We arrived around 5 am and approached the day by hiking clockwise.  Despite my advance preparation, I was not prepared for the steepness of the climb.  My group consisted of 2 women I met on the FB page and a newcomer that asked to join us the night before.  What I love about hiking is how easy it is for hikers to get along and become “friends” by walking the same trail. We adjusted our stride and stopped to rest and refuel as needed with no one feeling rushed. As the newbie to hiking, my apologies for slowing everyone down went on death ears and everyone stayed together for the journey. Within 1 hour, the new member Kat, advised that refuel and amazingly, I had renewed energy and felt so much better despite the huffing and puffing that continued. The scenery was stunning. When we arrived at the ski hut, we took a long break to refuel and to enjoy the view. Thank god we did because the next few miles were brutal as we went over rocks and then bigger rocks, steep incline and switchbacks that made me feel as if I was crawling that how steep some sections were. It didn't help that many hikers were now passing us by on their way to the top.  The final push to the summit was exhilirating and like every other peak, the triumph of reaching the top made the struggle so worth it. We lingered a bit, ate our lunch and took the many selfies and pictures of each other to forever memorialize our first time at the peak of Mt Baldy (except for Kat, but she was an extra for the day). We enjoyed going this way over Devil's Back and made our way down the other side to complete our loop. I will forever remember this day because I have seen Mt Baldy numerous times on the freeway and never ever imagined being at its peak. What a crazy world! I don't think I will ever pass by Mt Baldy without doing the sign of the cross, giving respect to this mountain and to my fortitude in accomplishing this peak.