Sally and I backpacked up to Little Round Valley for our first night. A bit before reaching the Marion Mt. trail junction, we heard an extremely loud "CRACK' and turned around to see the horrifying sight of a pine tree crashing onto the trail between us. There was no warning which was very scary. We camped at Thunderview in LRV and were able to filter water at LRV. The next day, we went cross country up to Newton-Drury peak, crossed Bed Springs and headed up the ridge to the beautiful plateau (which I call the Hikin' Jim plateau) east of Joycie Peak. After setting up camp, we went back to Bed Springs and filtered water. From that point, we were content to hang out and just "be" rather than bagging any more peaks. Next day, we went to the little saddle between Marion and Mt. Ellen (the Rockpile), dropped packs and head up. We signed the register box and enjoyed the gorgeous views -- it was a beautiful fall day. After saddling up, we took our time route finding to get back to Deer Springs trail. On our past two trips, we wound up in the Deer Springs drainage, lowering ourselves down rocks and fighting our way through chest high folage. Third time was the charm -- after channeling Hikin" Jim, we found a hassle free route back to the trail. Enjoyed a great dinner at the Lumberyard in Idywild before heading home.
Photos by Sally:
The infamous tree.
Sally at our camp in LRV.
Views from Hikin' Jim plateau on our second day.
Sunset on Hikin" Jim plateau.
View of San Gorgonio from Mt Ellen
Sally looking down from Mt. Ellen
The bloody blonde descending the Rockpile.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
