Weldon Peak

Met Don (Keckel?) and Mei on the peak.  Don has been hiking since the 70s and knew a great
many of the names signed in the register.  He also pointed out a number of individuals
who had died (including one who died on Kilaminjaro (sp?)).  I believe he had mentioned
that he had done 29 peaks in a single day and that there is a record of 34 in one day.
He also mentioned some 24 hour race which was about 40 miles and 19,000 ft. elevation
gain.

The pinnacle of rock where the register is has an optional class 4 or 5 section about 20 feet
high.

Driving time from Bakersfield to the parking area was about 2 hours (approach via Jawbone
Canyon and the Jawbone road).  I believe this is considerably shorter than the other
approaches.  I think going up the incredibly curvy Piute road from Walker Basin was 3 hours
or more.  The Jawbone road is in very good condition all the way into Kelso Valley and
beyond.  It really deteriates however at the switchbacks leading up the mountain.

You really can't see Weldon Peak from the parking area which can make things a little confusing.
Just park anywhere close to the hairpin turn and then head south-west downhill.  You will
shortly reach the Pacific Crest Trail which parrallels the road for about a mile.  If you
want you can drive approximately 1 mile North from the hairpin turn and park there.  At this 
point the PCT crosses over the road to the other side.

The PCT turns into the dirt road just a hundred yards or so beyond the locked gate at the
hairpin turn.  Why this one initial stretch of the road is supposed to be considered off-
limit I don't understand.  On the way back out most people probably miss the PCT and
end up at the gate anyway.