Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Mile 370-378 Wrightwood to summit of Mount Baden Powell

We checked out of the Pines Motel at the stroke of eleven and sat out at the picnic tables on their front courtyard for a couple of hours. We got take out pizza and went over the maps, miles and water sources. Said goodbye to Smiles and Slosh and met new hikers as they came in. Our strategy was to hike later to avoid the heat.

Hitched to trailhead where we came into town and hiked to the top of Mt Baden Powell. Tracy had read there are 40 switchbacks to the top. So, to make it go faster we started shouting out the number of the switchback as we rounded the bend in theatrical game show host voices. There are more than 40 switchbacks. 

There are fantastic trees near the top, one of the Linden Pines was 1500 yrs old. We decided to make the most of the fact that we had great views and that there were no other hikers, and camp at the summit. We found a fantastic spot nestled between 3 pine trees.

Though we couldn't see the city during the day, at dusk the shimmering lights of LA got brighter and brighter. Along with the deep colors of the sunset it was quite magical. We just used the flysheet of our tent so we could lie in the comfort of our down bags and watch the light display through the ancient pines.





4 comments:

papa jamie said...

Camping in those beautiful ancient trees, on top of a mountain with fantastic views; lovely clear skys; it must have been very hard to pack up and carry on along the trail. Great photos gals. Keep them coming.

Anonymous said...

I love the views and your campsite is totally awesome! Views and sites like that make it worthwhile. Thanks so much for sharing!...ruby

Anonymous said...

Tracy and Ingrid, It was great to meet you at Hiker Heaven. I have registered to follow your hike. It looks like it will be fantastic - looking forward to hearing the conditions in the Sierras. Also looking forward to information on Edinburgh. I did not get your email so something must have gone awry. Happy Trails. Barb & Jack

I would have put in my google account but cannot remember my password!

Unknown said...

Wow! Special place to camp and a memory to treasure.