SAN G. 2006 tried to complete all nine peaks in a day

hmmm some place in the San Jacinto back country, we decided to whip out some snow pickets and try snow climbing.

With Tiffany Opp (J-Tree Park Ranger) we covered 20.1 miles on this extra beautiful mountain to the summit. Fantastic day!!

Decided that a late-January hike/climb up the north face of San Gorgonio and then San Jacinto would be a lot of fun. Gotta be honest though; Were it not for the fine "Australian" hot coco prepared by my mate Julian, I'm not sure I would have stayed quite as warm . . . We were able to make a lovely snow kitchen, though, as six feet of snow lends itself exceedingly well to excavation.

'Thought someone else might appreciate the quiet nature here... I snapped the picture last December on our (seemingly) annual winter trip to the peak and down the other side. That time of year the entire area is totally beautiful, much like the Sierras, but closer to home.

Here is a view toward Tahquitz Peak from Wellman Divide last winter. I highly recommend putting on your crampons and spending a couple days in solitude up there if you get tired of fighting the crowds at J-tree next winter.

I was on the north side of Mt. San Jacinto last weekend and thought I'd capture this view looking across at San Gorgonio. If you look closely you can see a giant water tank near the base of the mountain. Beyond that is the village of Snow Creek.

This photo shows the begining of the narrows for the East Fork up a bit more and on the right. You can also see the summit of Mt. San Jacinto rising above the desert.

First of several great climbs on the front wall of Sasha's Playground