Some of us headed for the National Forest behind Mount Baldy for the weekend. 100 plus in the valleys, cool and breezy with clear skies up in the mountains. The canyon we stayed in has such steep walls that when there are fires in the area, they don't seem to be able to travel down into this canyon, so it stays very green.

Because this canyon was at about 7000 feet and faced due east, we got an interesting phenomenon first thing in the morning when the sun was shining UP into the trees!

Took the long way back yesterday [no reason to rush back down into the heat. Crossed the crest of Angeles almost the whole way on some desolate fire roads with great views:

This one looking due west into Los Padres came out really well. Made me realize how spoiled we are having stuff like this less than 20 miles away from home!

Nice! Looks like you can't escape the smog even in the mountains.

This is one of those times I feel like I live on the wrong coast.