On Saturday six of us went looking for Uncle Rico's football in the Middle Fork of Lytle Creek. We started fairly early at 7am with good weather and good spirits.
(left to right, Chris, Madison, John, Cecelia, Sean and Jeff)
We took the main trail up and planned to take the lower path on the way out. The trees were still big
and this slope was still covered in scree.
Fortunately, Madison found his football at Third Stream Crossing. Someone had left it on a boulder by the trail.
We then played catch at Comanche Camp,
after partaking in some tequila shots and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Madison enjoyed a birthday siesta, and then it was time to depart our tranquil setting among the trees and rocks. We only saw two others at Comanche, but they were en route to camp at Cedar Glen. And for those wondering, there was still some water springing up near the camp.
On the way down we took the Stonehouse path and chilled out along the stream.
Temps were approaching 90 degrees by the time we finished. And since the A/C is out in my car, we had a warm drive to the Dog Haus in Upland. But at least we got to enjoy cold beers and fancy hot dogs.
Thanks Sean for organizing this little adventure. And thanks to everyone that came out. Super fun day in the mountains.
Here's some more photo documentation.
Just starting up the canyon. It was nice early, but was pretty toasty when we came back down. Btw, the road was in decent shape. Couple of rough spots. Parking lot was pretty empty when we started but had quite a number of cars when we finished. Lots of cars parked roadside further down for the creek.
The Chef hanging out when we stopped for a respite at the wilderness boundary sign.
This is where I found my football. Third Stream Crossing. Man I wish I could go back in time...I'd take state.
Jeff making sammies for us.
Cecelia found these snow plants on the hillside at Commanche.
Jeff and Cecelia on the descent.
If you zoom in maybe you can see the waterfall dead center.
Looking down canyon from the spot you can see the waterfall.
Cedars along the trail.
On the way down, we were taking pics of all the wildflowers. There were a bunch of blue dicks trailside. I asked Cecelia if she'd ever seen a white dick and she said "no," so I showed her one:
Last look up the canyon at the connector that takes you to Stone House. Getting hot now.
Obligatory Napleon-inspired snacks at the Dog Haus Beiergarten afterward.
I don't know what is going on with these gratuitous attachments, but can't delete for some odd reason. Probably my technical ineptitude.
"On the way down, we were taking pics of all the wildflowers. There were a bunch of blue dicks trailside. I asked Cecelia if she'd ever seen a white dick and she said "no," so I showed her one:"
That was pretty funny! I'm glad you had a good time! I was happy to be a part of your special day.
Here are some more photos from the hike. I'd like to thank Sean for organizing it, Jeff for providing a tasty lunch, and Madison for supplying the lubricant for spirited discussion. Yes, we solved most of the world's problems that day, but our results will remain shrouded in secrecy. ?
I had met Sean on Baldy during an earlier group hike, and this time I got to meet even more of the forum crew. Technically, Jeff and I had met more than once while backpacking, but didn't realize it. Maybe we should all wear hats embroidered with the eispiraten logo in the future for easy identification in the wild.