Sunday, April 28, 2013

I did it! Bagged my first 10K peak - Mt. Baldy

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Since losing 20 pounds in the past 2 months, I have been challenging myself to do longer and harder hikes.  The next challenge on my list was to bag Mt. San Antonio (aka Mt. Baldy) peak.

I was joined by 4 backpackers this past Saturday with the same goal of bagging Mt. Baldy.  Our planned route was to take Manker Flats to the Ski Hut and finally to the peak.  This one of the ways to Mt. Baldy, totaling around 4 miles with almost a 4000 ft. elevation gain (6100 ft. to 10,064 ft.).  This is a short hike in comparison to the other 3 ways to the peak but this trail is just as challenging and strenuous.

Start of the trail.
San Antonio Falls
A short distance from San Antonio Falls, this is where the hike gets challenging.  From here, it's all uphill.

Mt. Baldy Trail
This trail was a great test for me.  The elevation gain and incline was a good work out.


Ski Hut in sight...but still a ways to go.
Oh switchbacks...how I love you ;)
After a few more grueling switchbacks, we finally make to the San Antonio Ski Hut.  It was close this past weekend but you can actually rent this place and spend the night here.



Obligatory shot in front of the hut
We stayed here for a bit to rest our legs and recover our energy.  We still have another 2000 ft. climb ahead before we can fully rest.


Upwards we continue...
The Baldy Bowl
After another mile or so, we find a nice place to setup camp. We had amazing views of the city and we were looking forward to the views we would have at night.




My buddy enjoying front row seats to an amazing view
We rest for a few minutes here and have some lunch.  We needed the extra energy to complete our planned goal for this day.  After an hour or so, we ready our day packs with water and energy bars.  Off we go to summit Mt. Baldy!


The switchbacks here are very slippery
Each step brings us closer to our goal
Last patch of snow near the peak
Almost there!
After suffering through the last of the climb, we approach the peak.  Man, was I happy to see it.  Getting here was an accomplishment for me.  Just last year, I quit my hike to Idlehour because I thought it was hard...now this!


AHHHH...it's done, peaked officially bagged!
We stayed at the peak and took a few photos and just sat around enjoying the view.  



View of the backbone...next time I'll do this side.
We soon hike back down to our camp to enjoy our accomplishments and have a well deserved dinner.

I love these shoes...Merrell Mix Masters

It just doesn't get any better than this.

City below us coming to light
Tired and full, we head to bed to rest our achy bones.  The following morning was quite bitter sweet...too fast and too soon, the weekend is over.

View of the sunrise from my tent
Moon still visible at 5:30AM
Till next time...
What a wonderful way to spend a weekend.  Accomplished a goal and had an awesome time doing it.  Till the next adventure, thanks for tuning in.

My Energy Bar and Drink of choice - http://lightpath.usana.com/














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Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Hiking to Mt. San Antonio (a.k.a. Mt. Baldy) this weekend!

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It's been a while since my last overnight trip and I've been itching to get back out there again.  What better way to spend this upcoming weekend than to hike to Baldy!

I have asked a good friend of mine to help me achieve my goal this weekend...that is to summit Mt. Baldy.  All my backpacking trips so far has brought me here...to tackle one more trail off my list.  I have worked my ass off these past few months to not only lower my pack weight but also to lower my own weight - just so I can hike more, do more miles, and be healthy.  So far, it's paid off - I've lost 20 lbs. since March 1st and it feels great!

This is will be my first time hiking to Mt. Baldy and I know I am in for a challenge.  I am up for it and I feel confident that I will make it to the peak.  However, we will see if my body cooperates with my mind :)

Here's a photo of the planned route we will be taking this weekend.
Photo from: http://billqualls.com/survival/mtbaldymay2004/index.htm
Will I make it?  Stay tuned on Monday for the trip report.


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