My hiking buddy Michele and I started out bright and early to get to Manker Campground very early. We headed out and 6:30am and met Fletcher on the trail. It was nice to meet someone new and have some company on the trail. It was a beautiful day for a hike. The weather was perfect. We took the steepest and most difficult trails since we are getting ready for Mt Whitney. The views were gorgeous and the hike was very challenging. We met another hiker just before the Devil's Backbone. Dae has hiked Mt Baldy many times and was a great help in encouraging us through the backbone and hiking to the summit. We had a relaxing lunch, rested and got ready for our hike down Ski Hut Trail. This was the most difficult part of the hike for me. Two skids and one wipe out to realize I needed better hiking shoes (which I am proud to report I already purchased). But we made it! 2 down, 4 to go – San Gorgonio here we come.