BackgroundWe had been promised a winter storm with possible snow in the local mountains. This storm was supposed to come from British Columbia (correct me if I'm off), and was supposed to bring plenty of cool weather and rain, which it very thankfully did. Apparently my numerous summit-rain/snow-dances paid off. (I'm a crappy dancer)
On the 22nd, I saw some snow from my back window along Baden Powell's west ridge. I took a walk to see if there was anything on Baldy, and sure enough, it was snow capped, like a kid had drawn snow on it. Sweet. Packed up the remaining stuff and headed off around 1pm.Spending the nightParked at Manker (Wanker, for you Brits ;-) ) Flats. Hiked up Falls Road, then up the Ski Hut Trail.
A hiker had broken his ankle, and West Valley SAR members were taking him down in a litter equipped with a bicycle wheel. Talked with one of them for a bit, and got out of the way. I'm glad there are folks like that out there, who don't recieve monetary compensation for going into the unknown factors of weather and nature to help someone they've never met. Salute.
Made it to the hut, across the bowl, and to my pre-selected bivy spot. I propped up my brand new MSR ZOID 1, which I fit rather cozily, being 6'4". Oh well, at least I typically walk relatively fast (benefit of height).
MSR Zoid 1 Solo Tent/Shelter |
I set that up, removed my cotton garments (yes, I knowingly took cotton), and put on my Polypro's (Military Longjohns), wool top, etc. Got out of the cold. The rain was hail by that point, though the weather Gods shined down upon me while I put my shelter up, so I only had very light snow fall while putting it up. Shortly after getting in and deciding to make Udon (japanese/Korean noodles, 1/4 inch thick), it started to hail heavily. I zipped up and crammed in, falling asleep a few times into the typical halfass mountain slumber.
I was cursing myself for leaving my Hakutsuru Sake at home...
Early that morning, I hoped I could actually see the bowl instead of the typical low-visibilty wall of grey out of my vestibule...My prayers had been answered...Viola! Harwood and Baldy covered in snow. No clouds in sight! Except down in the Ski Lift area BUT ANYWAY...
View from my Porch |
My ugly mug |
I got up, put my stuff together, and took the shelter down in a short period of time, compared ot other tents I had used. I headed back into the Bowl to figure out how to ascend. Rockfall constantly streamed down (continued, actually got larger later that day). I picked the furthest right/north chute, a shallow one that was just right of the highest rock tower. It had good snow running up it, and was 4 inches deep in places.
Up |
I took a break, put on my helmet for very obvious reasons, crampons (new Grivel G12's), and got out the new Omega Pacific 80cm Titanium Mountain Light Axe (or some name like that), which I paid a whopping $30 for on Black Dome Mountain Sports (or something). I slowly moved up the Bowl with my overloaded pack. I realised how out-of-shape I was... not expecting climbing conditions in September, so I didn't blame myself. I cursed each time I smacked the spike of my axe onto a hidden rock, as my right hand was recently broken.
Moving |
I moved up the Bowl and watched some folks on Backbone Trail moving towards Baldy. One dude turned back. He appeared to have a snowboard on his back, or something large.
My humorous helmet |
Rime |
I changed my course when I was slightly higher than the Baldy-Harwood Saddle, and headed up onto the Devil's Backbone Trail. Various parties passed me on their way down the mountain as my out-of-shape self moved sloooowly up the trail with my damn heavy enough pack that I neglected to properly adjust somehow.
Devil's Backbone |
Ze SummitReached the summit, and saw a god deal of folks, about 10. In my previous dozen or so times atop Baldy, I had never seen the famous crowds on the summit.
Summit, looking at West Baldy |
I probably looked like a n00b, since everyone was wearing fleece (with a few cold-looking folks in cotton t-shirts and shorts.......uh...), and I was wearing a helmet, carrying a large pack, and an axe. I talked with a few folks on the way to dropping my pack and contemplating making some Udon, since I had nothing to eat or snack on in 24 hours (had several croissants before leaving).
Good folks up here |
I've never run into any undesireable types in the mountains on actual trails. By that I mean no gang members, no sh*theads, nobody who would steal your anything the second you turned your back. I really enjoy speaking to folks in the mountains.
I dropped my pack in one of the cairns west of the plaque. A gentleman (Glenn) asked me after a short conversation if I was on Summitpost. He recognised my name, which I thought was cool. We stood there with two other gentleman (I forgot their names, my apologies, I can't remember names very well) talking for awhile about all sorts of happenings in the San Gabriels, and how San Jacinto and San Gorgonio looked to be completely devoid of snow (seemed unusual).
Glenn asked if I wanted any food, since I had nothing to eat for a day, and I accepted. Tuna, crackers, and a Granola-type bar. Glenn and I were both heading down the Ski hut trail back to our vehicles, so we stuck together.
Glenn is a Marine (or Ex-Marine, once a Marine always a Marine) and Vietnam Vet. We talked about military matters for awhile.
Upon passing the bowl, a sizeable amount of snow had melted, leaving the route I took up as a naked scree slope. Talk about timing.
Not much left |
I took plenty of breaks on the way down, as I was dehydrated and was wearing new Scarpa Charmoz boots, amongst just generally being out of shape.
All in all, I met some great folks, climbed a winter route I had on my to-do list, tried out my new tent, axe, boots, gloves, etc etc I bought in anticipation of the coming season... all of which worked above my expectations.
What a great winter two-day adventure on Mt. San Antonio... in September!!! Images
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Mount San Antonio (Mount Baldy) > 20070922-23 Baldy Bowl and September Snow!
