Day 1- San Jacinto via Marion Mtn

Though it's allowed, I refuse to use the tram for San Jacinto. So I took Marion Mtn instead. It was a tough start to the 3 Days for my aching Achilles tendons. But they actually felt better the next day after the steep, technical 12 miles and 4,500' of gain.
DSC05490 Heading out on the Marion Mtn trail after the long drive from home.
Heading out on the Marion Mtn trail after the long drive from home.
DSC05493 Always beautiful single track on this trail.
Always beautiful single track on this trail.
DSC05495 Great views of the valley.
Great views of the valley.
DSC05499 Water flowing! This whole area was bone dry last time I was here.
Water flowing! This whole area was bone dry last time I was here.
DSC05503 It was great to see several creeks still trickling along the way.
It was great to see several creeks still trickling along the way.
DSC05530 The CCC had a large camp setup and was doing some heavy retainer wall work near the PCT junction.
The CCC had a large camp setup and was doing some heavy retainer wall work near the PCT junction.
DSC05506 Muddy, wet, and green trail. Great to see!
Muddy, wet, and green trail. Great to see!
DSC05509 Good water flow coming into Little Round Valley.
Good water flow coming into Little Round Valley.
DSC05511 And still lots of green.
And still lots of green.
DSC05514 Made it to the hut.
Made it to the hut.
DSC05518 And sumitted. A slow time for me, but my focus was on just making it without totally trashing my aching heels.
And sumitted. A slow time for me, but my focus was on just making it without totally trashing my aching heels.
DSC05519 The required Adventure 16 summit photo.
The required Adventure 16 summit photo.
DSC05520 Hazy view from the top.
Hazy view from the top.
DSC05521 One more summit view.
One more summit view.
MAH05525 The obligatory 360 summit video. At the end of night 1, I didn't think there was any way I was going to be able to finish the 3 Day Challenge. My heels were...
The obligatory 360 summit video. At the end of night 1, I didn't think there was any way I was going to be able to finish the 3 Day Challenge. My heels were…