This was the first hike that made me nervous in the dark. I think I had too many well wishers tell me how many mountain lions are in the area. I was the first one to sign in on the log today and the sun was just starting to lighten things up when I came to the Bear Canyon loop and sure enough when the brush was thick and I could not see into it something big (I chose to believe a deer) was crashing through the brush away from the trail. Other than the last half miles the trail was a leisurely hike and then the peak climb made up for it. I think it took me longer going down this section than up. The views of the ocean and Catalina did not disappoint. I will definitely be back during the winter.