Baden Powell - exhausted but exhilarated.

Coming down the mountainside into Wrightwood which, in winter, is a popular ski resort.

A healthy evening meal for a hungry hiker. You'll see in the picture that I was even able to buy peanut butter and jam sandwiches. - Yummy!

Looking back at the San Gabriel mountains, which I had passed through on the previous day's hike.

Brimmell Clips for your viewing pleasure.

Cajon Pass Junction early in the morning.

Climbing the San Gabriel Mountains

Almost 9,000 feet up Mount Baden Powell.

... And more snow.

Nearly at the top of Baden Powell.

A little lunch at the top of Mount Baden Powell.