Orchard Camp via headlamps!

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 5:39 am

So its been a long time since i have posted on here. I check in from time to time. Haven't been on a trial in a long time either. 2018 I want to turn this around. Things getting in the way couldnt be an excuse anymore, so friday after work, rain and dark, we headed out. Most have been up the trail so there is not much to say, it was dark, foggy and headlamps in the fog was tough. But we made it up a little damp and a wee bit cold. It was great to finally get out. Great catching up with old friend and hearing the crunch sound with the steps of our boots.

Post by **Sean** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 9:48 am

Welcome back and thanks for the report! Fog hikes are neat and can result in some cool photos, like that last one. I haven't been on the old trail in ages. I'm glad they put up that sign for the connector to Jones. Maybe it'll stop people from using that junction as a bathroom.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 11:50 am

There was a couple other trails we saw that i have no idea where they go. Maybe someone here knows.

Post by **HikeUp** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 1:28 pm

yobtaf wrote: There was a couple other trails we saw that i have no idea where they go. Maybe someone here knows.

Ask away! Where did you see them, etc.?

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 8:03 pm

Sean wrote: I'm glad they put up that sign for the connector to Jones. Maybe it'll stop people from using that junction as a bathroom.

Yeah, really. Don't folks know that the bathroom is across the way at the heliport? ?

Post by **Uncle Rico** » Mon Jan 22, 2018 8:05 pm

Nice city shot btw yobtaf

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 5:27 am

HikeUp wrote:
yobtaf wrote: There was a couple other trails we saw that i have no idea where they go. Maybe someone here knows.
Ask away! Where did you see them, etc.?

I didn't really see well because of the no light situation, so I dont remember well the general area. I should've marked with my gps. But there was 2 that shot off to the west. Very clear trails from what I could see.

Post by **HikeUp** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 6:40 am

Bastard Ridge, Connector Trail and the main trail leaves Orchard Camp on the west side - lol.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 7:15 am

HikeUp wrote: Bastard Ridge, Connector Trail and the main trail leaves Orchard Camp on the west side - lol.

ahh so with those names I looked it up and that sounds right. so both of those lead to mt wilson? I know the main trail is west side of orchard camp hehe

Post by **HikeUp** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 7:39 am

Bastard Ridge - coined by a member of this forum - goes directly up the Southeast ridge of Jones Peak.

The Connector Trail goes up and connects to a use trail that runs from Jones Peak-to Hastings Ridge-to Mt. Wilson Toll Road.

So yes, as with almost all trails in the front range, they all can lead to Mt. Wilson but not as directly as the Mt. Wilson Trail through Orchard Camp and up.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 8:30 pm

Holy cow! That's an ensatina salamander; a Monterey Ensatina, to be exact. Nice! Don't see those too often in the Gabes.

Thanks for not stepping on him or her.

Post by **HikeUp** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 10:21 pm

Mike P wrote: Holy cow! That's an ensatina salamander; a Monterey Ensatina, to be exact. Nice! Don't see those too often in the Gabes.

Thanks for not stepping on him or her.

Interesting. I just assumed it was a regular ol' newt.

Mike P · Post by **Mike P** » Tue Jan 23, 2018 11:01 pm

HikeUp,

I was looking for newts at the beginning of my "Where Am I" trip but didn't see any. (hint) Maybe not wet enough yet for them...?

California Newts are generally not smooth-skinned, have a different shaped tail, beefier legs, and the eyes are set differently from ensatinas.

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 4:36 am

Mike P wrote: Holy cow! That's an ensatina salamander; a Monterey Ensatina, to be exact. Nice! Don't see those too often in the Gabes.

Thanks for not stepping on him or her.

Saw about 5 of them.

tallkan · Post by **tallkan** » Mon Jan 29, 2018 9:04 am

Get after it bud! Good to see you're making it happen. The way you describe the sounds makes me want to get on a trail asap!

yobtaf · Post by **yobtaf** » Tue Jan 30, 2018 5:24 am

tallkan wrote: Get after it bud! Good to see you're making it happen. The way you describe the sounds makes me want to get on a trail asap!

Thanks. sure did miss it!

Post by **JeffH** » Tue Jan 30, 2018 8:17 pm

Another welcome back. The city lights shot is nice, no fog in the way of that view.