Mt. Wilson Open Jaw – 27 miles
October,
5 -7, 2012
After
nearly two months of 90-degree-plus days, an 80-degree weekend sounded real
good! Last weekend I lead our Boy Scout Troop on an over-night to Henninger
Flats (above Pasadena). The hike up was upward towards 100 degrees and the lows
got down to 75-degrees. Tough conditions, but I was able to get the boys to
lighten their packs; the average base weight of all 16 backpackers was 14-1/2
pounds. A big change from what they were used to at nearly 25-30 pounds.
Day 1: Chantry
Flats to Spruce Grove -- 4 miles
My wife
and I like to backpack together but she made plans so I was going solo with the
dog, Andy. She dropped me off at Chantry Flats just after 5:00PM and we were on
our way. The original plan was to thru hike the 28-mile Gabrielino Trail, but a
good section of the trail was closed due to fires a few years back. So on to
plan B, whatever that might be.
My base
weight for this trip was 9 lbs 7oz. The trail leading up to Spruce Grove was
mostly deserted except for a few heavy-haulers, gasping for air. I past Spruce
Grove and stealth camped in a thicket off trail just before the Newcomb’s Pass junction.
I made dinner about 50 yards from camp, dehydrated homemade chili and
Sleepytime hot tea. I planned on bringing enough alcohol (fuel) for one hot
meal a day plus a little extra for coffee in the morning, which comes out to
about 1.5oz fuel per day. It was cool and clear with a slight breeze—about
65-degrees. The low both nights was about 56.
Day 2: Spruce Grove to Idelhour Camp via the West
Fork -- 17 mile
I was able to clear camp in less than 15 minutes. I got up at 6am and was on the trail by 6:15am. About halfway to Newcomb’s Pass, I ate breakfast (Grape Nuts with homemade dehydrated blue berries and Nido in a freezer bag). Up over the pass and down into Devor Camp, the trail was in pretty good condition and mostly deserted. I ran into two different backpackers camping; one guy who had a few days off at work and was practicing being a "happy wanderer," and another with inadequate clothes and no food. I gave him two Clifbars and some stern advice.
I was able to clear camp in less than 15 minutes. I got up at 6am and was on the trail by 6:15am. About halfway to Newcomb’s Pass, I ate breakfast (Grape Nuts with homemade dehydrated blue berries and Nido in a freezer bag). Up over the pass and down into Devor Camp, the trail was in pretty good condition and mostly deserted. I ran into two different backpackers camping; one guy who had a few days off at work and was practicing being a "happy wanderer," and another with inadequate clothes and no food. I gave him two Clifbars and some stern advice.
By the
time I reached West Fork Camp, I made a decision to head up to Mt. Wilson via
Kenyon Devor Trail and down the front side to Idlehour Camp. The climb was
steep with sections burned out and lined with withering poodle-dog bush, but
the terrain and views were spectacular.
The weather held out nicely with highs
only in the mid to upper 70s.
Once on
top of Mt Wilson, I couldn’t resist a hot dog and a Coke at the Cosmic CafĂ©!
The walk down the Toll Road went fast, getting me to my next destination,
Idelhour Camp, at 4:30pm. I was pleasantly surprised to find the camp uninhabited,
so I took full advantage and went swimming in one of the pools downstream.
After
another dehydrated, home-cooked meal, I took a few notes, secured the bear bag
and was in bed by 7:30pm.
Day 3: Idlehour to Eaton Canyon via Henninger
Flats – 6.3 miles
Up at
6:30am, I took my time and made coffee, enjoying the cool, quiet morning. Once
packed up, I hit the trail only seeing a handful of trail runners effortlessly
passing me. After a quick stop for breakfast at Henninger, I made it to the
Eaton Canyon parking lot by 10am where my wife was waiting with smiles, a hug
and a hint of jealousy….
The dog,
Andy: He is a 14-pound, five year old chiweenie (dachshund and chihuahua mix).
He is good for about 18 – 20 miles a day with me, except for when its hot; he
doesn’t do so well.