Hyper- and hypo-thermia weekend

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Hyper- and hypo-thermia weekend

Postby Ellen » Mon May 30, 2011 8:47 am

Howdy All :)

Following the warm Saturday Skyline, went up San Bernardino peak with Lance on Sunday. The wind was howling at the trailhead :? Once in the middle of the forest (a bit over an hour in), it started snowing :o :( The trees had light rhine ice, which fell on us along with the snow. This weather made me wish I was back on Skyline :x I love windy, cool Skyline hikes.

When we reached the ridge that heads up to Limber Pine camp, we donned crampons and went UP. The wind was blowing from the west, so we stayed on the west (left) side of the ridge to get some protection. Thanks to the artic wind, the snow was very icy. It was very reassuring to feel the crampons dig in. At least the sun was out and it stopped snowing. We finally reached the San Gorgonio backbone ridge and headed up San Bernardino peak.

Manuvering through the sun cups (like minature pentitentes) to gain the summit was maddening. We found a nice little snow gully to the west of the summit out of the wind and hunkered down for brunch. This gave us a perfect view of the San Gorgonio ridge and Ms Gorgonio herself. The clouds and mist were whipping over the ridge, occaisonally obscuring San Gorgonio peak. Of course, no camera :cry:

We only stayed long enough to fuel up, then headed down out of the hypothermia zone to the gully that eventually becomes Limber Pine streams. As we walked down, we could hear water running underfoot :shock: Sure enough, at several places where the snow/ice melted, we could see the springs. We stayed well to the gully's side to avoid breaking through. We rejoined the trail where Limber Pine stream crosses.

Throughout our hike, we encountered numerous hikers with their canine companions. Lance waited patiently while I petted the friendly dogs and chatted with the owners. Back the forest, we were enveloped in clouds (picture the Headless Horseman forest) and the rhime ice fell on us again. Once I'm headed home, I don't mind intense weather :D

Miles of smiles,
Ellen
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Postby Sally » Mon May 30, 2011 9:34 am

Wow, it's nearly June and we're still getting snow. Crazy! Sounds like a great well-rounded weekend regardless of the extremes.

yer sis,
Sally
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Re: Hyper- and hypo-thermia weekend

Postby Hikin_Jim » Mon May 30, 2011 10:59 am

Ellen wrote:The trees had light rhine ice.
Wow! All the way from Germany? What's rime from that clime doing way over here?!

Ellen wrote:Once I'm headed home, I don't mind intense weather :D
Especially if you roll up the windows. :lol:

Nice trip.

HJ
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