The pacific ocean came into view as I gained elevation. With the reflection of the sun off the ocean, it turned out to be pretty warm (would hate to be on this trail in the summer)

The trail headed into tree cover as it turned north. There were a number of downed trees to navigate but nothing overly difficult.

Denser foliage up on the ridgetop with some more downed trees. Island Mountain and the Ventana ridge visible to the north.

A final series of 2-3 switchbacks before gaining the summit ridge. Passed the party that I had seen earlier near here. Summit was getting clouded over and visibility was minimal.

Some sort of structure on a false summit. Not quite sure what it is. The true summit was the next bump along the ridge. There's a better picture here.
Last comment 01/10/2005.

One final dip before climbing to the actual summit. No more switchbacks, just straight up the hill.

The Manuel peak summit is rounded and I didn't see a peak marker. This spot is where the GPS indicated the summit was, though the high point (in the background of the shot) was a little earlier on the trail.

Rainbow over the slopes of Island Mountain on the way back down

Mini panorama of the trail as I headed back down to the junction. Passed a guy standing on the trail talking on his cell phone. (He headed downward after completing the call, so I'm wondering if he just hiked up there to get reception)