Hyper- and hypo-thermia weekend
Posted: Mon May 30, 2011 8:47 amHowdy 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 
The trees had light rhine ice, which fell on us along with the snow. This weather made me wish I was back on Skyline 
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
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
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
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
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 The trees had light rhine ice, which fell on us along with the snow. This weather made me wish I was back on Skyline 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
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
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
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
