Snow on Skyline?

[cynthia23]

Well, BillC, you made the right decision, and that reminds me of a story (CLICK. CLICK. CLICK. THE SOUND OF A THOUSAND MOUSES HURRYING TO THE NEXT POST.) ... as I was saying, a story about a friend of long ago, also named Bill. But his last name started with a "P". BillP was infamous because when going to see punk bands, he always insisted on fighting his way through the crowd so he could stand in the very front row--even though he could hear exactly the same shrieking cacophany if he just stayed fifty feet back. (Indeed, "Flipper" was somewhat improved by removing yourself from the auditorium altogether.) We called BillP's obsession "touching the stage". Cuz he had to actually touch the stage, see, or he felt he wasn't fully attending the show, or getting his money's worth.

Well, later that year a mutual friend named Gary traveled to Europe with BillP, and they went to a Christmas Midnight Mass at Chartres Cathedral. And here too, Gary later told me, BillP insisted on fighting his way through an angry French mob, solely so he could stand right next to the altar--so he could touch the stage.

And the point of my senile ramblings is .....? Well, whenever I am in the wilderness, and I find myself feeling obsessive, that I HAVE to get to a particular location (7000 feet, the tram station, wherever) even though there is the wilderness equivalent of an angry French mob preventing me--dangerous ice, late hours, etc--I try to remind myself that I am not BillP, and I do NOT have to Touch the Stage. Every part of the wilderness is of value, I don't need to impose my own artificial human standards about what is the "right" or 'perfect' wilderness experience, and I don't need to be obsessive about artificial goals at the expense of my own safety (or other's safety!) The point is the overall experience, not a particular "end zone". So congrats on overcoming your ego and enjoying the experience safely!
(And your prize is ... my coveted 45 of Jello Biafra singing "I did it My Way.")

[billc]

zippetydude - I think the group of 20-somethings was monday - we went on Sunday. If I read it correctly. Anyway, I wouldn't have minded. I will accept some flack from the committee because I was definitely toying with the idea of going "all the way" even when we did decide to turn around.

In case any of you needed a refresher on what a rattlesnake looks like, see my new avatar! He hangs out by the painted rocks at 1700' or whatever. (I have a pretty good zoom lens on my camera so don't worry!)

[FIGHT ON]

Wow c23. That was well said. I think a sign should be made of your post and placed below the traverse area. If anyone creates another "FIX THE TRAIL" topic, a sign gets my vote. I've turned back many times for different reasons. Sure I am disappointed that I did not make it to the top. But you got to figure it's better to be disappointed than to be dead. Again well said.

[Bivouac]

Spent about two hours up there today and kicked in and ice axed across the remaining snow on the chutes...down and back up. Above 20 min rock you will still have to short circuit a few switchbacks but it is fairly easy.

[mookyee]

hey bivouac,

was that above the tram on the way to the summit? what time of day was it? thanks for posting the info!

[Bivouac]

Mookyee,
Hit the trail down at 11:30 and bypassed some snow lying mainly at the end of the switchbacks. At noon i was beyond all snow at the big tree blocking the trail at about 7500 ft.... ON my way back up it was equally soft and made for a fun work project. No way was it dangerous but just a bit inconvenient from the bottom of the crag on up mostly. Probably would cost me 10 more minutes than normal for ALL the snow crossings. . .beginning to end.

[Tim Le]

I'm planning to go up Skyline this Saturday so I'll do a photo recon for the folks going up on the 19th. I'll also report back on conditions in Tamarack Valley if I make it to the summit. If there's anything else anyone wants beta on, just let me know.

[kellie]

Tim Le - You're fantastic! Looking forward to your posting of the photos from your upcoming trip! And a HUGE thanks to everyone for being our eyes out there. Can't wait for the hike on the 19th!

[mookyee]

kellie -

i've got a group going up from the museum 4/19 as well. we're trying to depart 4am, but you know how that goes with groups. i'll start a new topic ... hope to see you there!

[kellie]

Mookyee - We're planning on starting at 3:30am (but knowing our group, it could likely be pushed back till 4 also...) If we do get a headstart from you, say hello when you catch up, I look forward to seeing you on the trail!