Some clouds hanging over the Pine Ridge. South Ventana Cone is cloud free, but VC and VDC are clouded in.

First look at the early part of the traverse as I headed down the far side of Junipero Serra. Light chaparral on the ridgetop that wasn't that hard to navigate.

Looking back up at Junipero Serra from a little way down. That rock outcropping on the upper right is where I took this photo on my last trip.

I was very surprised to find fresh footprints in the dust. Very few people head out this way and these prints could only have been a day or two old. I lost the old road for a bit near here and headed a little bit further south and traversed some more difficult terrain than was strictly necessary.

More signs that someone had been here recently as I saw the first of numerous pink trail marking ribbons. At this point the road and firebreak more or less merged for a mile of easy travel.

About midway through the traverse, the firebreak was wide enough to drive a tank through. The route had been pretty easy up to this point and I was feeling good and wondering why this traverse was rumored to be so difficult. (Would find that out shortly)

Looking back up at the seldom seen back side of Junipero Serra.

For the most part, the road had stuck to the northern side of the ridge but for this section it skirted south of a minor ridge highpoint.

Pinyon getting closer as I continued down the ridge. Bear Mountain now visible on the right, not really looking impressive enough to deserve being a named peak.