C2C Friday 11/6

[neverwashasbeen]

Dan, it was great to meet you and your group at Flatrock. Glad you had fun, that's way more important than anything else. Please let us know next time you head out this way, I'd like to do some hiking with your group.

[guest]

Dan,
Thanks for taking the time to write your report. We locals have been working on getting info out to minimize rescues, (there's been plenty!), and maximize enjoyment of the challenge.
When folks who are considering Skyline or C2C, many find this board, (we hope). Reading suggestions from 1st timers like you, (even though you've done some great, tough hikes), is very helpful. I also appreciated your tips on simple safety & survival tools. Sometimes folks figure their within a few miles of the city, tram (or maybe Idyllwild), without realizing a few miles in the dark, with cold winds and confusing terrain is a tough place to be.

Glad you had a great experience, (I took a few on C2C a week ago, 2 in their early 70's and they were solid).

peace, ss

[hawkbill666]

Thanks NY Dan,

The perspective helps as I was trying to get a RIM2RIM2RIM kicked off the end of this month, but its not looking likely as the North RIM closure is just so variable right now.

I too turned away around a 1000 feet or so short on my first attempt at C2C (the one I said took 18 hours), only we turned away around 6pm, and had to hustle to make the tram. For us it was partially conditioning as my brother in law was struggling, so we took lots of time doing things like spending an hour looking for someone geocache, hanging out at flatrock, etc.
But we came back the next two years and made it to the summit.

Yes, a space blanket and then some. All three times we have been the last people on the tram side of the mountain, in the dark and cold. The two summits we met one guy with a dog each time (what is that all about) but they headed down the summit to Idyewild, so we headed down and did not see a soul until the tram. As you noted its cold up there in October/November - I would hate to twist an ankle coming off the summit in the wind and cold I always encounter and not be prepared.

Thanks for the trip report, hopefully you will be back. I find it easy to come up with reasons to visit Palm Springs, mostly because I was born and raised there , but even if I wasnt, the SUN is a good enough reason

Scott

[cynthia23]

Congrats Dan on your success, and thank you for your clear and honest TR. Frankly, not everyone is so honest--we get too many 'bosts' or TRs that shorten the trip times and exaggerate their accomplishments. It's the hiking equivalent of fisherman's tales. But, it isn't just a matter of 'harmless' vanity because such 'bosts' deceive others into thinking the trail is easier than it is, and that potentially cause rescues and life-threatening events. So thank you! I also appreciate that you shared with us your conditioning and training as that too helps people evaluate whether they are really ready for this very tough hike.