T774 headed on our spring backpack as a tune-up for our summer Sierra trek. The original idea was to do San Jacinto but that fell through due to lack of permits. We chose to return to the Mt. Laguna to Cuyamaca route we did last year. Starting from Penny Pines trailhead, we heading east on the Noble Canyon trail. With some shade, the trail was quite pleasant. However, as we went a bit lower and left the pines, it got quite hot and sunny. Indian Creek was damp but had no surface water near the trail. The last uphill section into Cuyamaca Rancho State Park was tough as we were beat from the heat. It was great getting into camp at Granite Springs as we were low on water and needed dinner!
The next morning, Raymond, the unofficial troop dog, had sore paws and wasn't up for walking much. He made the first mile along the East Mesa Fire Road. We then fashioned a stretcher from two pairs of trekking poles and our dining tarp. The dog was luxurious carried the next 4 miles to Hwy 79. After Ray was taking home and some shuttling to get the cars back from Penny Pines, we had a long break at the picnic area. In late afternoon, we headed up the trail to Arroyo Seco camp. The camp was dry so we carried some extra water; good thing it was only 1.5 miles. After making camp among the meadow and having another tasty dinner, we had an early night. Arroyo Seco was a bit buggy and I had a few bites; lots of ants as well.
Early the next morning, we broke camp and heading back to the Green Valley parking lot and home. Can't wait for the next trip!
The next morning, Raymond, the unofficial troop dog, had sore paws and wasn't up for walking much. He made the first mile along the East Mesa Fire Road. We then fashioned a stretcher from two pairs of trekking poles and our dining tarp. The dog was luxurious carried the next 4 miles to Hwy 79. After Ray was taking home and some shuttling to get the cars back from Penny Pines, we had a long break at the picnic area. In late afternoon, we headed up the trail to Arroyo Seco camp. The camp was dry so we carried some extra water; good thing it was only 1.5 miles. After making camp among the meadow and having another tasty dinner, we had an early night. Arroyo Seco was a bit buggy and I had a few bites; lots of ants as well.
Early the next morning, we broke camp and heading back to the Green Valley parking lot and home. Can't wait for the next trip!
