Mt. Baden Powell

After a couple failed activations elsewhere I wanted to do one that would be sure to prove successful. So I decided to activate Mt. Baden Powell in the San Gabriel’s. Having never climbed this monster and honestly wasn’t sure that I was going to make it. Also, I am still dealing with a weight issue of my pack.

I parked in the parking lot where Vincent Gap is. This seemed to be to most logical place to tackle this beast.

The Beginning

Starting out wasn’t too bad. The 4mi was daunting and there were points where I wanted to turn around because I was wondering if my knee would bother me going down.

The long trek

There are plenty of switchbacks to be had, 42 in all I believe.

The Bench

Lamel Springs

Once you get towards the top and the switchbacks get tighter they also get rockier and steeper.

Almost There

There is a narrow ridge towards the top. Once you hit this you are within a quarter mile.

Ridge

On the way you pass a tree that is an estimated 1,500 years old.

Old Tree

Finally made it to the top. I got to see the monument and was surprised how big it was compared to pictures.

Summit

I found a nice log which was perfect to lash the jackite to and act as a nice table for my operation.

Do Work

Activation

I operated on 20 meters, 40 meters and 2 meters. I scored on all of them getting 12 contacts. Thanks to Hal N6JZT who spotted me on 2 meters. There was a VHF contest in the works so it wasn’t happening. I was happy with the amount of contacts though and was also busy educating passer by’s on what I was doing. And the weather was amazing. Although being that I have a fear of heights I wasn’t too thrilled with the shear drop offs that this hike afforded me.

Verizon was good up here, just barely.

The Jackite being taken down

After the operation and packing things up I headed down. My knee bothered me as much as my last hike. Not good. Time to have the doctor take a look. The hike down was slow but I eventually made it. When I did get down the forest service was putting tickets on cars like crazy! I didn’t get one because I had my pass though. 😉

Thank you Chasers!

Time to pack it up