Trip report from 5/17 Sat

[lamesasurfer]

I was on the Mtn. Sat 5/17 and just wanted to let you all know what the conditions where like. We had a group of 5 people and where ready to stay the night in Round Valley. This was a Tram to Summit trip. We could not get overnight permits since there was four Scout troops already there. I have never had a problem getting overnight permits before, but we usually go about a month earlier.
We dicided to go for the day. It took us about 7 hours from Tram to summit and back. The first two miles from the tram to Round Valley there is little snow. Only a few patches left in the shade. Easy to manuver.
From Round Valley to Wellmans Junction there was a few more patches of snow, but none longer than 30 ft or so. Again very easy to manuver with out crampons or snowshoes. A few places it was easy to loose the direction of the trail. We had to stop and really take in our surroundings to find it again. Or look for where other people were for the trail.
Wellmans junction is clear of snow and the last 2.3 miles had patches. We had no problem with out using our crampons. The summit is always tricky if you are not familiar with it. I have never found a clear trail, just rock hopping to get the last 30 ft or so.
It's that time where there was people everywhere. The camp was full and the trail was alive with hikers. It was probly over 100* in Palm Springs while it was a perfect 65ish all day on the mtn. That hike up the tramway sidewalk at the end is the worst, you think you all done and then you see the climb.
And as always the packed tram ride down was just peachy. I got to play push with guy next to me. You all load in and have your small space then people move a little and start bumping you . I had no where to go, he's leaning on me and I'm against the next person. So, we pushed on each other till I released and he fell back into me. this went on a few times until he finally stopped. he must have needed the room for his huge belly.
I know this won't make averyone reading happy, but it's a very accurate trip report.
Cheers,
B

[Perry]

At first, it looked like your name was "lame-ass surfer." I know what you mean about the tourists. I try to be forgiving when they bump into me but sometimes putting out an elbow and letting them bump into it is the way to go. One time a guy got mad at me for elbowing him. I said no, you walked into my elbow, I haven't moved. He was sure that I was moving. I think he had a few drinks at the bar or maybe he was naturally stupid.

[drndr]

i think the problem on the tram is when people try to hang on to the rail. They need to remember to not move with the wall. I try and keep that in mind and think how funny they are.