This was supposed to be the weekend of my first backpacking trip, but it did not go as planned. I had intended to hike Cucamonga and Ontario Peaks and then set up camp at Kelly Camp.

While preparing for the Ike, I checked the weather and thought there was only going to be some morning rain, but either the weather changed or I did not check carefully enough (I will allow that it is likely the latter).

I ended up hiking to Cucamonga Peak in, at times, windy conditions and rain (with some downpours), lost the trail multiple times, and ended up with wet, soaking clothes. The most criticical error: I removed my emergency parka for space and went with a jacket that is great in cold, but bad in heavy rain.

It was hard to see at the top of Cucamonga Peak. I looked around but could not get my bearings and locate the rocks that always have the sign on top. The photo I have attached shows my “I am trying to act happy for the camera, but I am cold, wet, and frustrated that I can't find the Cucamonga Peak sign” face. Hopefully the photo still counts. I also attached a screenshot of my GPX file.

Decided to end the trip and head down. Better to find all this out now than when I am at the remote North Rim Campground of the Grand Canyon next month.

if it weren’t for a suspended backpacking trip, I loved hiking Icehouse Canyon up to the saddle in this type of weather. In the past, I have always done it on really warm mornings, so this was refreshing.