Left a bit after 6 AM with Karin and Rita. Rita and I started in shorts and tee-shirts, to the amazement of everyone else. Kathryn's group which included Lindella and Indie Jack started a bit later. Shortly after the picnic tables the Dynamic Duo (Steve and Fern) flew by -- I experienced air turbulence when I stepped out so Fern could pass
Scott2 and Robin passed us before Shade Rock.
The air temperature wasn't cold, just damp. We could see that we were hiking into the clouds and mist -- it was wonderfully eerie. We kept expecting a hobbit to pop out at the Enchanted Garden. The foliage was damp from the humidity -- everytime we brushed against it, we got wet. It felt like a car wash for humans. Couldn't even see the 5 K ridge until we were upon it and switchbacking up through the red rocks.
One good thing about the clouds/mist/fog -- you couldn't see how much further you had to go on the Never Ending Ridge
Instead, we used the landmarks -- tombstone rock (check), rescue box (check), Florian's cache (check and yippee -- only 10 more minutes to Flat Rock!). At least in cold weather the Never Ending Ridge is warmer than more exposed parts of the trail.
Stopped at Flat Rock for lunch. I donned a Smart Wool long sleeved shirt. Didn't stay long as didn't want to get cold. Headed up through the manzanita -- although I loved the cool temperature I missed the views of the desert and Santa Rosas. We were very happy to reach the "thank you Jesus" rocks at the beginning of the traverse. The sense of being in another world strengthened -- wait, was that Harry Potter zooming by on his broom or is the climb getting to me?
Finally popped out at Coffman's Crag -- where's the BFR? Must be hiding in the mist. Finally started getting rained on, or perhaps it was just drops falling off the trees. Hallelujah, there was even less snow/ice on the final switchbacks than on Wed. Staggered (well, I did) up to Grubb's Notch and lo and behold -- sunlight! What the heck? A bit over five and half hours and NOW we have sunlight
The wind was howling so we wasted no time clambering up the rocks to the viewing station. We were kind of hoping the lights on the tram Christmas tree would come on to announce uor arrival but no go.
Said howdy to the greyhounds (Scott2, Robin, Steve and Fern) and enjoyed the usual assorted beverages at the bar. Karin had hot chocolate, Rita (my fellow polar bear) and I had Sam Adams Winter Fest. Karin helped me with a car shuttle so we piled as many people as we could into my car and headed back to the museum. I had excellent food at Las Casuelas, then headed back up the tram road to meet Indie Jack and take him to his car.
An absolutely wonderful outting with friends. Now where's the damn snow? I think it will be a long time before I ever do four Skylines in eight days again
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
RoboEllen! 4x's in 8 days! legs of steel! you ROCK!
-- brrr....and your conditions were worse 