8/5/2023:

Cue in: the Looney tunes with Porky Pig saying, “Tha-that's all, Folks!”

With that said, I completed the 12 pack of peaks for 2023. This is so surreal to me. Never in my life had I been so determined. This was my very first time completing all 12 peaks. It took me five months to complete it. You may wonder why I was so focus this year. Well, I was invited to hike up to Mount Whitney in mid-August. Seeing the bad trail conditions there, I may not go. It's out of my comfort zone and I have zero mountaineering skills. It's not worth dying for. I've done Mount Whitney couple of times. And I won't have my ego get the best of me.

Sorry about going off the topic. Let me continue on giving my San Jacinto hiking report. I started driving around 3 a.m. early in the morning to Marion Mountain. It would take me 2 hours of driving time. Days before, I contacted a Ranger at the Idyllwild Ranger station about a day hike permit to hike in the San Jacinto state park. He told me I can self issue myself a permit. I can obtain this permit at his Ranger station in Idyllwild office or at Stoney Creek Campground. I settled for Stoney Creek Campground because it was the entrance to the Marion Mountain trailhead. Oh, no! There weren't any permits that day. So, I had to drive myself to the Idyllwild Ranger station to obtain one. I filled it out and head back to the Marion Mountain trailhead. This set me back a hour late to start.

Once I arrivd at the Marion Mountain trailhead, I prepared myself for the hike. It was a bit chilly in the morning. The trails looked well-maintained. There were ample of water flow. The bugs were having me for breakfast. I sprayed on bug repellent and wore a head net. I slowly paced myself up. At about 2 miles, I took a rest. I saw the morning skies. The orange glow was so glorious. On the way, I meet other hikers.

I always love hiking in the Marion Mountain area up to San Jacinto peak. I saw many beautiful summer blooming flowers. I saw butterflies fluttering. I saw pretty lady bugs. The smell of tge vegetation was so good. I love nature.

When I finally reached the junction of the fork to the Tram or Marion Mountain trailheads near the San Jacinto shelter, I saw my hiking buddies: John, Mireya, Andy, Laura Sosa, and AL. LIKE OMG! They were hiking up to San Jacinto thar day, too. However, they took the Palm Springs tramway and hiked there. I was so happy to see Laura Sosa. I haven't seen her for years since she had moved to Arizona. We talked and ate our lunches at the Shelter. After that we took our group photos. I didn't stay long because I didn't want to hike late in the evening. Besides, it would encounter heavy traffic driving back home.

I bid my farewells. Coming down San Jacinto via Marion Mountain trailhead was much faster. But you have to pay attention of your footing. It can get steep at times. And you have to pay attention of the trails. There are nany junction in this region. I always down the map from AllTrails Apps and let it navigate ne to the right path.

Woohoo! San Jacinto bagged. And with that, that's all Folks! It had been a pleasure to share my 2023 SoCal Hikers' Six Pack of Peaks Challenge with you all this year. It's been a great experience.

I want to thank my hiking mentor Jeff Hester for always giving me support throughout his years. This year was very emotional for me. I lost so many hiking friends passing away on the trails. May they rest in eternal peace. I was very depressed and traumized after their passings. I was very reluctant to hike this year. But Jeff gave ne the strength to pull myself out of this deep depression and fear. He taught me to be responsible of my hiking skills and always listen to my gut. Don't let me ego be the demise of me. He always said safety first and the mountains will always be there. I took to his advice at heart. My 12 peaks accomplishments is part of his accomplishment. I wholeheartedly thank him.