Vivian to Jepson in a Snow storm

[Ellen]

Howdy All

In spite of Hikin" Jim's excellent suggestions for alternate routes Cindy and I took our customary route to Dobbs and Jepson peaks. The day was noteworthy due to several unpleasant encounters with Alex, the so-called Forest Falls picnic area "host" and the incredible weather.

We met several of our friends in the Big Falls parking area. Alex walked up to me and asked for my permit. I refused and asked to see his badge, identifying that he is a USFS Ranger. As we walked up the dirt road, Alex hustled by us.

We took a picture of our permit at the sign at the bottom of the switchbacks. When we entered the forest after passing the wilderness boundary sign, Alex was waiting for us and asked to see our permit. I refused and asked to see his badge.

He pulled out his radio, saying that he was on patrol and worked for the forest service. I asked to see his badge. He called me by name and said he could contact the ranger via radio. I said, "Great, do that," then pulled out my cell phone and told him I would record the conversation. We kept hiking as this dialogue took place. The incident was creepy and made us uncomfortable.

We attained the ridge and it started snowing lightly.




We finally reached the steep grind up to west Dobbs.



Upon reaching west Dobbs, we were in white out conditions. Decided to make a go for Jepson. The snow really started coming down -- big, puffy, dry flakes.




Once on Jepson, we took a short break to eat and send out a SPOT message confirming that we had indeed summited. Sort of hard to tell based on this picture of Cindy.


Then we retraced our route back to east Dobbs, west Dobbs and down the ridge. We marveled at the beauty of the winter wonderland.








Sadly, the snow turned into a light rain at about 8 K in our descent. Once we crossed Vivian creek, we met other members of the San Jacinto hiking club. They had gone up the main trail to about 10 K, then turned around due to the weather and short amount of daylight.

We learned that after checking their permits, Alex had lined them up in the parking lot and lectured at them for about 10 minutes about trail damage/erosion caused by such large groups

We had wonderful barbecue in Mentone before heading home.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

Howdy All Smile

For a thread pertaining to the Vivian Creek TH "host" Alex, please go to:

http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=4459

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

I took a picture of the permit at the sign at the bottom of the switchbacks. Cindy still has the permit.

[Hikin_Jim]

In spite of Hikin" Jim's excellent suggestions for alternate routes Cindy and I took our customary route to Dobbs and Jepson peaks.

Well, when it's snowing and such, you're smart to go with what you know.

We learned that after checking their permits, Alex had lined them up in the parking lot and lectured at them for about 10 minutes about trail damage/erosion caused by such large groups

How many people were in the group?

Cindy still has the permit.

Yeah, you might hang on to that permit.

HJ

HJ

[Jill G]

@HJ: They had at least 18 in that group.
http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Coachella- ... 149235292/

[Hikin_Jim]

Well, 18 is over the 12 person limit. Ten minutes, if it really was ten minutes (I'm sure it felt like it), is a bit over the top though. I think he's just a tad overzealous.

HJ

[towbradley]

For some, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.... this lot lizard guy sounds like's gone way beyond his job description. Hopefully those who oversee these positions of parking lot attendant will observe his behavior and help to correct his public contact skills.Be patient, dont let him ruin your day's activity, things will take their course and be corrected eventually.

[Hikin_Jim]

this lot lizard guy sounds like's gone way beyond his job description.

"Lot lizard". I love it.

And indeed he's gone beyond what is appropriate for his job.

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy All

There were two permits for the group. Larry Beck and Canadian Brian both had permits. At the TH, they decided who was on which permit.

@HJ: They had at least 18 in that group.
http://www.meetup.com/Hiking-Coachella- ... 149235292/

Cindy and I left earlier and went a different route, so we had our own permit.

I've talked to several people in the San Jacinto hiking club about the "lot lizard lecture." Alex stopped them as they were just starting to hike and spoke at them for 10 minutes. They said it was ridiculous and inappropriate.

I've been stopped many times and asked for my permit by both USFS Rangers and volunteer rangers. I've never had to endure a lecture by anyone else.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Hikin_Jim]

There were two permits for the group. Larry Beck and Canadian Brian both had permits. At the TH, they decided who was on which permit.

Well, that is a violation. You're supposed to hike (I think) 15 minutes apart. In other words, you can't go over the 12 person limit just by having someone else get an additional permit; you have to have two separate groups.

But a 10 minute lecture is pretty absurd.

HJ