Elwood M. Pudding

Just in case you haven't yet had the pleasure, I thought I'd introduce you to Elwood, who in this photo has fallen asleep in his carrier, his face so heavy it has fallen down into the carpet. Aparently I feed him too much as he's gained one whole pound in the short amount of time that I've had him. Anyway, he is one of the reasons our hikes are not as plentiful, as I like to stay home and cuddle him instead of venturing into the early morning nature on the weekends.

Hoegees Loop

It's been a while as I locked myself out by foregtting my login info, but here I've finally posted our last hike, our longest hike so far at 5.4 miles. Total elevation gain loss: 1300'/1300' - 2 1/2 hours. Described in our trail book as a "rustic Xanadu", we found it enchanting and magical. It used to be a popular campground, but was destroyed in a wildfire in '53. There are still cabins down there though where people spend thier weekends. We were lucky enough to spot a party of pack mules on there way for some weekend camping fun.

Switzer Falls

Distance: 3.6 Miles
Total elevation gain/loss: 700'/700'

This was an awesome hike!
Kristen joined us at 7:30 am on our way out of town to a hike near Flint Ridge / Mt. Wilson. David found himself a trusty hiking staff, and Kristen made friends with a Fred Flinstone like-club. The trail goes back and forth over a modest stream, so you have to pick your way over rocks or fallen logs, no bridges. One mile down into the canyon you find the remnants of Switzer camp, according to our guide book there was a wilderness resort in 1884, patronized by Hollywood celebrities in the 1900s. It's beautiful - there's an old car engine mostly buried into the ground right before the waterful. David found away to climb up the side of the falls where there is another deeper pond above.

Bear Flat

Distance: 3.5 miles
Total Elevation gain/loss: 1300'

Our first treck was New Years Eve day. We left around 8 am for the community of Mt. Baldy Village. Lindsey used the restroom behind the visitor's center and encountered the coldest toilet seat EVER. The trail was a little tricky to find, even though it's marked by a sign, it's very randomly placed, and you have to go through the little town chapel parking lot to see where it really begins.








We befriended "Flicker" the friendly dog, resident of Mt. Baldy Village who seems to follow all the hikers up the hill and back. We say residences along the way up who have platform pullies across the gorge and swinging bridges for access to the road. At the destination Bear Flat, we found a big Yucca tree and some icy patches. Lindsey was sore for the next 2 days.

Welcome to Big Time Hiking!

Welcome to Big Time Hiker's blog, Lindsey and David as we discover that by driving a mear half hour out of Los Angeles, we find nature flourishing in majestic splendor all around. With two beautiful hikes under our belts, I'll soon be posting our photos and stories of our weekend adventures. Yes, we do have an Adventure Pass now for exploring the Los Angeles Forest. Hopefully you'll even want to join us sometime to join in the fun.