7/22/2023:

Since my scheduled hike up to San Jacinto Peak with 3H Hiking Group was canceled due to high heatwave alert in Palm Springs, I decided to hike up to Mount Baden-Powell.  I saw the weather forecast as being in the high 80s, I knew that it would be much cooler there.  In part because there's be plenty of shade.  Also, it was a closer drive for me.  The hike itself was fairly easy and short.  With these beneficial factors, I can bag Mount Baden-Powell without a sweat.

I got to the trailhead early in the morning.  I was at the parking lot at 4:30 a.m.  There were many cars there.  As I prepared for the hike, I heard a familiar male voice.  It belonged to Philip Yoho.  I greeted him a good morning.  Philip was leading his group, Hiking Beyond the Hills, up to Mount Baden-Powell.  Philip had to wait for his other hikers to arrive.  I started before him, but I know he'll catch up to me in no time.  As I reached my 1.5 mile, I saw an Azusa Pacers runner.  His name was Norm.  I greeted him.  Norm said Coach Maria Delgadillo and her Azusa Pacers were minutes behind him.  I was so happy in hearing that Coach Maria was here today.  The last time I saw her and the Azusa Pacers was at the 2023 Los Angeles Marathon in March.  I love the Azusa Pacers.  They are so super supportive of me in all the marathon races I do.

The trails to Baden-Powell are dry and well maintained.  The bugs weren't that bad.  And I was blessed with cool weather.  It wasn't windy at the Baden-Powell Peak.

On my one mile to the summit, Philip and his Hiking Beyond the Hills hikers caught up to me.  See I told you that Philip was going to catch up to me soon.  I eventually became there back lead.  When I got to Mount Baden-Powell peak, I took my summit photos because it would be crowded soon.  Then I ate my snack and rested a little bit.  Then Coach Maria and her Azusa Pacers showed up.  I congratulated everyone.  It was like a reunion of runners and hikers at Mount Baden-Powell today.  We knew each one of us.  The running and hiking communities are very close knitted.  And we are so supportive of each other.

I tend no stay at any peak that long.  I bid farewell to everyone.  As I came down to the Wally Tree, I saw a female hiker in distress.  I saw she was dazed and dehydrated.  Her walking wasn't balanced and she was sweating alot.  I tended to her.  I gave two of my unused water bottles to her.  I told her to sit in the shade for awhile before continuing.  Her hiking partner saw to her care as I left.

Coming down was much faster for me.  I hiked at a super fast pace and ran most of the time.  It only took me a hour and half to get back to my car.  Thank God that it was partially shaded.  And I was blessed with cool breeze.

Woohoo!  I bagged Mount Baden-Powell.  This is my 10th peak completion of the 2023 SoCal Hikers' Six Pack of Peaks Challenge.