Backbone V

7/14/21  Another trip up one of my favorite SoCal trails. 17 miles and 7,000' of gain is always a great test hike when training for something big.
IMG_6150 The backside bowl.
The backside bowl.
IMG_6155 Looking down at Fish Creek meadow below.
Looking down at Fish Creek meadow below.
IMG_6157 Steep, narrow, and dicey. What fun!
Steep, narrow, and dicey. What fun!
IMG_6159 Awesome, rugged, gnarly, trail.
Awesome, rugged, gnarly, trail.
IMG_6162 About halfway up Pine, I came across this sign sitting in a bush. I'm guessing someone in town made it but then couldn't haul it all the way up to the top. I...
About halfway up Pine, I came across this sign sitting in a bush. I'm guessing someone in town made it but then couldn't haul it all the way up to the top. I…
IMG_6167 I just have to take this photo every time I'm here.
I just have to take this photo every time I'm here.
IMG_6168 The sign now safely atop Pine Mountain!
The sign now safely atop Pine Mountain!
IMG_6170 The view from Pine Mountain is definitely one of the best in SoCal.
The view from Pine Mountain is definitely one of the best in SoCal.
IMG_6171 Iron Mtn from the top of Pine.
Iron Mtn from the top of Pine.
IMG_6182 The Fish Fork Creek trail looks like it has all but disappeared. I need to try it again sometime.
The Fish Fork Creek trail looks like it has all but disappeared. I need to try it again sometime.
IMG_6186 Approaching Dawson. This never fails to be one of the best, and most disheartening, views in all of SoCal. Just when you think you're almost there, you have to...
Approaching Dawson. This never fails to be one of the best, and most disheartening, views in all of SoCal. Just when you think you're almost there, you have to…
IMG_6195 Made it. I only stayed on top long enough to listen to a hilarious
Made it. I only stayed on top long enough to listen to a hilarious "bro fest". There must have been 20 "bros" in a 2 minute conversation between two guys that…
IMG_6199 An American flag on top, presumably from the recent 4th of July weekend.
An American flag on top, presumably from the recent 4th of July weekend.
IMG_6200 San Gorgonio and San Jacinto.
San Gorgonio and San Jacinto.
IMG_6201 Towards the ocean.
Towards the ocean.
IMG_6204 West Baldy and Iron Mtn.
West Baldy and Iron Mtn.
IMG_6205 The mileage on this sign is 100% off by a full mile.
The mileage on this sign is 100% off by a full mile.
IMG_6208 Looking at Dawson and Pine as I head back down.
Looking at Dawson and Pine as I head back down.
IMG_6214 Back to the saddle below Dawson where I take my lunch break. Much more peaceful than on the summit.
Back to the saddle below Dawson where I take my lunch break. Much more peaceful than on the summit.
IMG_6216 I always love the gnarled old trees up here.
I always love the gnarled old trees up here.