A Journey Up the Skyline Trail

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, on this forum at least, this is a trail that needs no introduction, please join me for a Journey Up the Skyline Trail.



HJ

[TDGillam]

Thanks Jim, very nice trip report and photos. It should help those who are contemplating a hike up Skyline tremendously.

[bluerail]

Nice write up Jim, I agree with Tim.

[Cy Kaicener]

Congratulations Jim. Your blog is a work of art. The best trip report on Skyline so far with great pictures. I like the historical aspect of your report too.
This will be of great help to anyone contemplated this demanding hike. (as already stated)

[Andy]

Wonderful TR Jim. You certainly did not disappoint. I'm glad that you had such and enjoyable and successful and maiden trip up the trail too. Your comment on the two headlamp set-up especially piqued my interest. I've heard of the chest or waist level idea before, but you mentioning the contrast as reason for this enlightening I guess I'll need to add another item to my Christmas list...

[Hikin_Jim]

Thanks Jim, very nice trip report and photos. It should help those who are contemplating a hike up Skyline tremendously.

Hi, Tim, thanks.

Just hope it isn't too long or too preachy. I tried for an even-handed approach. It's part TR and part "guide book."

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Nice write up Jim, I agree with Tim.

Thanks, Steve. Considering that you know about 10x more than I do about that route, let me know if anything is inaccurate or misleading. Please.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Congratulations Jim. Your blog is a work of art. The best trip report on Skyline so far with great pictures. I like the historical aspect of your report too.

Wow. High praise indeed. Thanks, Cy.

I hope the photos do give people a general feel for the trail. I also tried to give people a feel for some of the "traps" of the trail -- like seeing the tram and thinking that one is nearly there and not realizing that the steepest portions are in the last third or so of the hike.

HJ

[Hikin_Jim]

Wonderful TR Jim. You certainly did not disappoint.

Oh, wow, well, thanks, Andy. I just hope I didn't get too wordy. It's part tip sheet, part TR, part historical background, and part botanical guide. I just added a section on training hikes. Guess I really got excited about this hike. (and it shows)

Your comment on the two headlamp set-up especially piqued my interest. I've heard of the chest or waist level idea before, but you mentioning the contrast as reason for this enlightening

Oh, yeah. That's it entirely. If you shine a beam of light from the spot where a headlamp is normally worn, it won't cast much in the way of shadows. The light is essentially at the same angle as your eyes.

If however you move that light down to your midriff area, now you've got shadows if something (like a rock or root) is sticking up. You've got "contrast."

It really works well, and it's kept me out of trouble, particularly when I night hike with my daughter and I just absolutely can't be stumbling around when I'm top heavy like that. The two headlamp trick makes a HUGE difference. I can pretty much hike full speed.

HJ

[HH8]

please join me

As usual, your trip report is designed for other hikers, both informing and motivating. Please keep up the excellent work! You have me planning Dragon Head next.