A group of us (Craigmeister, Diana, Speedy Steve, Patti, Anya, Cameron, Steve Larson, and Carmen) joined our pain sista Tina Fiori for Skyline on Sunday.
Even Doug made an appearance as we were snacking at Flatrock. Steve noted that on Saturday, there was no place to sit that was free of snow. We teased Tina about opening a deli at Flatrock -- she shared numerous yummy treats she'd hauled up the trail.
I was attired in my usual shorts and t-shirt, but added microspikes, light gloves and Caprilene shirt shortly after leaving Flatrock We climbed into the clouds and mist and I switched to a Smartwool shirt and down gloves at about 7 K. At the start of the traverse, I added my down jacket and fleece hat.
Steve and Diana had broken in the trail on Saturday, which was a blessing to my knackered body. Even so, the traverse to Coffman's and climb to Grubbs Notch seemed to take forever. This was the most snow I've seen on the traverse since early 2011. We whooped and hollered at Grubbs, then scrambled up the rocks to the tram where the celebration was in full swing. A wonderful day with old and new friends.
I completely hit the wall at 5 PM and started whinning about wanting to go home. Apologies to my friends for being a party pooper. Note to self -- do not hike the day before Skyline. Grabbed a wonderful to-go cheeseburger at John's before heading home.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
