Led by Jennifer Dooley and Gail Wise
By Jennifer Dooley
Mother Nature had a sense of humor the day of our Mt Pacifico hike. The forecast called for a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 11am. When we met at the La Cañada rideshare point, a light drizzle was falling, and rain gear was being gathered.
Co-lead Gail and I agreed that if thunderstorms materialized, we’d have to cut the hike short. Our plan for the day was a 13-mile, 2,300 feet of gain/loss out and back hike from Mill Creek to the summit of Mt. Pacifico. Driving up Angeles Crest Highway, it was socked in with clouds until Clear Creek, where the clouds parted and we were greeted with sunshine!
Our hiking group consisted of 14 strong hikers and one strong hiking dog. The number of PCT hikers we crossed paths with reminded us that Spring had sprung, and the thru-hiking season was well under way.
The temperature was perfect as we ascended the trail, and we were treated to views punctuated with low, puffy clouds. Getting close to the summit campground, the wind was picking up, but we had a nice leisurely lunch nonetheless. Heading back, we had even better views of the inversion layer coming up Angeles Forest Highway from the High Desert.
All in all, our group did a fantastic job on this long, fairly strenuous hike. It was a fun, beautiful hike with wonderful people. I hope to see everyone on a hike again soon!
