Junction of the spur trail to Comings Cabin at a low point along the ridge. The trail was mostly sticking to the west side of the ridge, so I was shielded from the sun for much of the morning.

First bit of sunlight cresting the ridge as I approached the Big Pines trail junction.

Trio of trailsigns at the Ventana/Big Pines trail junction. Left turn takes you toward Big Pines Camp and the Blue Rock Ridge. My path would lead right onto the Ventana Trail. (Note that the sign on the left says 8 miles to VDC)

Flag marking the second route back to Big Pines camp. This was the trail I had taken on my Uncle Sam trip.

Another trail sign near the second Big Pines junction. This sign is a decent distance from the first junction's sign but VDC (i.e Ventana Lookout) is still listed as 8mi away. Passed a large troop of boy scouts camping at the outermost of the Pat Springs camps.

Pat Springs. Stopped and restocked my water and chatted with the Scoutmaster from the BSA troop who was fetching water for the camp. Missed the turn out of Pat Spring (again!) and wandered down the use path for a bit.

Back to the Ventana Trail after bushwhacking my way over the ridge from Pat Spring.

The Ventana Ridge came back into view as I continued toward Uncle Sam. I think thats South Ventana Cone visible through the Puerto Suello Gap. VDC/Window/Kandlbinder off to the right.

One of the numerous "pre attack" signs that were scattered throughout the trail. The Ventana trail was in good condition with little encroachment and few deadfalls.