Was getting ready to turn around and head for home as it was raining on the drive through Mt. Baldy Village. At the ski lift parking area it was very cloudy. I decided since I had driven all the way from Orange County to at least ask at the office what the weather was like up at the notch. At the office they said it was clear and sunny up there so I decided to go for it. As soon as I got on the lift up to the Notch it cleared up and was a beautiful day. A bit cool but not too windy the hike up to the peak was lovely. The whole day the cloud layer stayed pretty much at the parking lot at the bottom. The whole LA basin was in clouds while the hike was lovely and clear – they don't know what they were missing.

The trail was busy but not overly so. Had a great hike up with the usual slow down and lots of breaks to catch my breath on the final ascent. I always take the little traverse about half way up as I prefer the more gentle climb of that. Got up a few minutes before noon and it was quite busy at the top. Lots of other six packers up there. The trip down was quick. As usual I took the road to the right at the point of the steep ski run as I prefer the more gentle down hill although it is a bit further distance wise it is a lot easier on the knees. A quick break at the Top of the Notch for some food and drink before taking the lift back down.

Thought I had really screwed myself as I didn't have any breakfast and just after the devil's backbone I was feeling a bit tired. Had something to eat and was fine after that. I stopped just before the summit push to sugar up some more and was fine. Second hike carrying dates – what a great sugar snack. They are natural and are a real pick-me-up. Not only that they aren't too messy and don't melt. Going to make sure I have some for all my future hikes.

And, yes I took the ski lift. Not into the road walk up as it seems like a waste to me. Kudos to those who do it but if there is a lift I will take it.