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Vivian Creek Trail

PostPosted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 7:58 am
by Vnthali
My first exposure to this trail was in May when there was still a significant amount of snow and ice above 8000 feet. On that attempt we reached a point just above High Creek when the snow, ice, and time forced us to turn around and head back to the trailhead. Yesterday was my second attempt at completing this trail to the summit as a day hike. A good friend of mine who also enjoys hiking joined me in the attempt. We picked up our permit from the Mill Creek Ranger Station and made our way to the trailhead parking lot. We stepped off at 7AM and followed the yellow tape along the temporary detour to the trailhead. Six hours later we were standing on the summit. It was a very satisfying experience to say the least. We were on the summit for abou 20 minutes, changed our socks, and started the second half of the hike. We reached the trailhead parking lot at 6PM, and made our way to the Yucaipa McDonalds for a celabratory feast. We didn't break any records yesterday. The sense of accomplishment, however, was worth the sore knees. Before I forget, I also want to thank KathyW and Hiking Jim for their responses to my previous posts regarding this trail.

PostPosted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 8:36 am
by Sally
Good job, Tyrus! Nice view from up there, don't you think?

PostPosted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:33 am
by KathyW
Great job Vnthali!

6 hours to get to the summit of San G via Vivian Creek isn't slow - it's a long haul.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 8:58 am
by Vnthali
It is indeed an excellent view from the top Sally. I am looking forward to doing this hike again before year's end. I hope to make this the first of many more 5K climbs to come. Thank you again Kathy for the intel on my earlier attempt.

PostPosted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:08 am
by tinaballina
Great job indeed.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 12:11 am
by whitneyfan
Consider that a milestone accomplishment in your hiking career.

I think Vivian Cr. is one tough slog. I've done it 4 times and it never gets easier. Well, maybe a little, but that last 1.5 miles always kicks my ass.
Fortunately there is plenty to look at along the way to take one's mind off the struggle.

On to your next big challenge.

PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:53 am
by Ellen
Congratulations Tyrus!!! Vivian is always a butt-kicker (for me, anyway).
Miles of smiles,
Ellen

PostPosted: Fri Sep 10, 2010 12:48 pm
by zippetydude
Great job except for one thing....Yucaipa McDonalds??? C'mon, after a hike like that, you deserved better! But seriously, nice job coming back and tackling it again. Hope to run into you out there on the trail!11

z

PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:05 pm
by Vnthali
Hello Ellen and thanks for your kind words. Zip we kind of did the McDonalds thing out of a sense of tradition. We've been hitting a Carls Jr or Mcdonalds after every hike / climb of my short hiking career. I don't worry about the calories too much after a good hike (I sill get the diet soda though). :D

PostPosted: Sun Sep 12, 2010 8:13 pm
by Vnthali
Whitneyfan I don't have too many hikes under my belt , but I have to say the portion of the trail above the treeline on this trail is something to behold. I wish my schedule allowed me to get out there more than once or twice in one year.