REI blogger would like to hear from C2C fans

[TDWood]

Hi everyone,

I'm T.D. Wood, primary writer for The REI Blog. I hiked C2C for the first time on Oct. 29. Great trip. Tough, but fun.

I'd like to write about my experience and would like to include some comments from fans of the C2C trail. I've learned this trail has a following. My questions (answer one, some or all if you like):

• What’s the preferred approach to the Skyline Trail: the Ramon Road trailhead or the museum TH? Why do you feel that way?

• Who drops off the emergency water bottles along the trail? Rangers, or local trail angels?

• Has anyone used the rescue phones? If so, what were the circumstances? What was your outcome?

• On Saturday (Nov. 3) I hear a large number of people hiked C2C. Does anyone have an informed estimate of the number who made the attempt? Or how many reached the peak?

• Apparently some people hike the Skyline Trail regularly, like one a week or more often. Can anyone estimate how many people are in this league?

• Some people think the trail has become too popular and is hiked by people who are either ill-prepared for the challenge or are insensitive to the route’s long-term health. If anyone is in that category and would like to comment, please do.

• Anyone have any good stories or tall tales to share about hikes on the C2C route?

The C2C is an interesting trail. I’d like to hike it again someday. Thanks to any and all who reply.

[bluerail]

Since the boxes went in they have actually saved one person that was in severe shape and picked up by helicopter..the trail does get misjudged quite a bit. That was the reasoning behind the rescue boxes. There is a big problem with people taking water out of them simply to continue their hike. That was never the point. They were funded and installed by Palm Springs Mounted Police.
They are stocked by anyone willing to put water in them..which as gotten much better.

There's at least a half a dozen regulars that I know of that do the skyline section at least one or twice a week throughout the year.

I

[physicslord]

Does this trail really need more publicity on a scale such REI?

Kinda have mixed feelings about that.

I wonder if others feel the same?

[KathyW]

What difference does it make if REI blogs about it at this point? We've all done our share of damage by advertising the hike on the internet and encouraging groups, including large loud annoying groups, to do the hike.

I'm learning the hard way that less said is often better, but I think it's too late for Skyline.

[Ulysses]

What difference does it make if REI blogs about it at this point? We've all done our share of damage by advertising the hike on the internet and encouraging groups, including large loud annoying groups, to do the hike.

Agreed. That, and the more that people use and enjoy the trail, the better chance you will have at preserving it for public access.

[tinaballina]

You should do it when we get snow. It ups the challenged a bit.

[Cy Kaicener]

TD - As a blogger myself I would be interested to read about your blog.
Here is a couple of links that should give you some information
http://www.hiking4health.com
http://www.hiking4health.com/?page_id=170 (video)
http://www.hiking4health.com/?page_id=56

[Terawanderer]

On another site...a similar request was made...then the "blogger" tried to shut down an area by lobbying congress....using our pictures and info....just a heads up....I have no idea if this person is real or not.

[TDWood]

I have no idea if this person is real or not.

I understand your skepticism. Rest assured my aim is true (and benign).

Here are a pair of sample posts from The REI Blog (http://www.rei.com/share/rei-blog.html):

An account, with slide show, of my 6-day hike of Mount Rainier's Wonderland Trail in September: http://www.rei.com/share/rei-blog/2012/ ... trail.html

A tale of a 22-mile hike from La Canada to Hollywood in late October, walked a few days before tackling C2C: http://www.rei.com/share/rei-blog/2012/ ... ood-2.html

If anyone likes these posts, by the way, feel free to sign up for the blog's RSS feed: http://www.rei.com/share/rei-blog.feeds.xml. New readers are always welcome.

Please know that I'm a fan of stewardship, trail preservation, LNT practices and cordial trail behavior. I dig your trail, folks, and get why you're protective of it.

[HH8]

22-mile hike from La Canada to Hollywood

That's one I haven't tried yet. Your description is appealing