Santa Anita Canyon try #1

So... this canyon is beautiful, but the trails are a bit confusing.  We came late, and had a little trouble figuring out where to go.  

So we parked in Chantry Flats, and then made our way up the Picnic area to check out a map.  

Check here for a map: http://adamspackstation.com/maps-trails-camps/maps/

There was a lot to see and do on this trail, and I cannot wait to go back.  These dam like things, cement remains, cabins, and campsites are scattered throughout the wilderness.  

We came around with only 5 miles on our pedometers, so we detoured and added the trail to check out Sturdevant Falls

Like I mentioned, there was so much to see and do... and these people were just awesome, that we had so many random adventures in this hike.  :)

Some of these adventures... ya, just wandering.

Bridge to Nowhere 3-15-14

Did the Bridge to Nowhere Hike, for the 3rd time!

This is the technical name of the trail- East Fork Trail, located in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness, above Azusa, CA.

Trail info: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bridge-to-nowhere-hike-los-angeles/

Creative crossings.... five one way, five back, this time... it changes it seems.  

Your shoes will get wet though, that is a definite. 

About 2~2.5 miles in.

These damn things are everywhere and they hurt!  Make sure to wear long pants.  

This time I took 25-30 pounds on my back.  30 to start, carrying extra water and food, but it went down as the day went on.  I have to figure out how not to get so bruised on my shoulders....  Or maybe that is just something you have to suck up and deal with.

Owwww....

This time also, I balanced well on all of the rocks.  Amazing!  I jumped from rock to rock on the stream, barely getting my feet wet.  Slacklining and practice really does help with balance... so does confidence.  

Mt. Baden-Powel

Mt. Baden-Powell
9,406 ft elevation
8-ish miles

Guide: http://www.modernhiker.com/2009/06/18/hiking-mount-baden-powell/

On our way up we passed police search and rescue helping two guys over a railing and talking to them.  When we got to Vincent's Gap, there were search and rescue police with two other guys, and when we pulled up, they told us they were looking for lost hikers.  A moment later the police that we had passed pulled up behind us and reunited the group.  We heard them tell their story, about how scared they were, got off path, etc.  Turned out the dudes got high and decided to go on a hike, totally unprepared.  They ended up getting lost and spending a night in the cold.

Lessons:
1. Don't smoke pot and then go hiking people.
2. Come prepared
3. Tell someone where you are going
4. Don't go off trail
5. If you get lost stay in one spot- don't wonder

 At the top

  

A scary part... the icy ground was very slippery... It's very straightforward and deceptive at the same time.  

* Winter closure of Angeles Crest may make things difficult.  Check out directions here: http://california.hometownlocator.com/maps/distance-directions2.cfm?vincent%20gap@34.3736113,-117.7522817