I haven't been on my favorite mountain for over a month and needed San J pine therapy and Mexican food. The San Jacinto hiking club was heading over to Tahquitz, so I had fun catching up with Indie Jack, Kathryn< Hengst Joe and Perry Andrus. It didn't check the temperature on the way out, but it felt warmish. The views from Wellman's divide and Strawberry were sublime. My favorite section is between the Deer Springs/Strawberry junction and the Deer Springs/Fuller Ridge junction. Very shady, verdant and lovely undulations. I wish the trail workers would stop siphoning water from Deer Springs
I also like the arduous climb from Fuller Ridge to LRV. Even had the fortune of meeting Doreen the Skyline Queen coming down from the peak. Took a short break at the lovely Bed Springs. I was very happy to complete the never ending switchbacks out of LRV and finally scramble up the rocks for my lunch break. Coming down, I took the winter route to the Miller saddle, then hiked the trail down to the Ranger Overland. Route finding on Ranger Overland is always interesting, even more so after a deluge. Finally arrived in Tamarack valley and was pleasantly surprised to see volunteers clearing brush. The rain had made a complete mess of the Sid Davis route. Once back on the trail, I managed to do a perfect face plant while talking to another hiker
Walked up the cement switchbacks (ugh) and discovered that it was 80 degrees at 4 PM. No wonder it felt warm and took longer than usual. Ran into a very nice gunny at the tram bar, thanked him for the service and bought him a drink. The Stone IPA really hit the spot. The Craigmeister stopped by for a quick chat. It was a long wait to ride down but the time passed quickly talking to other hikers. I like the new look of the boarding area. Finally made to Las Casuelas and inhaled dinner at the speed of light. All in all, a great day.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen