Started at 3:00 am; nobody, but nobody on the trail at that hour, until I saw some headlamps around 5:30.  It was a perfect day for an early morning hike – slight breeze, not cold.  Road to Baldy Notch was easiest part of hike, and a nice plus to see the decorative deck lights of Top of the Notch Restaurant above, while hiking that early in the A.M.  Navigated Devil's Backbone by the light of my head lamp; it was an amazing sight to see darkness surrounding the ridge, and the twinkling lights of San Bernardino, L.A., and beyond in the distance.  I even saw a shooting star – a perfect capper for the hike. Spectacular!  Lunch at the Notch, on the way back, and a short ride on the lift chair, on the way down, to save my aching toes.  A great hike!