In an attempt to make something out of the year 2003, I set my goal as Antsell
Rock. The year before, while on the PCT toward Southwell Peak, our group stopped
long enough to look up the "gully" towards this peak. Our leader was Mars
Bonfire. He cautioned me against trying this climb alone. But, as we moved on
toward Southwell, I vowed to bag Antsell Rock as one of my first 100 peaks.
Seeking a mentor for this hike, I called Mars and explained my situation. He
agreed this was a fascinating peak; and the date was set. Arriving early at the
Idyllwild Ranger Station, I met another HPS group led by Wolf and Karen
Leverich. They were off to Sam Fink Peak. Coincidentally, I would be on a Sam
Fink trail later that same day.
Meeting up with Mars, we traveled to the tranquil scene at the Zen Center. We
proceeded up the Apple Canyon trail to the PCT and the gully approach to Antsell
Rock. Anxious to bag this peak, I simply looked up the gully when asked if I
wanted a break. Mars, ever the conscientious leader, took this as my answer and
we were off and away toward the top. I was advised cautiously on virtually every
foothold I made. Accordingly, I acknowledged the guidance and agreeably fitted
myself with safety rope and harness when maneuvering the vertical ascent. We
were on the top of Antsell before long and enjoyed the rarefied air of peak
conquest.
To complete the day, we traversed the old Sam Fink trail toward Southwell rather
than returning back down the gully. One comes to appreciate the more modern PCT
rather quickly. However, the route taken by the great leader was ingenious, to
say the least. Returning to the PCT, we made our way back to the cars and the
end of a great hike.
