Josephine Peak

N:34°17.143'/W:118°09.244'

November 27, 2004  --  8.3 miles  --  1,900' elevation gain

	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.
	If you look closely, you will see a reddish peak with antennae.  That is Josephine, our destination.
	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.
	Onward boys & girls!  If you do this hike, be sure to take at least 2 quarts of water per person and a lunch to chow-down on at the top.
	The first sign of snow comes at about 5,500'.  It wasn't nearly as bad as some had feared.
	What lies in the distance among those mountains?  More adventures; more opportunities to explore, test yourself and experience creation!
	We make our way up the mountain in a series of switch-backs.  This gave us the opportunity to check up on the approaching clouds.
	Clear, hazey or cloudy - these mountains always give you memories in all seasons.
	Looking down, you realize that you're not going in a straight line as you see the trail that you were on going in different directions.
	Uh... hey guys... I can barely see those mountains now.  I don't think these clouds will burn off.
	As we crested Josephine Saddle N:34°16.948'/W:118°08.537' there was no sign of the approaching weather on the other side.
	Strawberry Peak.  An adventure for another time.  I know of two approaches to this peak, I pray that we will take the easier of the two.
	We're about 2/3 up to Josephine, so we regroup & make sure everyone is getting enough water.
	As we proceed from the saddle to the peak, the clouds begin to stalk us again, cutting off our retreat to the rear.
	Wisps of clouds begin to appear over the top of the mountain.
	Every one up on your tracks?  Can you identify this?
	Was this following the maker of the previous print?
	The clouds finally appear in front of us.  Can we make it up & down without getting wet?  We all brought rain gear, but we would rather not have to use it.
Click here to see the clouds swirling as they moved in	View the clouds rolling over the top of the mountain and on the trail in front of us.
	The clouds converge on us, greatly reducing visibility.
	We made it!!  The wind got really cold for about the 50 yards.  We ate our lunch using the nearby cabin (part of a broadcast antenna) as a wind break.  I think only a few of us did the register, but here is the proof for the rest!!
	Just after leaving the peak, we passed another group from Troop 93 who were late starters so we waited at Josephine Saddle for them to join us.
	After they caught up, we took a group shot and headed back to whence we came.
	On the way down, we accidentally formed two groups:  The adults...
	and those who had to stop and wait for the adults to catch up.
	At last, we see the American flag peaking over the trees and find the vehicles as we had left them.  On the way up we averaged 2.7 MPH when we were moving and 3.5 MPH on the way down.  With all the rests, pictures, and lunch factored in, we still managed to average 2.4!

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