As I neared the middle east chute zippetydude, bluerail and Fernando from the San Jacinto board caught up with me and continued up ahead. They are fast! Within minutes the were several hundred feet above me.
We transversed to the ridge at about 10,600' and continued up. Conditions on the ridge sucked. The larger rocks and trees were surrounded with powdery drifts and other areas were icy wind packed snow. It probably would have been better to stay in the chute.
Got to the summit about 11:30 and relaxed for a few minutes.
The wind was calm and temperatures were very mild on the summit.
We descended the NW ridge and followed the drainage back to Dry Lake.
The snow had softened somewhat with the warm temps and I postholed several times on the hike out, but other than that snow conditions were good. I found fresh tracks of what I think is a small bear near South Fork Meadows. Anyone know? Cougarmagic?
Got back to the trail head about 4pm then drove 2 hours to a birthday party....long day! More Pictures Here: San Gorgonio 12-19-09