Saddleback Butte Hike/Camp - "The wind was howling"

 It was the middle of November and that meant it was time to hike to the top of Saddleback Butte.

 A small group of determined Explorers, braving strong winds and cold temperatures, gathered at the trailhead.

 After the photo we started hiking toward the peak.

 The wind was howling as we approached our objective.

 I stopped to take a photo of the group on the summit.

 Another photographer was behind me with the same idea.

 Hiking up the last section of trail I noticed an object in the rocks ahead of me and familiar name.

 It seemed that Spencer really wanted to summit Saddleback Butte and wasn't going to let a trip to Disneyland stand in his way. He had climbed the peak six days earlier.

 Panoramic summit photo courtesy of Peter Choi.

After our summit photo we hiked toward the sunset and returned to the trailhead.

 Back in camp we soon discovered that Mike was the only person who brought firewood.

 Sitting around the fire preparing to continue a tradition. It was a surprise to most and fun for all.

 Lighted restrooms with flush toilets and sinks, Jan's type of camping.

 The next morning the moon was setting in the west.

 As the sun was rising in the east.

Leaving Saddleback Butte State Park just after sunrise.

We enjoyed our visit and will return next year.