You might casually glance at the trail miles and think this was a relatively light day.

How wrong you would be. The climb out of Apache Springs is not included but was tiring, with the path non-existent and the gradients high. About half the distance was on snow, and the altitude hit over 8500′. Moreover the side trail from Saddle Junction was several miles and the road walk into Idyllwild was a few more. It’s no exaggeration to say I’m shattered.

I donned my crampons and ice axe for the short section which has claimed a couple of victims lately, and that was straightforward. There followed a snowless section for a few miles in which I met Melinda and Henry:

Now these two were actually present when the 65 year old took a head over heels tumble down the mountain yesterday. It was they that alerted the authorities and kept him warm overnight, and with temperatures dropping to -9° they probably saved him. He was apparently hopelessly ill-equipped. I’m calling these two the heroes of Apache Peak 😀

There followed a very tiring hike over snow for quite a few miles. It was spectacular but hard and I was very pleased to get to Saddle Junction to take the sid trail ‘Devil’s Slide’ down to Idyllwild. When I finally got to the campsite met Conor and Thomas again.

I plan on a couple of rest days as most of me is creaking at this point! Plan tomorrow is laundry, shower, food and not much else!