Here are the guys working on the trees:
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039958/SGTB.jpg)
On our return trip - here is their handiwork:
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039960/cut trees.jpg)
From the second road crossing, the trail is quite nice but there are quite a few downed trees and rockfall. The wood retaining walls did a great job of mitigating trail damage.
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039963/rockfallup.jpg)
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039964/rockffall down.jpg)
FWIW... snow pictures at Windy Gap. What a difference a week makes...
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039965/windy gap.jpg)
![Image](https://eispiraten.com/images-archived/gallery.myff.org/gallery/1039967/PCT.jpg)
Total trip time for Crystal Lake to Windy Gap and back was three hours on a hot day. (Time includes chat breaks with trailbuilders, hikers and 10 minute snack break at the gap.) We didn't have near the amount of bugs as described on Smith Mtn - just a few small swarms in moist areas within the first mile or two.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: Huge thanks to the San Gabriel Mountain Trailbuilders for their hard work and dedication!