It was 32 deg with a stiff wind from the East when we departed.
Snow conditions were great. Firm with a thin icy crust. Opted to leave the 8" tails off of my rented MSR Denalis and had no problems, even at 250+ lbs loaded.. Followed road up to summit stopping for photo ops and made FAA tower by 8:04. Windy and a bit hazy, but still had spectacular views of San Gabes, Catalina, Southern Sierra, Carrizo Plain and Central Valley. Forged on down ridge toward Sawmill Mtn. From the Pinos summit, snow was deeper but with mixed vegetation to slow things down, and trail was only traveled by one before. Soon ditched the previous hikers tracks, so we were blazing trail through virgin snow. Mmmmm, virgin. Struggled (GO-GO, why have you forsaken me?) up to summit of Sawmill, hit rock tower at 9:10. Brief rest, refuel and layer down, and we were headed back, since H.B. had prior engagements (note to self: find Hiking Buddy with less non-hiking agenda). Actually, I was glad he had to get back, because I was gassed. Sucked wind back to summit of Pinos, then made quick work of getting back to car. Off trail at 11:13, which as Buddy pointed out, was the exact time of the true full, blue moon. Why he knew that, I’m not quite sure, but kind of cool nonetheless.
Trail out of parking lot.
San Andreas Fault with Pine Mtn Club nestled in valley below.
Central Valley in the haze with the Sierra in the distance.
Lockwood Valley
Mmmmm, virgin.
Sawmill summit.
More Sierra
