
Perry A, Marilyn T and Hiroko let me tag along on their hike up Icehouse Canyon yesterday. At 58 years of age, I was actually the youngest in the group

We traversed along over to Cucamonga saddle, where we saw a use trail going up to Bighorn peak. Hmm...maybe on the way back. Started grinding up the switchbacks, which occasionally placed us in the teeth of the wind. On the positive side, the gusts kept us from getting too warm on the climb. The four Cucs summited and I sent my first SPOT message from Cucamonga while we enjoyed brunch.
Marilyn was game to head over to Etiwanda but we were on somewhat of a schedule. Braved the gusts on the way down without losing Hiroko (the lightest) or our hats. At Cucamonga saddle, we headed up the use trail, trying to stay in the leeward side of the ridge. It was a very pretty and steep climb to Bighorn -- reminded me a bit of Register Ridge. After the climb, Bighorn was a bit dissapointing. We followed the use trail to where it intersects the Ontario peak trail above Kelly camp. Stopped at Kelly, swapped water and adjusted socks and boots before descending.
The breeze definately helped keep the gnats, mosquitos and flies at bay on the way down, though I still had a few gnats fly into my mouth and eyes. Ugh. Perry, Marilyn and Hiroko headed home and I enjoyed delicous Gung Pao chicken at the PF Changs in Rancho Cuc before heading home.
Thanks for a great day, everyone

Miles of smiles,
Ellen