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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!

01 Nite Campfire in Fog

Nite Campfire in Fog.

Campfire in Morning
Campfire in Morning.

Our Camp
Our Camp
Going Up - Looking out over Vincent Gap
Going Up - Looking out over Vincent Gap
Scout on Top
Scout on Top

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

Group at the Baden-Powell Monument on the summit.
Group at the Baden-Powell Monument on the summit.

Hiking down just below summit
Hiking down just below summit.

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

Baldy Panorama.
Baldy Panorama.

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Last Updated 2008-05-28