Mt. San Jacinto

We just spent the last 3 days in the Idyllwild area, staying at the Silver Pines Village.  Yesterday, we did a solid hike up Deer Springs Trail, hitting the PCT, and continuing to the junction with the Marion Mountain Trail, a gain of about 3,000 feet.  The out and back hike was 12.6 miles.

 The weather was around 68 with a light breeze - warm enough for lizards and good for humans.

 Gail being embraced by this Incense Cedar.

 Had to take a selfie!

 Looking north at Mt. Gorgonio.

 A White-headed Woodpecker - a new ID for us.

 Around 8,000 feet, the snow started covering the trail.

The notoriously steep Marion Mountain Trail

 Our turnaround point.

Below, is a sequence of a pair of contented Granite Spiny Lizards

After freshening up, we eagerly walked the short distance to Ferro Restaurant, It was Thursday Tiki night, so we had a little 50's era libation followed by a sumptuous dinner of linguini and mussels.