Full Moon Romp

[skunkboy]

Since I'm about 3 or 4 beers into my 3-day weekend, I thought I'd throw out an idea that I had. May 27th is a full moon. What is the likelyhood or feasability of a full moon hike on Thursday the 27th or Friday the 28th up the Skyline? Has anyone done this before... and if so, how was it? Is it doable? We could all meet at the museum at midnight and introduce ourselves, and sort gear, then around 1 am, we could start up the mountain. Starbucks and Goo packets could be in abundance. I would volunteer to ride drag on the herd (since I'm old and slow anyway), and everyone could have breakfast at Grubbs notch. I know this sort of thing might cut down on: a) heat stroke. b) buzz back attacks, c) uncommited teamates. But it might also increase a) broken ankles b) lost teamates c) alien abductions and mountain lion attacks. Everyone would need 4-6 liters of water and a good headlamp or lighting system to even think about this. Anyway... food for thought. Any ideas or comments?

Sincerely and with best regards,

Skunk

[skunkboy]

After more sober reflection, I think that maybe my idea isn't so good afterall. The potential for mishaps outweighs any perceived benefits of such an early start. This is especially true in light of all the recent rescues of people who underestimate the challenges involved or over estimate their abilities. In the words of Gilda Radner... "nevermind".

Skunk

[Hikoholic]

Skunk,

Just joined and read your post. Sounded like a great idea, after I had a few brews myself. But the full moon rises that night at about 4PM, which means it will set before you're half way up!! That could be a problem, especially if the flashlight battery dies! I agree that sobriety (and old age that I regret) fortunately trumps testosterone. Think I'm ready to take the tram up and hike all summer from there!

[skunkboy]

Hikoholic, welcome aboard. Didn't know about the early moonrise. It just confirms my conclusion that it probably isn't a good idea for the skyline, where routefinding can be problematic if one isn't familiar with the trail. I got my idea from reading about how with the new restrictions going up Half Dome in Yosemite has led some people to do it by moonlight. Going up the cable ladder on HD by moonlight is going to be quite different than stomping around the mesquite of Skyline.

Think I'm ready to take the tram up and hike all summer from there!

I like your idea better. By the way, the Tram has a summer pass for $60. Unlimited use from May 1st to August 31st. If you go just three times, it's already paid for itself.

best regards
Skunk

[Hikoholic]

Thanks for the tram pass info, Skunk. I also enjoy less crowded fall hikes and snow shoeing in the winter. Do you know what the annual pass runs? Is it a 12-month pass or a calendar year pass? And speaking of Yosemite, one of my favorite hikes there was to the top of El Capitan from the backside, then across to the top of Yosemite Falls, then down the falls trail to the road. You have to hitch-hike back to your car, but that was no problem at all. The main reason that I like SJ is that it reminds me so much of the eastern Sierras, where I hike a lot every summer, since I'm a teacher and have summers off!!

Happy trails!

Hikoholic

[Cy Kaicener]

I have started at midnight many times with a full moon. Its the best time to go because it takes me nine hours. This means you are at Flat Rock (5900 ft) at sunrise and have beaten the heat. The Sierra Club is going on October 23. You also dont need as much water this way.
The annual pass is now 140 dollars the last I heard.

[neverwashasbeen]

The annual pass is $150 and I believe it's good for 12 months.

[skunkboy]

Cy, thanks for that info. When I did the Skyline in Oct., it took me 8 1/4 hrs, and I was flogged. It was very hot going until flatrock. Anything that cuts down on the heat is key. Can anyone join in on that Oct. hike?

Hikoholic, my best friend and mountaineering pard is a jr. high math teacher up in Carson Valley. Every summer we do something up there. This summer is Mt. Tyndall. May have to use crampons due to all the snow. He always complains that he works so hard, but I always give him grief cause he has three months off!

best regards
Skunk

[Cy Kaicener]

Skunkboy - Here is contact info for that hike. Just scroll down to 10/22/23
http://angeles.sierraclub.org/hps/outings.htm
This would be preferable to trying to sign up at the roadhead.

[skunkboy]

Nice! Thanks Cy. Were moving to Palm Springs next month and I can walk to the museum from were we'll live. Can leave my SUV at the tram the night before. That might be a lot of fun.

Oct 22-23 Fri-Sat Hundred Peaks, Palos Verdes-South Bay, WTC
O: Palm Springs Tram (8450'), San Jacinto Peak (10,804'): Strenuous hike under a full moon, starting near midnight. 10 miles, 8300' gain to tram with additional 10 miles round trip, 2400' gain to the peak. We'll have two groups, hopefully both San Jacinto bound, one faster, the other naturalizing along the way. Of course, any who wish can head back down at the tram after a mere 8300' gain. Bring money for tram ride and taxi back to cars. Send e-mail (preferable bholchin@cox.net) or sase with conditioning/experience and carpool info to Leader: BARRY HOLCHIN Co-Leaders: WAYNE VOLLAIRE, TONY TRULL, KENT SCHWITKIS, JOE YOUNG, RON CAMPBELL

best regards
Skunk