Snow Camp at Table Mountain in the SGM, May 24, 2008 and climb of Baden-Powell May 25
Troop 35's planned Baden-Powell climb
was almost washed out by a late winter storm that flooded Southern
California and caused two tornadoes in Riverside County. But
instead of spending Memorial Day at home watching the Indy 500, the
Troop decided to have a Snow Camp! Instead of the expected crowds
at Table Mountain USFS Campground near Wrightwood, the campground was
only about 10% full. We arrived at about 2:30 pm and picked a
quiet and remote site. With a sled and mountain bike, and
snow-balls, there was plenty to do after camp set-up. Multiple
tarps, multiple sleeping bags, multiple pads, and clearing the snow
beneath our tents made for a cozy sleep. As did 5 cords of
fire-wood! For dinner, the usual camp-food, except one scout who
brought rib-eye steaks. A dutch oven Apple Crisp and hot
chocolate sufficed for desert. On Sunday, as there was no
precipitation, only fog, we decided to try Baden-Powell after everybody
ate hearty breakfasts, including Sean's camp espresso. At the
Vincent Gap parking lot, hikers said the trail to the top was walkable,
but the PCT disappeared beyond that. We set out at 11am.
The first 10-15 switchbacks were mud or slush, but above that it
was mostly snow or ice. In some places the packed snow did not
follow the developed trail, making a difficult climb (no cramp-ons
here, just hiking boots). We summited at 2:30pm, 2800' and
4 miles later, difficult but an awesome result (see pix). We
spent 40 minutes on top, then started down about 3:10, arriving at the
trailhead at 5:10. Some of our speed improvement resulted
from sliding rather than hiking down - a more fun and safer way to
travel!
Nite Campfire in Fog.

Campfire in Morning.

Our Camp

Going Up - Looking out over Vincent Gap

Scout on Top

Three scouts resting in a dry patch on Summit. Note short pants!

Group at the Baden-Powell Monument on the summit.

Hiking down just below summit.

Baldy from ridge trail just below summit, with clouds over Vincent Gap.

Baldy Panorama.