San Bernardino, San Gorgonio, & San Jacinto, with a couple of overnight trips planned to finish up the Southern California Challenge.

I checked off Cucamonga today, after a quick trip to Etiwanda Peak.  I saw a large rattlesnake on the trail, about halfway back to Cucamonga, and he did not seem happy to see me.  However, I thanked him for the heads-up, and I continued, on my way.  I also bumped into a guy who asked if he was heading in the right direction to get to Icehouse Canyon.

As we continued back toward Cucamonga, he mentioned hiking Chapman Trail on his way up, and I commented how I have yet to go that route, but that I might give it a try on my way back down.  We parted ways and I headed up toward the peak, and he continued on toward the saddle.

I’ve gotten into a habit lately of hiking mid-week, and often not getting an early start, so often peaking mid-day.  So far, it’s worked out great, because I end up at the top either solo, or with one to two other hikers.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not antisocial or anything, well… okay… maybe a little socially awkward, but not straight-up antisocial :o)

Anyway, now I’m on the peak, it’s Tuesday @ 2:30+/- and you’ll never believe it but, I was all alone. Yahee, what a glorious day.  I made my way down to the Cucamonga Saddle and saw a lone hiker high above me, descending from the Big Horn ridge line, and that was the last human being I saw, until I was almost back to the trailhead.

The decision to take Chapman Trail on the return trip was a good one. Peaceful solitude.  I passed a young couple a half mile south of the Cedar Glen Campground.  It’s now a little after 6pm, and they were heading there to camp for the night.  They asked me if there were any other camper there.  I told them there was a Boy Scout Troop there, with 30 or so tents setup.  Then laughed when I saw the joy drain from their souls, and then I let them know the camp was actually empty.

Around 6:45, as I approached the last (or first) cabin in Icehouse Canyon, I had my third and final human encounter before reaching the trailhead.  All in all, it was a great day.  A little warm at times, but not uncomfortable due to the abundance of shade on this hike.  There were some bugs, here and there, but were not an annoyance.