Tahquitz Drainage - mission failed

[RMRUpete]

We hiked from top to bottom every time and always spent a night in the canyon. We would climb up the canyon sides and go around waterfalls and then drop back into the canyon bottom. Again if you go to the RMRU web site and choose NEWSLETTERS and look in May-July 1971-1979 for the training writeups you can read about the trips. Also many interesting rescues took place in Tahquitz Canyon back in the 1970's.

Donovan's camp was above the waterfall in Long Canyon just before the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon. The best way in would be from the Tramway and hike down Long Canyon or maybe the ridge to the South of Long Canyon. You could walk out the ridge very easily and then drop down into Long Canyon. Either way you will have haevy brush the last one half mile to the camp and some steep downhill and possible 3rd class climbing.

Anyone doing this should plan on 1 night out and be in top shape.

REMEMBER Donovan DIED here and the Texas coupld had to light a fire to be RESCUED. THIS IS NOT AN EASY HIKE, but would be a great adventure and lots of fun. To exit either hike back up the way you can in or find any exit to the ridge on the North and go down the Skyline Trail.

[wb]

To review some truly unremarkable trip photos - and that is overstating it - the link is here: http://picasaweb.google.com/wb104475/TahquitzCanyon#

For those who are interested in learning more about the treacherous and remarkable Tahquitz Canyon, there are resources on the rmru.org web site that you should consider at this site: http://www.rmru.org/newsletter.htm

To save a little time, these newletters in particular: 12/1970, 7/1971, 2/1973, 4/1973, 7/1973, 7/1974, 6/1977, 9/1979.

Thanks to RMRUpete for the heads-up. It looks like many of these Training Reports and After-Action Reports were written by RMRUpete. If my math is correct, he has been performing rescues in and around the San Jacinto Wilderness for more than 40 years - as a volunteer.

Thanks Pete. You are a true hero in my book.

[Hikin_Jim]

To review some truly unremarkable trip photos - and that is overstating it - the link is here: http://picasaweb.google.com/wb104475/TahquitzCanyon#

For those who are interested in learning more about the treacherous and remarkable Tahquitz Canyon, there are resources on the rmru.org web site that you should consider at this site: http://www.rmru.org/newsletter.htm

To save a little time, these newletters in particular: 12/1970, 7/1971, 2/1973, 4/1973, 7/1973, 7/1974, 6/1977, 9/1979.

Thanks to RMRUpete for the heads-up. It looks like many of these Training Reports and After-Action Reports were written by RMRUpete. If my math is correct, he has been performing rescues in and around the San Jacinto Wilderness for more than 40 years - as a volunteer.

Thanks Pete. You are a true hero in my book.

What do you mean unremarkable? Good job! Great photos especially since they're "narrated." Fabulous trip and, yep, really frickin' rugged.

HJ

[Nick-SJM]

Pete has been on the RMRU team for over 40 years. He is remarkable. Many RMRU members have learned a lot from him. Among other things, I have learned that age doesn't have to slow us down. Pete is still one of the fastest hikers on the team. Go Pete.

[guest]

Thanks for the photos and informative narration Wes, as HikinJim mentioned, this adds so much more to what were seeing. The cold & dark canyon must have felt spooky at times.
Your one hardy dude, and folks, don't go in there, you may not come back, as Nick & Pete mentioned.
These canyons can suck you in & swallow you whole!

ss

[Tim Le]

I agree, Wes you're one hardy fellow. I followed the Donovan and Texas couple story when it happened and have always been intrigued by where they ended up. It sounded like a lost world back there.

I'm impressed that you were willing to go down this unknown canyon. Doing blind descents down a canyon (that is go down a canyon without ever having gone up it) has always worried me because there is a possibility of being trapped.

[bluerail]

Amazing and very impresssive. I'm sure, many times you thought it was crazy. Lots of memories there I bet.

[wb]

Thanks for the positive and encouraging comments regarding my descent down Tahquitz Canyon drainage. Fact is, I underestimated the danger involved and now (as then) view the episode as a stupid thing to do.

I should have sought counsel on this message board and partnered with someone familiar with the drainages. Lesson learned.

One positive note, however, is discovering the kind and considerate souls on this message board. I hope to join in on some of the publicized, future outings. The sane ones, at least...

[Hikin_Jim]

I hope to join in on some of the publicized, future outings. The sane ones, at least...

In that case, you won't be doing much hiking -- considering this group.



HJ

[bluerail]

I think you're gonna fit in just fine buddy. Can't wait to meet you.