+++ THE CRACK OF DOOM +++
In early August Willie and I thought it was a good time to attempt The Crack of Doom in the Rubio watershed.
We started early in the morning and took a network of trails around the falls in Rubio Canyon, dropping down the Throne Trail to the confluence with the East Fork.
We scrambled up the main branch a bit before turning right, into the nameless tributary that hosts the Crack of Doom.
The climbing increased in difficulty as we approached the heart of the Crack.
There is a large boulder occupying the slot at the top of the Crack. We made it to a point maybe 100' below the boulder. Then we got blocked by a wall that proved too difficult and dangerous for our liking.
Here we traversed eastward across a mighty rockface, until we reached a manageable ridgeline.
Five hours after starting in Altadena, we finally reached Castle Spur Point with panoramic views of Inspiration Point
and Echo Mountain.
+++ STODDARD PEAK +++
Mid-August Cecelia and I walked the gentle Barrett-Stoddard Road out of the Baldy area.
A couple miles in we turned onto the ridgeline trail to Stoddard Peak.
It was a clear day with nice views. I noted Iron Mountain in the distance, and my heart filled with a special longing for Gunsight Notch.
Then I turned around and saw Frankish Peak.
Suddenly my heart went cold and I felt nothing whatsoever. But Cecelia still seemed to be enjoying herself.
+++ SMITH MOUNTAIN +++
Also in August I encouraged Cecelia to tackle Smith Mountain. The trail to Smith Saddle was much longer than I remembered it being.
Perhaps I should have scrutinized the trailhead sign, which clearly tells you that it's three miles to the San Gabriel Wilderness, which begins at the saddle.
Along the way we encountered a tarantula.
It was getting late, but Cecelia continued up the firebreak and ridge trail,
and we topped out on Smith a little before sunset.
On the return journey we enjoyed the crescent moon over Smith Saddle.
