Aptly named because despite my experience and years at this stuff, this was the first time I’ve ever gotten altitude sickness.
This hike is flipping stunning in its beautiful entrance. Two miles of hiking by a spring fed flowing creek with the remains of old cabins flanking either side. Frankly I would have happily dropped ruck and pitched camp there. Also, if I’d had any idea I’d be scaring people off the trail in the next few miles retching away at the base of many and arbor friend, I probably would have.
Following the mellow incline  of the first 2.5 miles or so it becomes very very long switchbacks up to the saddle. That was the point the sickness kicked me right on the feels button and I was frequenting a tree or stump to make an embarrassment of myself. Thankfully, or maybe not, my team of hard charging Pittsburg fans where there to encourage me to the top. A lot of water and some internal discussions later I managed to not completely embarrass myself by making it to the saddle.
At the saddle I proceeded to fall asleep for a half an hour.
Yes, I’m a 250lbs man child sometimes, and it was nap time.
I felt immensely better post ny-ny schlafen and a bag of trail mix later and the team  Sallied fourth up the rest of the mountain. It was long and I was slow, the mine was cool. We made it, and it felt great.
There is wear i tell you the view is amazing.
Im a human who climbs mountains and camps to escape the mass of disgusting urban sprawl, so I can’t tell you the view is great. If you want to look at the mess of buildings and freeways between rancho, encino, and San Bernardino, this is your gig.
Either way it was awesome to be up there and another fun time with my favorite people.
safety note: I am large. I sat on some rocks along the way, one nearly took me down the mountain when it broke off with me sitting on it over by the mine. Be careful.