Another 22000 ft elevation gain week end

[Ellen]

Howdy all

First, I'd like to congratulate the phenomenal hikers who completed C2C on Saturday

I hiked Skyline with my buddy Lance yesterday. It's the first time that I've ever hiked Skyline when the trail has been damp as low as the museum. Also the first time I've started hiking Skyline in a long sleeve shirt I stripped down to a short sleeve shirt at the picnic tables. I started and ended in shorts.

It was a beautiful, pristine day. Hardly any wind compared to last Saturday. The snow began at about 7,000 feet. Thanks to the intrepid Outdoors club hikers, it was easy to follow their foot steps up through the snow. There were some icy spots where the snow had melted and re-frozen. I stepped very deliberately as I have no desire to meet my ancestors.

Long Valley was spectacular -- covered with snow but little wind. I ate my sandwich while sitting on a rock and was perfectly comfortable in shorts, fleece jacket, and gloves. Where else but southern California?

Two other fast Skyline hikers who caught up with us in Long Valley kindly ferried us back to my car at the museum. Enjoyed the ritual post-hike meal at Las Consuelas.

I suspect that by next weekend, the last 1,500 feet of Skyline will be very icy and require crampons and ice-axe.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Cy Kaicener]

Nice going Ellen - Thats twice in two weeks This weekend will probably have a lot more snow and ice. I may have to check it out from the top (Long Valley). My other option is to go up half way and look from there.

[zippetydude]

Ellen: Wow! When you described yourself as a "polar bear" you weren't kidding! Sandwiches in the snow! Incidentally, "polar bear" may not be the most flattering description - you might consider "polar babe" or "polar blond".

z

[AlanK]

Ellen: Wow! When you described yourself as a "polar bear" you weren't kidding! Sandwiches in the snow! Incidentally, "polar bear" may not be the most flattering description - you might consider "polar babe" or "polar blond". z

But not Bipolar Blond.

[Ellen]

Howdy Z and Alan



When I met Jim at Cy's birthday lunch, I learned that Michiko's nickname for him is polar bear. I certainly don't want to hijack Jim's nickname, so I'll stick with Dead/Bloody Blond Hiking -- at least it's better than Cactus Ass

Miles of smiles,
Ellen