C2C Saturday 01/11/14

[smiles]

After taking a couple co-workers up Skyline back on November 8th, I got one of them hooked on doing it again -- but with the full C2C as a goal this time. Didn't think we would be doing this till after the snow melts or next fall -- but thanks to the drought -- looks like we get to do it this weekend!

I have never done the full deal, just the Skyline portion a few times. By browsing through everyone's recent posts, I would assume we can do this without any type of snow / ice gear. Please correct me if I am wrong! I think we are prepared for the task with lots of trail running we do in South Orange County, and we just did a 22 mile+ hike in the Santa Ana Mountains, bagging both Santiago (5687 feet) and Modjeska (5496 feet) peaks less than 2 weeks ago. I have always done Skyline without trekking poles, but was considering bringing them this time. Any thoughts / opinions on the poles?

SMILES

[neverwashasbeen]

On Dec 27, I seriously wanted microspikes from the Long Valley stream crossing to Wellman's Divide.

[TectorGorch]

You can take my poles...from my cold dead hands

[Java_joe]

I did San Jacinto summit from Humbar Park last Saturday and San Gorgonio summit via Vivian Creek two weeks prior to that, so I feel pretty tuned up. I'm trying to decide if I should pick up a pair of micro spikes - I have crampons but they can be a bit much on thin patchy snow/ice. BTW - I seldom hike without poles. I'll decide on whether to continue on to the summit based on what time I get to the top of the Skyline Trail. The trail from the tram to the summit should be pretty well established but I've always hiked the peak from the other side via the Devil's Slide Trail.

What time do you plan on hitting the trail?

[smiles]

My buddy is picking me up at 2am here in Mission Viejo. We should arrive at the museum parking lot around 3:30 or so tomorrow morning -- headlights ablazin'. No snow / ice gear for us -- so like you, we will assess things when we arrive in Long Valley. I'm sure we will have plenty of time to continue toward the peak, as long as the legs can handle it -- and the trail is safe enough for us. Time to hit the rack for the night!

[Java_joe]

We'll, how did it go - my plans fell apart but I'm going to try this coming weekend. So I would be very interested to hear how it went. Any route finding issues on upper skyline trail?

[smiles]

Hey Java_joe,

I just posted my trip report on the forum, and included a photo album link. I had no route issues at all. The weather is going to be great this weekend too! I would do it again, but camping in Calico Ghost Town with friends

SMILES