Travel, Photography, Good Food, Hiking, Landscape, Adventure, California, Riverside County, San Jacinto Mountains, San Bernardino National Forest, Idyllwild, Pacific Crest Trail, San Jacinto Wilderness, Tahquitz Peak, Lily Rock, Suicide Rock, Deer Springs Trail, Strawberry Junction
The Mountain Maulers haven't been hiking since May due to a variety of reasons, one of which was a massive wildfire that burned over 110 square kilometers of chaparral and timber in July. Most of the area is still closed, but a few areas have reopened, so Charlie and I set out for another day on the trail.
We headed up Deer Springs Trail reaching Suicide Junction in just over an hour took a break then continued to Strawberry Junction Camp and stopped for another gourmet lunch.
After that we started to bushwhack our way towards Suicide Rock. I gave Charlie instruction on how to navigate with a map and compass off trail and had him lead the way. We seemed to be doing fine, but about half way down to Suicide Rock visiblity was greatly reduced by an approaching thunder storms and I was concerned that we may have travelled too far east. (If you notice on the map, we were actually right on course).
Then it started to rain. My concern that we may be too far east had me take the lead bushwhacking and I started on a westerly course. Then it started to pour. After about 20 minutes of downpour we were completely soaked. It rained steadly for another hour.
We finally made it to Suicide Trail, but as we were completely soaked and it was getting late, we decided to forget Suicide Rock and head back to the car. Reaching the car we spent about half an hour ringing out our gear and wiping off mud. Sadly, due to the rain, I couldn't take as many photos.
Then we had our all important and traditional Arriba Mexican Restaurant stop. Charlie had the open faced chicken enchilada and I opted for a beef chimichunga. Delicious. Another great adventure for the Mountain Maulers.
Charlie with Tahquitz Peak Lookout barely visible.
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