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| Hiking | 4.30 Miles |
995 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.30 Miles | 2 Hrs 31 Mns | | 1.71 mph |
| 995 ft AEG | | 15 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Another late start to avoid, well, everyone. And yes, in that I was successful, no bikers or hikers.
I started with no destination in mind, just letting my mind wander while I scanned the area. About a half-mile out I decided on another steep ascent like yesterday, except taking a western ascent and eastern descent of the saddle south of Peak 2303 instead of 2541.
With fewer flat spots to take a breath the ascent was tougher than yesterday. Today I encountered more loose terrain, at one point while following an angled contour the slope gave way. Although I didn't quite fall down, I gained a nice bruise on my right hip. I don't recall hitting the ground so probably it was from hitting against my hiking pole.
The summit always looks inviting from the saddle just south of the summit, but again I chose not to. What appears to be a 15-20' quick ascent is more like 50 feet, requiring a counter-clockwise arc to reach safely. Yes, it likely can be reached more directly but it's a bit sketchy for my aging less-than limber body.
I began the descent along reasonably fresh Javelina trails, losing them where they went under or through and picking them up again after a detour, sometimes only 25-30 feet, other times 100-200 feet. Once I reached the bottom it was just a matter of following the same wash all the way out to Bush Highway where I parked.
But as usual, that's too simple, so I wandered to-and-fro on the lookout for a rattler or two. It was likely too late in the day but I did encounter a patch-nosed snake camouflaged somewhat by some dry sticks. Although I spotted it about fifty feet away and stopped to lean my poles against a rock, just as I reached for the camera I heard a swish and it was gone. And that was the only drama of the day... at least hiking.
However, with plenty of kayakers blocking the road by Granite Reef Rec site... I guess they have to lay the kayaks in the road until all have been unloaded before crossing the road. So of course they need a deputy Sheriff sitting there with flashing lights to warn drivers coming down the hill.
Weirdly enough during this crazy time, it appears too many folks have too much rubber on their tires and are finding the need to remove as much as they can as fast as they can. Every day there are more J-hooks on Bush Highway... and even one at the end of our block. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
