Hiking the Devil's Slide Trail

This Sunday we went back to Idyllwild for a big day hike. I think it was one of the prettiest we've been on with some amazing views and autumn colours. 

It takes us just over an hour to drive into the San Bernadino National Forest and we stopped at the Ranger Station on the way to pick up an adventure pass and wilderness permit so we could hike safely. On the ride up we caught an amazing sight, the clouds were actually below the tops of the mountains and they looked like they were floating above the horizon. 

We got to the trailhead and the path immedietely started to climb. We took the Devil's slide trail, so called because the slope to the side is a pretty steep drop. There were a lot of pine trees which got more sparse the higher we climbed, showing the white rock beneath. As we ascended, we got better views of the opposite mountain as it slowly got further and further below us. 

When we came to Idyllwild last time, we learnt about Tahquitz, the shaman who was trapped under the mountain. Well, the end point for today's hike was the top of this mountain! When we reached the top of Tahquitz peak we could see all around us on every side as this was the highest mountain in the area. We stopped here for lunch and gazed at the peaks below us. There was a fire tower at the top where volunteers keep watch for wild fires in the forest. 


It suddenly got very cold at certain point on the way up and we even saw a few patches of snow. You could feel the difference when you got a little higher or lower and we were glad we brought layers to wear.

We decided to take a different route down and we were so glad we did. It was a lot less travelled and we didn't see a single other group on the detour. We got to see a lot of different environments and colours, there were fields of yellow grass, areas of dry brown ferns, giant trees and areas which had been burnt years before leaving blackened trees. 


The whole journey took us about six hours and it was a lovely day. For more of our photos, you can see them in this online albumn. 

This week we explored the University village a bit more and went for dinner at a vegan fast food place. They did burgers and all the sides, so we tried the BBQ wings and loaded fries which were really good! The wings were the best vegan chicken we've had for a while. They also had cakes, but we were so full after all the rest of it. We then went to see Dune in the cinema and both really enjoyed it. 

This week we also booked our flights home for Christmas! We're hoping the restrictions don't change and it all goes smoothly. We're fully vaccinated and will probably get a booster so we should be ok.

On Friday the University had a little Halloween party, with dressing up, a BBQ and prizes. We went as skeletons, but didn't win anything. We then invited Mitchell's lab back to our house for a bit where we ate more snacks and played some video games. 

Until next time,

Your favourite Emily and Mitchell

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

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