Just a quick trip report from the Middle Fork of Lytle Creek in the San Gabriel Mountains here in Southern California.
It’s dry out because of the current multi-year drought, but the Middle Fork typically has water, so we thought we’d give it a go before things got too cold for me to take my daughter.
It’s a bit heavy for me to carry everything for the both of us, particularly when the mercury takes a dive, but my Gossamer Gear Mariposa seemed equal to the task (albeit stuffed to the gills).
We thought we’d head up to Third Stream Crossing for the night.
Accompanying us were Mangus (a regular here on BPL) and his lovely daughter.
It was cloudy and cool. The last hints of fall were still to be seen.
Little Joycie seems to be just as big of a gear head as I am. Here she is trying to swipe Mangus’ trekking pole. ;)
Finally, we arrive at lovely Third Stream Crossing.
After setting up camp, we went exploring the S branch of the Middle Fork of Lytle Creek.
We couldn’t explore far because the canyon soon became impassible. We were however not too disappointed inasmuch as at the point of impass, there was a lovely little falls.
A good day’s travel put under our belt, it was time to retire although certain young campers wanted to stay up late.
But the Siren’s song of daddy’s puffy Summerlite soon overcame all objections.
Alas, all good things — and all good weekends — must come to an end. The following morning we packed and headed for home.
My little trail angel was a bit faster than I but patiently waited for slow poke daddy to catch up. I had to carry her the first part of the hike out because she was cold and crying (poor thing was a bit overwhelmed), but she perked right up and outpaced me. Perhaps she just needed the warmth and reassurance of her daddy?
Returning to our vehicle we returned to “civilization,” and thus ended our trip. A lovely time in the woods with my daughter. Priceless.
