Saturday is opening day and it finally cooled off. They might even have a little snow on the ground up on the San Bernardino National Forest although the prediction is for clear skies, low 34, high 68. Perfect.

My #2 son, Joe, and I are heading up a day early to set up camp and do one last scouting trip to a secret canyon we found on Google Earth that looks interesting.

Got my Senior Pass ready (if you're 62+ you should get one, one time fee, good for life at all National Parks), my tags squared away and my pack all packed.

I met my fitness goals. Actually I exceeded them. I've been on the road bike and set a new Personal Best of 28 miles last weekend. I feel ready to hike the hills and valleys up at 6000' to 7000'. Goal for next year is a 'metric century', 100 km.

Gun and ammo ready. I'm ready.