Well, hiking Millard Canyon was our intention as we headed up Lake Avenue in Pasadena and took the several turns that brought us to this trail head.Somehow we missed a very obvious (looking back on it) sign that pointed toward Millard Canyon (photo at left).
Instead we stayed on the paved Sunset Fire Trail that snakes its way up into the mountains. In all, it still was a good hike. We stopped at about the five-mile mark, posting an elevation gain of some 1,300 feet. It was on this hike that I acquired a new app for my iPhone. "Elevation" is a free app that offers a view of one's current elevation in either feet or meters. For those of us wanting to increase our gain, it's a great little tool to have.
It was only on our way back--very close to where we had started--that we noticed a rather obvious sign that would have taken us on the hike we intended. So, right now the thinking is that we will do the "real" Millard Canyon hike on February 17.Even so, we had a beautiful walk, encountering only a handful of hikers. The view was spectacular, though unfortunately somewhat obscured by haze. Perhaps if we do try again next week we will be blessed by clearer skies. Personally, I hope we can add a couple of miles to the round trip, as well. Our planned trip to the Camino de Santiago looms large, with a projected June 20 takeoff. On those days, we will be looking at ten to twelve miles a day, maybe more. Head 'em up, move 'em out.
