ttljournal | trough the lens journal

Day 1: Gloomy and raining -- just like I like it

A mandatory trail sign shoot - VIVIAN CREEK TRAIL San Gorgonio Wilderness

Notice the Bear warning sign in the background - this trail is notorious for run-ins with the bears -- always keep your food well stashed in an air tight contai ...

I carried Arcteryx Naos 70 this day -- the weather was not to be messed with. We had a full set of warm clothing, tent and a stove just to be safe.

I love mountains in hazy, cool air

GPS is invaluable to track your current position on the trail.

One thing good about this trail --- there's plenty of water just bring your filter

Day 2: it's like being on a different mountain! Look at this view

Can you spot the rattle snake?

There it is - this pal would not move and sat there waiting for us to clear -- we had to walk within few feet from him not a very comforting feeling ...

There he is all curled up and ready to strike ...

Silence and blue sky

We've made it to HALFWAY CAMP - this is where a lot of overnighters stay the night before they summit. We are here just to scope things out and in 20 minut ...

You cant really tell but it's a camp site down there

First thing you do at camp -- take your boots and socks off!

Can you see the "bear" bag hanging in the trees?

There it is a closer view of a bear bag at Vivian Creek / Halfway camp

Getting ready to head back down ... It would be nice to stay here tonight but we are not prepared for that ...

One last look around the Halfway camp ...

we passed this creepy site on our way back ...

Back at our cabin at Big Bear -- what a nice day and a beautiful evening by the fireplace

Back at home - these guys had a workout -- best boots by the way -- they are LOWAs