Echo Mt via 405 aka Sam Merrill Trl
Posted: Sat Dec 03, 2011 8:57 pm
One very popular trail for all kinds of folks to go up to the historic Echo Mountain site. Being near the city, able to go up higher at different directions and a regularly well -volunteer- maintained trail, it never seems to bore me every time I go there. On the winter weekends, past noon is the best time to go there for as you ascend clusters of people from 2-12 are descending from their morning start and I realize it will be nice and serene when I arrive to the top of Echo or I decide to go a bit higher to Inspiration Point or the Dawn Mine-its a closed area for now. Recent wind damage is evident at the start and along the trail as small trees and branches from shrubs are scattered along the course or the side of trail. But the clear view of the valleys, mountains and beyond make it worth the effort to be there.
The surprise of the day was running into FO-now banished but never forgotten- with his usual pleasant demeanor and the ever ready camera to take a pic of ya! He told me of his new grand plan for a grand hike in the Gabes that will put to shame all the other hikes. It sounded awsome but I warned him that he better have witness! I also recommended him that he needs do at lest a Ze-Trek hike to show us that he is ready for the hell treks, as he was moving on he started yelling at me "only 2 miles!!" Its always fun to run into people from this site.....
The wind was getting stronger and colder as I reached the hotel site and I saw the new exhibition show labeled as the 420, a real nice simple art work that brings a bit of humanity to the mountain. I can't thank enough the nice clean up crew that puts an unfortunate end to each show and a chance for a new one at the usual empty water reservoir site.
A golden hue was starting to cover the pacific ocean, a fire broke out in the valley, chilly "35" wind gusts kicked on and it was time for my return to the city of La hell. Supper lucky for the late arrivals that stay and see a clear, crispy, magic, golden glowing sunset. For me as a reward, I was looking forward for a bottle of the devils brew-the arrogant bastard- at room temp as soon as I got home.... 666
The surprise of the day was running into FO-now banished but never forgotten- with his usual pleasant demeanor and the ever ready camera to take a pic of ya! He told me of his new grand plan for a grand hike in the Gabes that will put to shame all the other hikes. It sounded awsome but I warned him that he better have witness! I also recommended him that he needs do at lest a Ze-Trek hike to show us that he is ready for the hell treks, as he was moving on he started yelling at me "only 2 miles!!" Its always fun to run into people from this site.....
The wind was getting stronger and colder as I reached the hotel site and I saw the new exhibition show labeled as the 420, a real nice simple art work that brings a bit of humanity to the mountain. I can't thank enough the nice clean up crew that puts an unfortunate end to each show and a chance for a new one at the usual empty water reservoir site.
A golden hue was starting to cover the pacific ocean, a fire broke out in the valley, chilly "35" wind gusts kicked on and it was time for my return to the city of La hell. Supper lucky for the late arrivals that stay and see a clear, crispy, magic, golden glowing sunset. For me as a reward, I was looking forward for a bottle of the devils brew-the arrogant bastard- at room temp as soon as I got home.... 666