I started my day driving from the San Fernando Valley around 11:30am and within ten minutes of the drive it started raining. I wasn't sure if I was going to go through with the hike, but I was already in my car and had packed layers as well as my rain jacket, so I figured I'd at least drive up to Angeles Crest and find out what the day looks like up there. It was cold and rainy on and off, but quite doable. I'm more of a sunny day hiker, but I thought to myself, new year – might as well go… what's a little wet gonna do? I'm sure glad I went out for that hike.

The first few miles were easy – subtle elevation gain, single track. As it was later in the day (early afternoon), I rarely saw anyone and when I did, they were coming down the mountain, which was reassuring knowing there were people still around. I maybe passed ten people, what a treat to be close to few, but surrounded by nature!

One I started the real climb, some snow started to flurry (but nothing stuck). I cinched up my hood, too my buff out to cover my cold nose, and kept trekkin'! The clouds started to clear here and there and I could see a mix of mountains getting dusted in the distance to the north and to the south, a shimmery silhouette of Los Angeles. I passed a few people on the way down who “warned” me of the false peaks I've read about but that didn't deter me! I kept climbing and soon got to the top!

As I ascended my final steps, the sun peaked it's head out from behind the clouds and gave me the sweetest kiss. I took that as a glorious sign for the year to come. I love new year's hikes! Unfortunately it was a little too wet to sign the logs up at the top, but I took my pictures and my videos, took a few handfuls of trail mix and headed back down the mountain. On the way down, I passed one more hiker on her way up, (I was surprised, I thought I might be the last one of the day up there). And I didn't see anyone else the entire way back.

The sun kept peaking out through clouds and it was a very nice treat as I grew more tired and more cold. Drenched in sweat underneath my layers – the sun was bringing me warmth and renewed energy for the last mile. What a beautiful way to spend the day.. The sweetest strawberry! 🙂