San J etc. 12-28-09

[AlanK]

Eric and I took the Tram to Mountain Station and hiked up Marion Mtn., Jean Peak, and Mt. San Jacinto. After the tramway ramp, there was plenty of snow all the way. It was firm enough for walking up to Wellman Divide, after which crampons were necessary. The weather was beautiful -- high 20s and low 30s with partly cloudy skies and great visibility. We did not see another soul from the time we left the Ranger Station until we got back down to Round Valley. That is unless you count the police helicopter that asked, in a considerably amplified voice, if we needed any help. It turns out that they were looking for three lost hikers. We were well off trail at that point, heading fairly directly from the peak to Round Valley, but we did not see ourselves as needing an airlift. All in all, we had a great outing.

Pictures

[tinaballina]

Yay, eric is back...please let him know he owes me a hike.

[AlanK]

From The Desert Sun

December 29, 2009

Hikers back safely after two weekend mountain rescues

Colin Atagi
The Desert Sun

Four hikers were resting safely Monday after getting lost in two separate excursions in the San Jacinto Mountains over the weekend.

Three hikers — all college students — took the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway into the San Jacinto Mountains to hike to Idyllwild on Saturday afternoon.

Heavy snow and ice caused them to become disoriented and wander off the trail, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

“They lost their way back, but they were in contact with family,” Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela said.

The hikers were identified as Max Conniff, 18 of Santa Cruz; Steven Tam, 18 of Simi Valley; and Josh Frank, 18, of Los Angeles.

They were found early Monday afternoon at 10,300 feet in the Round Valley area.

All three suffered early stages of frostbite and hypothermia but declined further medical treatment, according to the sheriff's department.

Also...

[AlanK]

Yay, eric is back...please let him know he owes me a hike.

He knows, but I will remind him.

[Good News]

Somehow we didn't see each other..I am pretty sure we missed you at the peak by an hour or so..