A Cookin' C2C

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Disclaimer -- the title of this post refers to the HEAT -- not my pace

Had a wild hair yesterday and decided to go up Skyline. I knew that the San Jacinto hiking club would be going to the summit from the tram, so I would have company to the summit if I could still move after coming up Skyline

Left a bit before 4 AM. Wow it was HOT I knew it would be toasty and was prepared. Drank a quart of water immediately before starting -- easier inside than on my back. Purposely slowed my pace. Slathered on sunscreen at 4.3 K. On the Never Ending Ridge, the insects came out with a vengence. A biting fly caught me in the back underneath my pack I finally could not take it anymore and drenched myself with 100% DEET at about 7 K. Ah... relief at last.

Got to Grubbs Notch in under 6 hours and headed over to the ranger station to wait for my friends. The half-hour wait gave me time to rest, refill my Camelbak and refuel. It was great to see Kathryn, Lindella, Hengst Joe and other friends come down the ramp. Kathryn got the permit and we headed off. I was immediately gasping like a gaffed salmon (that one is for you, HJ ) and dropped to the back of the group.

Hiked with Lindella to the summit and refueled again. It was amazingly warm even on top. We got the required summit photo and then headed back down. The descent always beats me up after the 11 K climb. Periodically I asked Lindella to stop a moment to let the pain subside a bit. Staggered up the cement switchbacks directly to the tram bar -- AJ took good care of us as always. Kathryn and Max showed up shortly thereafter. We had a nice time chatting and then hunger took over. Had dinner at my favorite Mexican food establishment with Lindella, Kathryn and Max before driving home. Wasn't worried about staying awake -- the pain took care of that

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[bluerail]

Yep..it was warm yesterday. Fern and I left the Museum after work yesterday about 4:30 the heat killed us the whole way up, but got up just in time to watch the most beautiful moon rise.

Stupid weather for Skyline is back. That musta been a tough C2C, are you changing temperature tactics? That seems like a warm trip for a polar bear, that heat sure changes things.

[Cy Kaicener]

Thats awesome for a polar bear Ellen. It seems that you are impervious to Cold, Clawing Manzanita, Wind, Sleet and Heat Thats a good speed for hot weather.

[Ellen]

Howdy Speedy Steve

Thanks for the ride back to my car last Sunday It's always great to see the Dynamic Duo, Patti and Doug.

Normally I hike with Sally on Wednesdays. She couldn't go, so I considered other options. When I saw that Kathryn's San Jacinto group was going up from the tram, I figured I'd have company for the last part.

This was also a good training hike for the JMT -- I start from Yosemite six weeks from tomorrow.

You're right about the stupid Skyline weather. Even leaving before 4 AM, I was struggling. It didn't get cooler as I ascended, a sure sign of summer.

You and Fern are amazing to do Skyline in the afternoon. Ugh I'd melt and become a polar bear puddle. Glad you got the reward of the beautiful moon rise.

Howdy Cy

As I like to say, there's a reason the word "once" was invented. Won't be doing another warm C2C.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

Had a wild hair yesterday and decided to go up Skyline.

Why, yes, that is very unusual for you, Ellen. Skyline?! Really?

I was immediately gasping like a gaffed salmon...

It's normal to be a bit green around the gills on a hike like that. Many people feel quite eel. Someday, you'll look back and have a good gaffaw and it'll suddenly spawn on you that it was a great hike. My advice: continue to scale mountains. You'll be fin.

I look forward to your tall tail this weekend,

HJ