Wow! I must say that hiking Mt San Antonio without a cold was really a game changer .. hiking to the summit of Mt San Antonio last year felt like a punishment from hell.  I was a hot mess and I even forgot my cellphone at the summit. Thankfully we (hikers) are part of a wonderful community and I was able to get it back.

This year's trek to Mt San Antonio felt like a brand new experience, every now and then something would look vaguely familiar, but I definitely did not feel the pain I felt last year. The group of gals that I hiked with made it to the Ski Hut and while we did take break that, I was pretty adamant about keeping the group moving. Instead of several extended breaks, we took one at the Ski Hut and the second one when we reached reached The Ridge. I did feel like a Task Master at times, and while I would occasionally stop for people to catch up or so I could maintain visual, I had a plan!!  Thankfully we made it to the summit before the crowds rolled in. After having enjoyed a small break, I broke off from the group to explore West San Antonio. I was the ONLY person there for about 10 minutes, I guess the fact that it doesn't have a sign makes it less appealing to some. Once I got back to the group we descended via Devil's Backbone, but not before I successfully convinced one gal to summit Mt Harwood with me.  Unfortunately by the time we got to the Devil's Backbone it got crowded and I realized some people really have no sense of danger. It really got me thinking about Search and Rescue having to fly in to save some of these “experienced” hikers who show a flagrant disregard for safety.

Peak #7 is now on the books. Only 11 more to go! Oh yeah, and I was able to break in my new hiking boots!!