C2C hike next weekend

[kevsd75]

Hello All. There is a handful of us C2C newbies heading up next weekend. We have all read the blogs and sites about the hike but was hoping to hear some more up to date info from recent hikes and seasoned hikers. Any and all info is appreciated.
As of now, we are all bringing 1.5-2 gal water, hiking boots, microspikes, and trek poles. How is the trail looking as of today?

[Ellen]

Howdy Kevsd75

We'll have a better idea of conditions on Skyline after folks go up this Easter weekend. Please see my comments to B. Little re: weather and expected trail time. I doubt you'll need microspikes for next weekend.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[kevsd75]

Did anyone do C2C over Easter weekend? Any condition updates? Snow? Ice? Any gear suggestions?

[kevsd75]

Hey Ellen, great meeting you at the trailhead. You actually took our group pic for us. What are the odds? Small world. So, we started with 7. Made pretty good time to the tram for first-timers with several breaks to allow the slower hikers to catch up. Probably an hour of breaks in all. Made it to the tram in 7 hours. 5 of us made it to Wellman's Divide by 3p after a break at the Ranger station.
We passed several hikers going up to the Wellmans. All but one group said we should turn around and that it would be near impossible to summit due to time of day and depth of snow (+3 feet) because we didn't have snow shoes.
2 of us stubborn S.O.B.s decided to go for it. (At this point my legs were mush. First time C2C and not avid hiker).
Needless to say, we summtited at 510p. Mental fortitude pushed me through. The 5 mils hike back to the tram was damn tough though. Gas tank completely empty. Darkness fell over the valley within a couple minutes of getting to the tram. I couldn't have asked for a more challenging and gratifying day.
Thanks to the bloggers on here for the good advice.
Nice to meet the most famous C2C'er, Ellen, as well. Im sure she got to the tram in half the time we did!!

[kevsd75]

Ps, for anyone wishing to do the true C2C in the next couple of weeks, bring microspikes. They aren't as necessary on the way up from the tram, but as the afternoon gets colder, the trails become a little sketchy and icey. They will be a big help if your legs become as jello as mine were! Safe hiking!

[Sally]

Hi kevsd75,
Congratulations on your C2C! I'm glad you didn't listen to those nay-sayers because it sounds like you had enough time, and you still could have turned around if the deep snow got to you. On my first C2C the rangers tried to discourage us, saying it would be dark on the way back, but we had headlamps, spare batteries, and there wasn't any snow on the ground at the time. We went for it, and I didn't regret it!
Great job!

[Gregory]

Congratulations on your achievement and thank you for describing the conditions. I called the Long Valley Ranger Station today and was told that crampons/microspikes are a must and that snow shoes might be helpful around the peak. I know you said to bring microspikes, but did you have trouble with post holing (sinking into the snow) on your ascent to the peak?

[kevsd75]

The poles did sink into the snow. It was an annoyance, but still didn't deter us. Microspikes will help on the hike down and won't hurt your ascent. True crampons are not needed. There are enough footprints to step in that trailblazing isn't needed. Make sure to have pole with the added shroud (like a ski pole) to give yourself a bigger footprint. I forgot mine at home so it was more of a challange.
I wouldn't suggest pushing it so close like we did. We got to Wellman's a little after 3p and were to the summit and back to tram by 745p on jello legs. I would suggest starting your hike by 4am unless you don't need breaks. We started at 445a and it took us exactly 15 hours. Hopefully will improve that time dramatically next time with less snow and more prepared legs.
Good luck!

[Gregory]

Thanks so much for the detailed information! Have a great week as you bask in having accomplished your goal!

[Ellen]

Howdy Kev

Congratulations!!! A full C2C (desert to peak to tram) is a butt kicker for me even without snow.

Thanks for your kind words, but the true Queen and King of Skyline are Doreen and Cy.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen