San Jacinto, Sunday 3/2/08

[NormaR]

I took the 8am tram on Sunday up San Jacinto. I met three men from the OC heading up so we decided to hike together. Two of them had snowshoes, I had ice axe and crampons. Past Round Valley the snow in the sun had softened a bit, but the wind kept it from getting too soft. I had no problem with footing but it was dicey for the other three at times. At 10,500 with fierce winds and the concern for the other three descending without crampons we turned around. A very good call. We ran into a hiker from Tennessee on the way down who was struggling and slipping. We gave him a pair of snowshoes, two poles and he made it down safely with us. He even thanked us with a round at the top of the tram. Great day! I'll be back soon to tag the summit.

[guest]

Thanks for the report on conditions, those winds must have be brutal!

[lipbiter]

NormaR, I applaud your actions. It reminds me of a hunter I met in the wilderness who was helping out in an emergency. He said, "We have to look out for each other."

You were a terrific ambassador for California. Now the guy from Tennessee knows not all Californians are self-absorbed yahoos. Actually, in my humble opinion and experience, you are more representative of the caring individuals who frequent the outdoors.

I hope I have the pleasure of bumping into you on the summit.

(See, people, I can be nice!)

[NormaR]

I always feel what goes around, comes around. Someday i might be the one who needs assitance. Thanx for the kind words.