Skyline this Saturday?

[bluerail]

oh...and like your gonna be miserable with that, right ?


...Sure Hal

[neverwashasbeen]

Having hiked with Hal, it might not be so fun. I think I'll take my chances on Skyline.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I made the mistake of getting vaccinated on Thursday. This vaccine included the H1N1 (Swine Flu) as well as vaccines against two other expected strains.

Went to work out afterwards and felt like carp, which made no sense. Got home to do some writing and started running a low grade temperature, feeling weak, and having joint pain. I was reminded of Skunk getting vaccinated and missing the spring moonlight Skyline hike due to experiencing similar side effects from the vaccine. Got up Friday, same symptoms -- arrgh I felt like I had been vaccinated against Skyline

I didn't want to miss the potential for great weather. Met Kathryn, Lindella (a Skyline first timer) and Mark at 5 AM and headed up. We asked Mark to go ahead as we couldn't keep up. I could tell by the picnic tables that I would be struggling all day. It was cool (around 60 degrees) but somewhat humid. As always, I love looking up at the stars and down at the desert lights. It's also really fun to introduce to a newbie to Skyline. We watched the sun come up on the ridge above Shade Rock as we took a fuel break. The clouds over San San Jacinto looked onimous but there was a beautiful rainbow.

At 4000, an artic wind started blowing. Then it started to rain. We donned rain jackets and gloves. In the enchanted garden the wind completely died down but the rain continued. We were sweating inside our jackets and decided we might as well get rained on and took off the jackets The rain stopped at 5 K. San Jacinto was shrouded in clouds and mist. The play of light and clouds on the Santa Rosas was enchanting.

We ran into several Palm Springs hikers at St. Florian's cache. One was also a Skyline first timer. They headed on and we took a lunch break at Flat Rock. SDAthlete and his Ironman friend showed up -- they had started two hours behind us Chatted for a while before they headed up. Right as Kathryn, Lindella and I were packing up, Indie Jack and Hengst Joe arrived. The five of us stayed together for the remainder of the hike.

The wind scrubbed the desert floor clean and sunlight sparkled off the Salton Sea. San Jacinto stayed shrouded in clouds and mist -- occasionally we could see Coffman's Crag and the tram cables peaking out. The final 2500 ft was an absolute feast for the eyes -- gorgeous views below and above. Reached the traverse and the temperature dropped suddenly -- it felt 20 degrees cooler than in the manzanita.

At Grubbs Notch we congratulated Lindella on her first Skyline and then scrambled up the rocks to the tram viewing platform. Even after her first Skyline, Lindella didn't want to go up the cement switchbacks Her disdain for the ramp prove she's a San J veteran

Thanks to Mother Nature and my friends for a beautiful day.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Kathryn61]

Great TR Ellen!
The dramatic weather made that particular Skyline hike one of the most beautiful and magical that I've ever experienced!
Congratulations Lindella!

Kathryn

[SDathlete]

Nice TR Ellen...great to see everyone and meet some new faces.

Double this Saturday!

[Ellen]

Howdy SD Athlete

It was great to see you again and meet your Ironman friend Thanks for hanging out a bit to socialize -- I can only talk with you fast folks when you're not hiking

I have to be in Boston this weekend so will miss the Terrible Two (aka Skyline Double) Please take good care of my pain sister Tina.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

Looking up at San J from the ridge above Shade Rock.

[img][img]http://img5.glowfoto.com/images/2010/11/02-0906099823T.jpg[/img][/img]