Pleasant's and Bedford Peaks

December 20th was a beautiful day to be outside. We decided to take a long walk to Bedford Pk, then possibly Beek's Place. We started up the Bedford Pk trail at 8:45 from Maple Springs TH. I had done this hike many times to just Bedford, and was curious what lied beyond it.

Nice and green after last few storms.
This picture to the left is the top of Ladd Canyon.
We hiked down to the headwaters of Ladd Canyon, and then up to Pleasant's Pk. The grassy section reminded us of Hobbits.

 Towards top, Bedford seems like the surface of Mars. Clear views of Catalina Is, and San Clemente Is. 

Lone Oak. Views of the snowy peaks of San Bern, Jaci and Palomar Mountains. This was some of the greatest distance I have seen with my own two eyes!!!

We reached a summit close to Pleasant's Pk, and by then, 12:50PM, we felt it was time to head back. We saw at least 3 Red Trailed hawks, a Kestrel, vultures, and many Juncos, and Towhees. This is a very quite area in the mid week. We did not see any other hikers.




This is the view towards Pleasant's Pk. The peak on the left of the picture serves as a multipurpose facility, used for wireless broadcasts and stuff like that.

These little seeds come from the Yucca plant all to familiar in this area. The seeds can be shook out of the pod(just like a salt shaker) into your hands and eaten like sunflower seeds. It is best to roast them, for the taste is more pleasant. 

Geology: This is a picture of a type of thrust, folding fault. This type of fold is seen a lot in the Santa Ana mtns. The folding is quite a site. 

On the way up Bedford Trail I had built a 5 1/2 ft cairn. To my surprise, it was still standing on our way back!

The wind sock on Bedford H-landing blew off. Kate decided she could take its place for the time being.




We got back to the car at 4:45PM. Total, ~16 miles. ~3000ft gain, and lots of up and down.

Yucca Toss

I dedicate my first post to more fun and games.
A few weeks ago, Kate and I were hiking around the Madjeska Canyon area, a very hot, sunny, dry day. Typical for fall in the Santa Ana Mountains.

We walked a few miles up a long, and somewhat boring, service road. I felt like playing a game, so I utilized what was available; yucca and rocks.
I drew out lines and markers and directions, as the picture shows below.

History:
I have not found any hard evidence of native indian tribes, the Gabrielinos, playing a similar game, but I am sure they did, much like the Scottish Caber toss, or pole vaulting.
Back when we were younger, my brother and I tossed the yucca stems, but never set rules for a game. The points system makes it more competitive and fun.
Anyways, Yucca Toss in a great game for kids and the whole family, I'm sure! If you are looking for a cheap form of entertainment, you are bored, or just need a break, play Yucca Toss.