I met Fearless Dan, David M and Katharine R at the Visitor Center (base of tram road) about 3 AM. We parked in the dirt off the side of the road, then Dan shuttled us to Snow Creek village and parked on the main road below the "Blair Witch" sign.
Started walking at 3:30 AM -- it was very windy. I was the only one in shorts and t-shirt. When we reached the PCT Rock near the DWA, we were greeted by a fellow wearing camouflage who wished us a good morning
This lead to Danny and I discussing our unpleasant experiences with the Vivian Creek gate guard 
It takes forever to gain elevation on the Snowcreek PCT. About an hour in, I managed to catch a toe and fall to my knees, more embarrassed than hurt. About two hours in, we removed our headlamps and kept climbing. The clouds looked ominous -- Danny noted he was glad he wasn't in a boat in water. Once the sun rose, we were treated to gorgeous puffy white clouds and even a rainbow.
I donned the bottom parts of my convertibles at about 5 K. At this point, the trail starts to become eroded and overgrown with brush. We finally started the switchbacks up the ridge and were treated to lovely views of the Coachella valley. We passed a old burn area that I call the "ghost forest." The rock formations in this area were very cool and reminded us of scenery in old Westerns -- we half expected to be ambushed
Finally reached the pine trees and enjoyed the more gradual climb to the first road crossing, where we were enveloped in clouds. It was chilly and misty -- I expected to get snowed on at any moment. Took our first significant fuel break, then continued on the PCT towards the Fuller Ridge trailhead. Before too long, we actually climbed ABOVE the clouds.
Goofed around a bit at the Fuller Ridge sign before starting the gradual climb up to the Castle Rocks. When we reached the rocks, we had the first good view of our objective -- San Jacinto. Continued on the roller coaster part of Fuller Ridge and were treated to fabulous clouds and ever moving mist. I felt like we were on the set of "Lord of the Rings."
About 1/4 mile from the junction of Fuller Ridge and Deer Springs, we crossed a nearly frozen stream. It was great to finally reach the Deer Springs trail, though we knew there was still substantial climbing ahead. I refer to the climb from Fuller Ridge to Little Round Valley as the Three Bears. There are three distinct climbs broken up by more gradual climbs.
As usual, Bed Springs had good flow and I collected 1/2 a liter for insurance. At the end of Baby Bear (the third pitch), we entered Little Round Valley and enjoyed a slight break before the final arduous climb up the Never Ending Switchbacks to the trail junction at the saddle. Like me, Fearless Dan feels that this part of the hike seems to take FOREVER.
Reached the junction and took a short break before scrambling up the rocks to the summit. We almost bypassed the peak but fortunately did not, because the views were amazing. San Jacinto cast her shadow over the Coachella valley. San Gorgonio barely rose above white puffy clouds. To the west, the sun glittered on the clouds. As we descended to the junction, we were treated to the fire of alpine glow on trees and clouds encroaching on the Santa Rosas.
I didn't think it could get any better. Wrong -- the moon came up in all her glory. Also, as Dan noted, the tram "left the light on" for us. We made our way down the trail to about 10 K and started heading cross country towards Tamarack. David (aka the Trail Whisperer) did a great job route finding. Before long, we were in Tamarack and met by a very nice camper who asked if we were lost
Made our way carefully down the Sid Davis drainage (that sucker is much easier when covered with snow) and happily rejoined the main trail. Before too long, we were headed up the cement switchbacks (they always look great at the end of this hike). Grabbed some pizza, potatoes, and celebratory beverages before heading down.
Katharine got all four of us a ride back to our cars by a group of guys who were out working on the windmills. The only downside of the day was discovering that some chicken shit a$$ hoodlum had stolen David's luggage and computer and broken two of his windows
David handled the situation admirably. I gave Danny a ride back to his truck in Snow Creek Village and headed home.
An absolutely epic day, thanks to the company and beauty of San Jacinto.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
These seem to happen with increasing frequency.
