Another Skyline Rescue

[neverwashasbeen]

I watched the State Park with the assistance of the CHP helicopter rescue two more off the Skyline in celebration of the solstice. Apparently they ran out of water, it was only about 112 in Palm Springs. Perhaps the season is over till next fall?

[cynthia23]

Ya think?

I'm not going to say any more. Last time I 'closed' the trail, there was an uproar. I don't feel like writing any more "don't hike Skyline in Summer!" posts and getting back the usual "But my cousin's uncle did it on a day it was 134, and he was perfectly FINE!" retorts. I think I'm to the point where I say, let the process of natural selection begin. Or--I would be for malign indifference, if no rescue efforts were made. What irks me is that other, innocent people's lives--i.e. rescue personnel--are put at risk.

[Sally]

I did what I call a "minor" local hike up the Dripping Springs Trail (Temecula) on Friday. I started at 6:30 AM at 1600' and hiked 6 3/4 miles to about 3800' level. I took 2 1/2 liters Gatorade which is about what I consume on Skyline on a pleasant, cool day. By the time I got back to my car at 11:00 it was 93 degrees. There is no shade on this trail, just like Skyline. Long story short, I ran out of fluids, my brain was fried, and I felt miserable.

I can't imagine what would possess anyone to do Skyline at this time of year!