Summitted San Jacinto via MMT on Friday with perfect snow and temps. I had a lump removed from over my left knee 2 weeks ago, stitches due to come out in a week, but I couldn't take staying away from the mountains any longer!!
Took me just under 5 hours to summit; never saw/found or made a trail once leaving the PCT/Deer Springs junction, I just shot an azimuth and blazed over the frozen snow (in crampons) across Drury's skirt and straight up the the Folly-Jacinto saddle (that's what I call it).
There is a set of Honda keys on the San Jacinto summit block.
The trip back to MMT trailhead was wrought with a few somersaults (not intentional) down steep snow slopes, tripping head long over downed trees and "where the hell am I?" I never found the trail! In the 5.5 hours it took me to get back to my truck, I traversed MILES back and forth between PCT and 7 Pines trying to eliminate landmarks. Yes, I have map and compass but in the trees, everything looks the same! I clambered up a high point of rock (4th class in crampons), called Dave who was on his way home from Lancaster. "I'm lost." What a goober! Talking to him calmed my nerves and I was able to gather a plan and go for it. 90 minutes of gingerly sliding down into a deep draw, over (and through) a few creeks, hop-scotching over downed trees, climbing back up onto rock prepisces, and eventually finding the terminus of the logging/fire road - I reached my truck just moments before Dave drove up to help find my ass. He's so sweet!
I consider myself a decent navigator, but I was just massively confused by everything with the snow covering and too damn many trees. Clouds dropped onto the peaks and I could no longer ascertain who was what. Without the compass and map, I'd still be out there.