San Bernardino Sojourn

I first have to thank the two girls who were on the peak when I got there.  I didn’t properly pace myself on the last steep 0.1 mile of the trail.  I was starting to fade when I reached the top and was literally seeing stars.  They must of thought I was some kind of zombie.  After recuperating they gave me an electrolyte tablet and I was good.  No place for the ego to take over, if you need to pace yourself then don’t be like me.  The peak isn’t going anywhere!  It was a great hike with long gradual switchbacks like Cucamonga.  Weather was sunny but very windy once I got to the 6 mile mark.  There was a spring running at the 6.5 mile mark where the trail turns west to begin the long switchbacks.  I say bugs were an annoyance because in the manzanita meadow (the long flat east-west section of the trail from mile 3.0-4.0) a deer fly bit me right on the palm of the hand!  It felt like a bee sting but the pain only lasted about 15 minutes.  I did forget insect repellant so definitely bring some with.  Only strenuous part was that last 0.1 which is about a 30% grade at 10,500 feet, but by that point you’re pretty much there.  Amazing views of 5 other peaks on the list: San Gorgonio, San Jacinto, Santiago, Baldy, and Cucamonga.