Wednesday Skyline

[Sally]

Yesterday Ellen and I decided to seize what may have been the last snow free (mostly) trip up Skyline for the year. We started out from the museum at 6:15. Ellen said we were going to hike it in about 6 hours. "Yeah, right!" I said to myself. In a matter of minutes we were treated to the most vivid sunrise I've ever seen. Ellen commented something about never having seen a bad sunrise on Skyline. She's right about that!

A couple of ladies were making their way back down from the picnic tables (apparently they go up there every day before work) and were awed that they were in the presence of a "goddess" (in referrence to Ellen.)

While Ellen was cracking the whip, er, I mean setting the pace, I trotted along after her. During that last stretch before flat rock I felt like I had cement blocks for feet, and I was beginning to lag. We got to flat rock, and Ellen suggested continuing up a ways before stopping for a snack.

I felt much perkier after my snack and continued on. Ellen got some distance ahead of me and at one point it appeared that the trail just ended at a little outcropping of rocks. After a brief moment of panic I made the "woo-hoo" sound and she "woo-hooed" back at me. Oh, there's the trail again over there! It's funny how that happens.

Most of the snow that had been on the traverse a couple of weeks ago had melted. There was a little bit of icy snow on the final switchbacks. Then came Ellen's "I'm there!" woo-hoo, and voila, a few moments later I was at Grubs Notch too. It was 12:00 noon. I couldn't believe that I came in at under 6 hours.

We had our celebratory beverages and pretended we were tourists and bought a few doo-dads in the State Park gift shop. When we got to the lower station Indie Jack was there to take us back to the museum. Thanks Jack!

The adventure ended with a great meal at Las Consuelas. What a great day!

[Marknhj]

Congrats Sally! That's awesome

[Cy Kaicener]

Congratulations Sally and Ellen. Great trip report and your timing was excellent
(unless you like a lot of snow which is on the way)

[Ellen]

Howdy Sister Sally

My dear, it was a pleasure as always to hike with you It was also wonderful to have a meal and drive home in the daylight.

Dust off those snowshoes -- we're going to be able to play in the white stuff again before New Year's.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Sally! I still remember your first post...and here you are, one crazy hikin' fool! Great job!

z

[EMan]

Congrats, gals. Happy Holidays!