Halloween round valley report

[ishootstars]

Last minute decision this morning to go up the tram for a day hike while the weather is still good. I got a late start after battling 2 hours of traffic coming from Orange County and knew a trip to the peak would be pushing it. Instead I climbed up to the ridge between and Yale and Cornell peaks and hung out with family of mule deer all afternoon that weren't the least bit bothered by my presence. I followed them down to Round Valley meadow and watched them graze for a few minutes before heading back to the tram. On my way back I stopped by the Round Valley spring to top off my water and it's slowed considerably since my last trip up in August. Another beautiful day up on the mountain. Brought my camera along and took a couple of pics.










My 2nd encounter in 2 months with this guy










Some of the friendliest park rangers i've met

[Andy]

Thanks for the report ishootstars. Those pictures make me want to call in sick and head up there. I especially like the shot of that buck, wow!

[gprunner]

Thank you for sharing those beautiful pictures. IMO,it is well worth driving 2hours to be in a place like that. I plan to be there tomorrow for 3 days.[/quote]

[Florian]

I like that shot inside the ranger station.

-Florian

[Ulysses]

That look like Gene Rojek on patrol. He's an inspirational character. Quite the hiking fool. He's in his 80's and still volunteers as a lookout at Tahquitz Peak and works 4 shifts straight. I tease him about his girlfreind who is 20 years younger.

[Ellen]

Howdy IShootStars

Great pictures, thank you! I am envious -- you seem to be a deer magnet. I would love to see a buck -- so far I've only seen does on San Jacinto. Also hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive big horn sheep.

I think San Jacinto has awesome rangers too, but I'm a big biased

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[ishootstars]

Howdy IShootStars

Great pictures, thank you! I am envious -- you seem to be a deer magnet. I would love to see a buck -- so far I've only seen does on San Jacinto. Also hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive big horn sheep.

I think San Jacinto has awesome rangers too, but I'm a big biased

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

Ellen, thank you for the kind words. Yesterday was incredible. Everywhere I hiked I ran into deer. Glad I decided to lug my heavy camera gear up there-totally worth it.
Im going to try and cram 1 more trip in next week weather permitting. I will be on the lookout for the big horn now that I know they are in the area. San Jacinto definitely has the coolest rangers. Can't wait to go back!

[ishootstars]

That look like Gene Rojek on patrol. He's an inspirational character. Quite the hiking fool. He's in his 80's and still volunteers as a lookout at Tahquitz Peak and works 4 shifts straight. I tease him about his girlfreind who is 20 years younger.

Gene's awesome!

[lesper4]

Great pictures!

[HH8]

hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive big horn sheep.

You need to look up more. They like watching foolish humans.