Winston Peak and Ridge, Akawie Peak, and Kratka Ridge
Unfortunately I had to start a new account. My old one (pokegobiker) I signed using apple id and there was no way to reset my password due to security and not getting a link to reset it. So I gave up. Guess it's back to square one.
Anyways, ventured out past the gate where the road ended at the 6000 day use. There were no road workers around so I had no problem walking through. Jumped on the PCT to Cloudburst Summit then started the climb up to Winston. Shooted down to the ridge of Winston up north with a steep descent getting back on the PCT then hanging by knife's edge after turning off the PCT. Weaving my way going up the ridge dodging branches and stuff, I made it to Winston Ridge. On the way back, I went a different way going way over to the right of how I got to the ridge, but that hid me from the sun. Going back to the knife’s edge part back to the PCT back up to Cloudburst for an easier return. The Winston arc took me 3 hours with 7 miles and that was just a little over 50% of the total elevation gain.
Continuing on the road enjoying not hearing any vehicles flying by except for planes. Headed over to Akawie, passing the Waterman Ski Lifts. Getting a nice view of Waterman on Akawie, then shifted towards Kratka. Decided to see Buckhorn Campground and oh boy nature is taking over. Might take years to reopen as there was a huge washout destroying the road on the drive into the campground. Leaving the campground, I smelled the burn scars of the trees from the Bobcat Fire aloing the highway.
Making it to the base of Kratka past the ski lift to Vista Picnic Area, started the 700 ft climb in 0.7 miles. I couldnt find the trail so I had to power through climbing up until I found the trail. With the road in sight I got to the top of the ski lift and made the final push. INCREDIBLE views seeing most of the high peaks and the basin. Trekked back down along the road back through Buckhorn one more, it was unfortunately back to the annoying sounds of cars after 7 and a half hours of being out, but hey it was nice to have a quiet part of Angeles National Forest.
Second part of Gabrielino which was my next hike after the first part has been postponed to next year. Darn heatwave
Next episode: Palm View, Spitler, and Apache Peaks