I found out that I was going to have stand by Jury Duty for the week of 3-6 of September. Last year, I had the same kind of jury duty and I wasn't used at all. So since I still had 3 peaks to climb, I thought I could make the most of this time. So off I went to the hills. Now the only issue was would I have cell service at the top, so that I could stay the night and then summit in the morning and hike San Gorgonio the next day. This was the plan. I really enjoy hiking, but I really like to make a whole weekend out of it and enjoy being out there for as much time as possible. So the plan was to go up and call from the top, and then if I had duty the next day, I would beat feet and make it down and go home.  But, if I didn't have duty, then I would spend the night and then summit in the morning and head over to Gorgonio the the next day and do the same thing.  The only issue with Baldy is that cell service is almost non existent. But I was assured by a local guy that at the top of the mountain at the ski resort, near the #4 ski lift at an area called “desert view” I would have perfect services. So with that knowledge, up the mountain I went. I went up the service road, which wasn't that great, but I didn't want to summer until the morning. I was so nervous as I got closer to the “cell” area.  But, just like the guy said, instant service. Now for the news. Would I have to go home early or get to stay!  I dialed the number as my heart beat got faster.  And the news was…No jurors were needed for Sept 4th, call back tomorrow. Yippie!  So now I had to find a place to pitch my tent.  Now, ski slopes are not know for their flat areas. I was just about to settle for a ski run, and then I saw this pristine camp already make for me!  I was flat, had a beautiful view and had wind shield. It was a beautiful sight! And I had perfect cell service to call home and let everyone know I was good to go for the night. The sky was filling up with stars as I pitch my tent and got ready for bed. Tonight I would leave the fly off of my tent and watch the stars as I fell asleep.

A little about the trail:  There are two ways to go up, one is the ski hut and there other is the service road. The service road is very boring, but I went this way so that I could make that phone call and have enough time to get down if I had too.  So the next day, I went up the Devil's Backbone and then went back down the service road because I left my full pack at the ski area. It wasn't the best way, I would have like to go the ski hut way. Ill just have to come back some day.

There is no water available on the service road. And I couldn't find water available at the lodges as it was closed. No bug or any other issues, except the cell service with is only at the top near the ski lifts.