Tramway to Saddle Junction loop, 6/20

[Florian]

Enjoyed a very nice hike today from the tramway, to Wellman's Divide, down to Saddle Junction, then back via Skunk Cabbage Meadow and Willow Creek to the tram. Perfect weather and temps. Ran into Blooty near the Strawberry Trail junction as she was headed up to the peak.

I checked the tram bar about 2pm for any Skyline hags that might need a ride back but didn't see anyone that looked like a hiker.

Didn't take many pictures but did make a couple of panorama images...

Looking west over Idyllwild ► http://flic.kr/p/8bYgEV
Skunk Cabbage Meadow ► http://flic.kr/p/8bYgF4

Both images are better if you click the all sizes button and view either large or original size image.

-Florian

[Stellar Jay]

Wow great shots

[Andy]

Florian, from the looks of those shots it was a great day indeed. Hope it stays lush for a while. Thanks for the report.

[rmscouter]

Florian- great photos! I was up there too with my son. Came up Devil's Slide to RV on Saturday, then climbed SJP and back out today. Had a beautiful sunrise in Round Valley. Sunny and warm on the peak at 9:30. Watched some helicopter rescue activity going on above Devil's Slide while walking down in the afternoon.

[Lcpl Hughes]

Hey Florian, very cool photos! I was also in the area today..I took the South Ridge trail to Tahquitz Peak..beautiful day

[Florian]

Watched some helicopter rescue activity going on above Devil's Slide while walking down in the afternoon.

I saw a copter pass low over Tahquitz Valley headed east toward the desert at around 1pm.

-Florian

[rmscouter]

Looks like this was the accident requiring the copter:
Injured hiker rescued after being hurt near Idyllwild
http://www.swrnn.com/southwest-riverside/2010-06-20/environment/113882#ixzz0rVIYxv25

[Blooty]

Hi Florian! It was nice to see you on the trails, what a beautiful day it was. Lots of nice people out enjoying the day. I ran into a guy who was hiking the PCT - he started from Mexico June 1st...from the looks of him he is used to surviving on water...met 2 ladies who were training to do the JMT in August, met some people from Europe on the summit. Heading back to the trailhead, I was really surprised at the amount of people coming up those switchbacks from Humber Park in the afternoon sun, and I saw that SARS chopper and wondered what happened.

I also surprised myself in that, I missed the snow! I didn't think I would, but now that it's gone...I sort of miss it. Things sure look different, I had gotten used to that winter wonderland magical white stuff everywhere.



I will try to upload a few more photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29308219@N06/sets/72157624324704940/

[rmscouter]

I saw PCT thru-hiker Paul too. He was coming up the trail with a full gallon milk jug in each hand- I wonder if his arms will be longer by the end of Summer? I also took a picture at the hut on Sunday:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmscouter/4724361457/in/set-72157624333377350/

[Dave G]

Enjoyed a very nice hike today from the tramway, to Wellman's Divide, down to Saddle Junction, then back via Skunk Cabbage Meadow and Willow Creek to the tram. Perfect weather and temps. Ran into Blooty near the Strawberry Trail junction as she was headed up to the peak.

I checked the tram bar about 2pm for any Skyline hags that might need a ride back but didn't see anyone that looked like a hiker.

Didn't take many pictures but did make a couple of panorama images...

Looking west over Idyllwild ► http://flic.kr/p/8bYgEV
Skunk Cabbage Meadow ► http://flic.kr/p/8bYgF4

Both images are better if you click the all sizes button and view either large or original size image.

-Florian

Nice shot of the meadow. I've often wondered what SCM looks like when not covered in snow!
Gotta take a summer hike up there sometime.