San Jacinto in a Snow Flurry

[Sally]

I hadn't taken a hike in the last few weeks as my mother was very ill and I wanted to spend my days off with her. She passed away last Friday at the age of 93. In her youth Mom traipsed about the mountains above Altadena. Later she and my dad would take daily walks in the Verdugos behind Glendale. She was an artist and taught watercolor classes until a few weeks ago. Mom taught me to appreciate all things beautiful.

So I was in dire need of a mind-cleansing hike, and Ellen offered to accompany me despite a nasty sinus infection. Yesterday we met at the tram, along with a busload of tourists. It was amusing to see the tourists' reaction to our snowshoes and ice axes (we were going to try and do some glissading, thus the axes.)

When we got to the ranger station we put on our snowshoes. The sun was shining. This wasn't anything like the cold and snow the weather report predicted. I stripped down to a short-sleeved t-shirt, as I knew I would have to stop and shed layers soon anyway.

There was about 8 to 12 inches of fresh snow on the ground, and we followed a nice set of snowshoe tracks up the left side of the drainage. Then we crossed back over to Tamerack. As we began our ascent up to Miller Saddle, the tracks stopped and Ellen began breaking trail. Clouds began to gather and we put on extra clothing before we got to the ridge. Right as we were nearing the Peak a whiteout descended upon us. Ellen began to poop out (if you can believe that!) and I took the lead. I couldn't see the peak but Ellen assured me that we would get there if I just kept going up. Soon we were at the summit. We took some pictures and found our way by braille to the hut.

We had lunch, and when we went back outside it was snowing. After bumbling about a bit we found our tracks and began our way down. Every once in a while the sun would break through the snowflakes. When the sun shines through the rain you get a rainbow. When the sun shines while it's snowing do you get a "snowbow?" I didn't see one. Hmmm... I guess there's no such thing. We didn't glissade down the mountain as planned because the snow wasn't right and we were trying to beat the weather.

We got back to the ranger station at 4:30. The snow was bouncing off the ground like hail - maybe it was sn-ail. It was really odd. There were no shrieking kids sledding, and the tram station was nearly deserted. We treated ourselves to tram pizza and beverages. It had been a long day.

Thank you Ellen for being such a loyal friend. I really needed that special time.

[DaddyLongLegs]

Wow, nice trip report. So sorry to hear about your mother. When I'm in the mountains, I sometimes feel like I'm spending time with my father.

I really liked your snowbow remark -- clever!

[lilbitmo]

Sally, sorry about your mom, like Sam said the mountains can really put us in touch with those that we miss - thanks for sharing that.

[NormaR]

Having a parent who teaches you to appreciate all things beautiful is a priceless gift. Having her in your life until she was 93 was like wrapping that gift with a bow. How precious. Glad you could share your first hike out after her passing with a good friend on such a beautiful mountain.

Regards to you Sally,
Norma

[Hikin_Jim]

Hi, Sally,

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. (((Sally)))
(that's an on-line hug)

Super that you got out. Sometimes that does help.

Take care,

HJ

[Lcpl Hughes]

Hello Sally

Sorry to hear about your mom, but it sounds like she had a wonderful life and an artist! That is awesome

Cheers to you and your hike with Ellen and many more..hope to hike with you someday

[zippetydude]

That was touching, Sally. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Hope to see you on the trail soon.

z

[guest]

Hi Sally,
Add my thoughts to the others, nature & solitude has a way of bringing us closer to ourselves & soul, I'm sure your Mom is close.

I'm impressed with both of your nav skills in those conditions, even if you've been there a bunch.

Sometimes experiencing the elements makes us feel more alive it seems.

peace,

scott

[zippetydude]

Hi Sally,

I'm impressed on both of your nav skills in those conditions, even if you've been there a bunch.

Clearly God was near you if Ellen was leading in a blizzard and you didn't get lost. (Sorry, it was just hangin' there waiting to be said).

z

[Sally]

Thank you everyone for your kind words.



There have been times when my Mom would have flipped out if she saw some of my mountain escapades.



Now she'll probably be watching my every move!