Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

by **Sally** » Thu Sep 17, 2009 10:32 pm

First, I'd like to thank all of you for inspiring me to do more of my favorite thing - hiking. I discovered a couple of these "mountain forums" while I was checking the Nat'l Forest website for the weather before my July 4 backpack trip up San Gorgonio. I have been following your adventures and discussions obsessively ever since.

Besides my July 4 San G trip, I summitted San Jacinto on August 5 and 26, and again yesterday. I used the Humber Park trailhead. I have been blessed with clear air and saw the ocean from San J each time. Yesterday I didn't see a single soul on the mountain, probably because the tram is closed.

My problem is that I can't find anyone to hike with on my day off, Wednesdays. I get a lot of flak from people for hiking alone. I know most of the trails on San J like the back of my hand, and I always stay on trail. I don't mind hiking by myself. I just get a little worried about snakes and big cats. Recently I purchased a SPOT Messenger (a locator beacon) in case I get into trouble.

I would like to hike Skyline this fall, but I wouldn't dream of doing it solo on my first time. I'm not a fast hiker like some of you - Skyline 3 times in one day - what are you, nuts?! Actually, I'm rather slow, but tenacious.I have thru-hiked the John Muir Trail, so I'm no weenie. If there is anyone that would be interested in accompanying me on the Skyline Trail on a Wednesday or Sunday sometime next month let me know.

Again, thanks everyone!

by **zippetydude** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 11:32 am

Hi Sally! Welcome! Even if it's not your day off, maybe you could pop by on Nov 7th? There are still details to be ironed out, but it would be a great chance for you to meet a bunch of hikin' fools all at once.

I don't think you're crazy for hiking alone. But, like you, I am scared of rattlers, and I think about big cats whenever I start in the dark!

Hope to see you on the trail!

z

by **magikwalt** » Fri Sep 18, 2009 11:35 am

What trail did you hike in San G and how long did it take you?

How has the SPOT been working for you? Do you use the website tracking feature with friends and family?

by **Sally** » Sat Sep 19, 2009 8:19 am

Hey Zippetydude and Magikwalt!

I hope to see you all on Nov 7 - will try to work something out at work to get the day off.

On July 3 my daughter, her sister-in-law, and I hiked the Forsee Creek trail to our 1st campsite,Trailfork Springs (7 miles and 3,600 ft elevation gain) in about 6 hours. We stopped a lot to take wildflower pictures. On July 4 we hiked to Dry Lake View Trail Camp and pitched our tent. Late in the afternoon we headed for San Gorgonio Peak. We got there just as the last rays of the sun were licking the peak and witnessed the eerie phenomenum of the shadow of the mountain across the sky (don't know how to describe it). We watched the fireworks all over the Inland Empire. At about 10:00 PM we headed back to our tent by moonlight. We didn't even need or headlamps! On July 5 we hiked out (12 miles, mostly downhill).

I tried out my SPOT for the first time on Wednesday. When I got to San Jacinto peak I pushed the check in/I'm OK button and my husband got an email with a link to Google Maps showing my exact location - very cool. I have paid for the "Track Progress" feature but have not yet set it up. Will do that this weekend. My husband does not hike , but he is a computer geek and will probably get a kick out of watching my progress as I hike.

by **zippetydude** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:07 am

Did the shadow look sorta like this?

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2393 ... 0825kuVaEv

I took this from the other end of the range on Mt. San Bernardino.

See you on the 7th.

z

by **KathyW** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 10:15 am

Sally - That 4th of July trip sounds like it was great. I tried to get a permit to camp on the summit of San G overnight on the 4th this year, but I was too late. I'll get my request in early next year.

by **Sally** » Mon Sep 21, 2009 7:28 pm

Yep, the shadow looked quite like that!

I think I got someone to fill in for me at work so I will be getting in on the fun on Nov. 7th. I will be content to make it up once, though. I'm not so sure about this back-to-back stuff!

by **Ellen** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 10:54 am

Howdy Sally

A belated welcome to Crazyville

Seriously though, we have many wonderful people on this board who love the wilderness. You're in good company and I look forward to seeing you on the trail.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

by **Sally** » Tue Sep 22, 2009 7:30 pm

Kathy - When you submit your application for San G July 4 next year, put down Dry Lake View as your 2nd choice to camp at. It is a lovely campsite, probably less windy than the summit, and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the summit (2.6 miles).

Thanks for the welcome, Ellen. Are you the same Ellen that I just saw pictures of doing the climber's route up Mt.Whitney? Good Gravy, girl!

It's official - I have 11/7 off and will get to meet y'all on the trail!

by **Ellen** » Wed Sep 23, 2009 6:35 pm

Howdy Sally

Yes -- one and the same

As this forum's regulars can attest, I am a hiker, not really a climber. The mountaineer's route appealed to me due to the steepness of the climb and seeing Whitney from a different perspective. As Hal noted, it is also beautiful.

Look forward to seeing you on Nov 7, if not sooner, just look for the Bloody Blond Hiking :lol:

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

New here, Hiking a lot lately

New here, Hiking a lot lately

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