Stayed at Manker Flats and headed out in the morning around 7:30. Weather was perfect.

I was alone for the start until I got to the baldy resort where I saw two trail runners and two guys who were working on the place in some trucks. I was surprised and astonished to be able to see the desert as I hit the ridge right before I turned up that ski slope hell. It was all made better by the occasional turn around and the start of the amazing was that was this hike.

the backbone was super fun and I feel like it’s really over hyped up. I can see it being super crazy in winter, but today it was fine. Just some really good views and a bit of wind.

as the approach for the summit, lots of little breaks, lots of big wind. The wind died down though around Noon when I actually got up to the top, so that was nice. Sat in the Little Rock Sheilds and had some lunch. Then just hung out at the top for an hour or so just taking it in. What a view.

the  went down the bowl trail. Was a knee killer, but the scenery was amazing, like little manicured gardens with the trees and shrubs.

wildflowers and flowing water at the ski hut, was awesome. On the way there I saw a bobcat and proceeded to just chill with it and watch it do it’s thing for a while. Such a cool little fella.

powered through the rest of the bowl and got back to camp to enjoy some celebratory sake.

What an amazing hike!