On Saturday, I went from the tram to the peak, then down to Willow Creek crossing (via Hidden Divide). After summiting, I was going to drop down from Wellman's to Saddle Junction and come back up via Willow Creek crossing but didn't feel up to that.
It was wonderful to run into numerous friends on the first tram -- Doreen the Skyline Queen, Indie Jack and his sons, Hengst Joe, and Indio Joe. Thanks to Hengst Joe for waiting for me on the climb -- it's nice to have moral support when you don't feel good.
The summit was so packed that we opted to hang out in the dirt area to the west. I met NickSJM on the descent and warned him about the crush of people on top. When I reached Wellman's, I saw more people there than I've ever seen before
It was wonderful to get off the main trail after Round Valley. Ah, quiet at last. Ran into three rangers checking the Round Valley loop --apparently lots of people from the tram didn't have permits
Ran into two guys at the trail crossing and gave them directions to Round Valley.
The trail through Hidden Divide Preserve was also relatively peaceful -- I could finally hear the sounds of nature. Enjoyed lunch at Willow Creek crossing, then headed back up. Ran into to two young adults going down who were in tennis shoes -- asked them where they were going and they said they had no idea
Indie Jack caught me at the trail crossing and we headed to the tram together.
Snow Creek Steve came into the boarding area to say "hi" after climbing up [guess where from the his picture]
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
