Day 23 - Goodbye Wrightwood! — Walking People Out of Poverty

May 8th

Depart Wrightwood, Mile 369.40

Arrive Islip Saddle, Mile 407.80

Laura and Glen dropped us off at the trailhead at around 9:10 am and after photos and fond farewells we were on our way.

The trail started off by going uphill, which was a portend of what the day was going to be like, and we soon came to a campground which was occupied by both PCT’ers and day campers who had driven up a dirt road in their vehicles. Shortly after we came to Wrightwood’s ski hill, and as we were at the top of the hill we enjoyed some respite from the climbing we had been doing.

We crossed a road and on the other side there was a sign at the trailhead which stated that it was 3.7 miles to the summit of Mt. Baden Powell who was the founder of the scouting movement. Off we started with Tina in her usual spot of front runner and pace setter. It was warm work and after a couple of hours of walking we found a great spot, in the forest, with lots of shade where we stopped for lunch. After 45 minutes or so we were back on the trail and pushing for the top. The views were spectacular in every direction and a fitting tribute to Lord Baden Powell. The walking for the remainder of the day was down and we eventually reached our projected camp site of Islip Saddle at 6:15 pm. The site has two, maybe 3 spots at most but they were all by the side of the lay by which was next to the road. Tina and I picked what we thought might be the best spots that remained, pitched our tents and cooked dinner. With the light fading quickly it was going to be an early night!!