Four years to be exact, almost to the day.
It doesn’t feel that long, but it was. How did this happen?
Was I jealous at how popular you’ve become?
Was I was tired of having to share you with others?
Was I seduced by ‘new’ and ‘different’?
It’s not like you’ve been lonely, you had plenty of other visitors.
Only I who suffered from our separation and everything you have to offer.
None of that mattered today.
You welcomed me back without recrimination and demonstrated anew why I treasure our friendship.
We had plenty of one-on-one time and you revealed to me things I hadn’t noticed before.
I promise to visit more often, and I’ll bring Ruth with me too.
Trip Notes: The hike up Icehouse Canyon is my favorite hike in the Angeles National Forest. The first mile up the canyon follows the path of a stream I’ve never seen dry. You enter the Cucamonga Wilderness not too far after the stream disappears from view. From the wilderness sign to mile marker ‘3’ is a steep section of trail which provides a good workout. The trail levels out a little after this until you reach Icehouse Saddle.
From the saddle you have several options. For many, the saddle itself is a good turn around point (as it was for me on this trip.) Longer options include continuing down the trail towards Lytle Creek, heading to the right another trail takes you to Cucamonga Peak, a third trail takes you to Kelly Camp and Ontario Peak, and a fourth trail goes north to Timber Mountain, and the three T’s. (A car shuttle is required for this option.
This is a popular trailhead and parking can be difficult on weekends. An early start is recommended in the summer to beat the heat. From the parking lot to Icehouse Saddle is 3.6 miles and 2,600 feet of gain. (Distance is one way.)
A good description of this hike can be found in Trails of the Angeles by John Robinson with Doug Christiansen. This trip is Hike #97 in the guidebook.
Adventure-to-Adventure 