Two groups met at the La Cañada carpool area at the appointed hour of 7:30. After sorting out our portion, numbering 20, we carpooled out Angeles Crest, regrouping once before continuing down to the parking area below Buckhorn Campground. Around 9:00, we were underway down the Burkhart Trail to Cooper Canyon, arriving at Burkhart Saddle in two hours. These canyons are normally damp and lush. This year, they are somewhat dried out; some of the ferns have even turned brown. After a catch-up break, we ascended the ridge to Will Thrall Peak, arriving a few minutes after noon. Again, we waited for the stragglers to catch up, then continued on to Pleasant View Ridge for a long lunch break. The air was clear and pleasantly cool, a near-perfect hiking day.
By 1:25, we were starting back with fearless Mary in the lead. Upon reaching Burkhart Saddle, the group divided in two, with Ray Riley leading the fast group out. This allowed the remainder of us to saunter back, hitting the parking lot about 4:30 after a three hour return trip. Afterward, a small group met for dinner at a Mexican restaurant in La Cañada.
