I had only been on Cucamonga once before.  It was August 23, 2018 and it was the day before my birthday.  It was also my first bigger peak.  I had only hike around the Bay Area where I live and this was the beginning of my training for the John Muir Trail. I slept on the peak last year and woke up on my 34th birthday.  So Cucamonga holds a special place in my heart. I remembered it being so tough, it was hot and seemed to go forever.

This time I chose to do a day hike and I was on a solo mission.  It was a nice day and I made my way up to Ice House Canyon.  I remembered almost everything about this trail and I arrived at the Saddle way sooner than before.  Its crazy how much a year of hiking can change and thats why I like to get back on trails that are challenging.

I took a break at the Saddle and had a bar covered in almond butter.  My favorite snack since the JMT.  After heading toward the backside of the mountain, I remembered how much I enjoyed this part last time.  Its always cooler on this side with a nice wind which is great on a hot day.  Its super rocky and a lot of little ups and down.  I like the little part where it feels like your standing where two mountains meet right before you make your way up those rocky switchbacks.  This part went a heck of a lot quicker than last year and I was so grateful.  I rember thinking it would never end.

I finally reach that last broken post directing way towards the summit.  I was stoked.  The weather was perfect as I reached the peak and I hung out for a good while.

So about a mile after my hike began I realized I did not roll up my back window and had to make a choice to return to the parking lot.  Good think I did because I had also forgotten my headlamp and was able to grab it.

Hanging out at the peak I knew I'd get to see the sunset on the way down.  I had a cider, some trail mix and an apple.  I made my way down, happy as can be with how much stronger I had become.  The sunset was amazing with orange, peach and yellow on the horizon.  It was perfect.

Just as I stopped to get my headlight, it was almost dark, I ran into a guy coming up the trail with his dog.  The dog was super cute and we chatted for a while.  He told me that he was watching Netflix all day and needed to get out and move.  And that he wasn't afraid of the dark.

As I dropped down under the canopy of the canyon, it had fallen completely dark.  I quickly made my way over the river and through the woods passing a couple lit cabins.  I knew I was getting close to the parking lot and excited to be off the trail soon.  I made it back to the car just before 8p and was happy with how the day turned out.  Second solo trip and I think I want to backpack it with friends next time.