Merry Christmas!

Sharon: Whaddya say we do the loop at Chantry Flat and we can stop by to wish Chris and Joan a Merry Christmas?

Carolyn: Groovy

So they set the alarm for just before dawn,
Coffee to go they stumbled along;
A sultry pine watched them with conical eyes,
The sky frozen blue with marshmallow pies;
This morning is brilliant they both would agree,
And they smiled as they listened to the voice of the stream.

The waterfall kept them as if an old friend,
The boulders allowed them to pass once again;
An old fallen tree took them gently across,
A spider's web whispered the simplest thought;
The pack can be heavy but open your mind,
If you stay long enough you can leave it behind.

They confer on this thing for a minute or two,
And conclude for today eleven will do;
A new point of view is often the key,
Each obstacle just a new chance to succeed;
Peace to each one they may pass on the way,
Best wishes and hope for the Christmas Holiday!

Mt. Wilson via the Kenyon-Devore Trail

The last time we attempted this trail we ran into hunters at the junction and promptly turned around having only made it 3+ miles in. Seeking closure (hunting season having passed) we found ourselves back at the stream crossing, discussing the beautiful day and the cold weather while having a small snack before heading up. We did a twelve mile loop and saw not one other person on the trail. Ice spots on the road atop Wilson didn't slow us. We arrived at Red Box at 7:30am and finished the loop at 12:00 sharp. Elevation gain remains a mystery but I think the portion of the hike on the kenyon devore trail is about 2500 in gain. The last five miles is, of course, all downhill.