TRADITIONSMATTER!!! Picture this… Los Angeles, Sunday morning, January 1, 2006, Sierra and I were bored out of our gourd and needed to get our hike on. We have spent many weekends in the Angeles Crest area and since it had recently snowed, I thought it would be fun to play in the snow with her, again. The drive up the Angeles Crest Highway is not only long and windy, but at times a bit scary, especially knowing that at least one person dies on the road every weekend. Tricked out cars use this road to test out their, idk, whatever they test out. And crotch rockets, usually become road kill, as they cross over the double yellow, speed around tight corners and boom! Anywhoo, Sierra and I headed up the Angeles Crest Highway in search of snow. First site of any amount of snow worthy of Sierra wasn’t until the Mt. Wilson turnoff. Mueller Tunnel trailhead was the first safe turnoff with trail in site, so we unloaded and followed the well-traveled trail. The trail is a gentle uphill grade, simple enough for novice hikers. Built by the US Forest Service in 1942, Mueller Tunnel serves as a gateway to the top of Mt. Lowe. Our first time up the trail, I wasn’t sure where it would lead, nor what was ahead, so we just kept going. At last, not too far from the tunnel, we came across four points, meaning four separate trails going in four separate directions. One leading to Mt. Disappointment, another to, well, I don’t really know, and A third met the Sam Merrill trail, which leads to the top of Mt. Lowe. Sierra was leading and she led us straight, which offered stunning views of snow covered mountains. Yep, that was it, Sierra loved to catch snowballs and enjoyed eating snow out of my hands. Sunday morning, January 1, 2006 was the first day of what would become an annual tradition for Sierra and I. Although she passed away in 2013, I have kept this tradition alive and have continued to hike this area every year on this day, January 1, every year, for as long as I am able. LIGHTATTHEENDOFTHETUNNEL: Although parking can be a challenge in this area, both because of the windiness of road, race cars and crotch rockets speeding around the bends, pulling off the road to park requires much care. However, once parked and unloaded, this simple to follow trail offers many striking views of tree filled or snowy mountains, depending on what time of year you decide to… start your own tradition. During warm months, watch out for rattlers. All year, watch out for Poodle Dog Brush. Even though Poodle Dog is only supposed to grow and live the first 10 years after a fire, and the fires that hit this area was well over 10, Poodle Dog is still around. DISCLAIMER: Hiking is not something that can be taken lightly. It can be life-threatening as you see and hear on the news, people die or get lost all time. Please, if you are going to hike, never go alone and prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Remember when going for a hike, no matter how short you think it may be, always be prepared. Carry at least two liters of water for every five miles(more if the weather is warm), protein bar, nuts, and electrolytes. Wear sturdy lug sole shoes and protective clothing. Some areas the weather can change quicker than a fireman can put on his gear. It is also very important, always always always let a family member or friend know where you are going and when you expect to be back. Lastly, have fun when you hike it up.
