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Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Wed Dec 04, 2024 9:29 pm
by Sean
In 2017 Cecelia and I failed to bag Middle Benchmark due to me being stupid. Today we rectified that mistake and finally got our butts up there. Yes, we drove 99% of the way, but, hey, at least we walked the non-road portion (i.e., the firebreak) and stood on the true summit. We also found the original 1945 benchmark, which had been bulldozed and tossed over the side of the summit. I set the monument upright again, where I found it discarded and forgotten. If you visit, don't haul it back to the summit, or it might be bulldozed again. We also left a register and forum swag in the rock outcropping up there.
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For bonus points, we ate lunch at Spring Camp.
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Then we also hiked to Peak 4351.
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4351 basically sucked. The animal paths on the firebreak were overgrown, and the summit was covered in brush. The views were nice though.
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Re: Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:16 am
by Nate U
Did you need a special pass or something to drive that Redbox-Rincon road?

Re: Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Thu Dec 05, 2024 11:52 am
by Sean
Nate U wrote: Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:16 am Did you need a special pass or something to drive that Redbox-Rincon road?
You need the number combination for the lock on the gate, which the FS will give you.

Re: Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Fri Dec 06, 2024 11:05 am
by Girl Hiker
I have the gate combo to the lock.

Re: Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 8:17 am
by tekewin
Thanks for restoring the monument and benchmark. I can't believe it survived the bulldozing in such good shape.

Re: Middle Benchmark (4505')

Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2024 5:34 pm
by Girl Hiker
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