Josephine Peak 2003

$Well, here we are standing by our mighty Japanese steed, ready to embark on an assault of Josephine Peak. At least that\'s how I felt. This is the longest hike I\'ve had since I did Half Dome back on Memorial Day weekend. On that hike, I got illio-tibial band syndrome in my left knee. I was going to do Mount Whitney as a day hike last summer but Half Dome threw a wet blanket on that idea. Now I\'m rescheduling to do it with the Boy Scouts this coming summer.$

$The group set out from the Scout hut at 7:15 in the morning and perked across Angeles Crest Highway from the Clear Creek ranger station at 8:15 (where Angeles Forest Highway breaks off from Angeles Crest) N:34°16.223\'/W:118°09.203\'. It was a clear day with no sign of the 30-50% chance of rain that was forecasted. We may get lucky & make it out before we get wet.$

$The mountains of Southern California offer spectacular vistas with vivid contrasts in colors and textures. We\'re hoping that these clouds are benign and that they will burn off.$

$The Angeles National Forest offers innumerable hiking & backpacking destinations. I know of no better way to enjoy the nature around the L.A. area than jumping in feet-first to experience it. The clouds give us some great pictures, but I think they\'re stalking us.$