Roll call for Skyline this weekend 10/16-17

[Ellen]

Howdy All

Saturday's weather looks similar to last Saturday.

Sunday, however, is markedly cooler. A high of 88 and low of 61.

Who's on?

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Florian]

Um.... maybe.

°Florian

[Ellen]

Howdy St. Florian

Love your definitive response

Sunday looks to be the cooler day -- high of 91 and low of 61. I hear San Jacinto peak calling me, so will attempt a C2C, the first one this year.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[zippetydude]

Hi Ellen. After the flurry of activity last weekend, this weekend sounds like it might be a bit quieter...but who knows. Like you and I had talked about, I might do a Tram Road prep run (then pop over and do Skyline) but I'm also eyeing a longer run (San B Peak trail over to San G as an out-and-back), so I'm not sure which one yet. If it's Skyline, I'll hopefully see you along the way. Oops, you're going on Sunday, aren't you? Well, then, have fun! See you on the trail again soon.

z

[Ellen]

Howdy Z,

Hope you had a great mountain run today I normally go Saturday as that's I when I have the best chance of seeing familiar and new faces.

The Sunday weather caught my eye. Also was out of town lecturing yesterday and pooped when I got home. Today will be a true rest day for Skyline (and hopefully more) tomorrow.

See you on the trail again soon provided you drop below the speed of light so I that can see you

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Florian]

Well, i followed through on my maybe commitment to do Skyline. I started at 4:45a Sunday from the Ramon trailhead. I love starting in the dark and watching the day begin. Took a little break around 4000', watched the sunrise, poked around a bit, and decided i just didn't want to hike all the way to the tram today. My favorite part of the Skyline is the lower desert third and i just wanted to enjoy it some more. So i turned around and had a nice slow contemplative walk back to town. As contemplative as one can be with the sound of the motorcycle fest in PS as a backdrop. The sunrise was awesome. Some pics here ..

► http://flic.kr/p/8KLgmR
► http://flic.kr/p/8KPktG
► http://flic.kr/p/8KPkE1

Just as i was starting back down around about 7:10a Ellen passed me going up. Ellen, i wasn't sure you recognized me as i didn't get your usual "Hello St. Florian!" greeting. Saw Steve and Patti a bit lower too. In all i counted 20 Skyline hikers on the trail this morning.

°Florian

[Florian]

And i carried out that old yellow t-shirt and those shorts that were along the trail near 3800' level.

°Florian

[zippetydude]

Hey, you okay out there Ellen? Didn't recognize Florian? Maybe the post hike celebration started before the hike? JK. I had fun on VC, and thought about doing Skyline today, but started a little too late. See my post about the VC madness below. See you soon!

Hi Florian. I know what you mean - some days feel like a challenge is in order. some feel more natural as a cruise through the wilderness. I did a few miles up the PCT from Cottonwood today - one of my favorites in the desert. When I get to the pass (before descending to Whitewater) I go up to the left or right and explore along the ridges. Not a big workout, but the views are great, and it's fun just to explore out there...thanks for picking up the stuff, by the way.

z

[Ellen]

Howdy St. Florian

I am so sorry I didn't say more to you when our paths crossed at about 4 K I felt like CARP I was trying to find a pace and it never happened. I should have taken a page from your book and approached Skyline mindfully as you did. I would have had a much more enjoyable day.

I did have a wonderful Sam Adams Octoberfest at the tram with my friends and will buy you a suitable beverage as an apology for being unsociable yesterday.

Thank you so much for picking up the clothes. I never cease to be astonished at what people leave on the trail.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I was anticipating a speedy hike up Skyline and lesiurely hike from Long Valley to the summit of San J. Neither happened.

It rained in Riverside Saturday night. I logged on to check the weather for Palm Springs, the tram, and summit. Wanted to be prepared for rain and/or snow on Skyline and beyond. The forecast was great up to Long Valley, then a chance of rain/snow at the summit. I carried the appropriate clothing to summit.

Started at 5 AM. Within 20 minutes, I was sweating profusely and not feeling well. Four guys flew by me after the warning sign. I often don't feel good until Shade Rock, so wasn't concerned. However, it did seem to take a long time to get to the ridge above Shade Rock. Then sunrise -- my favorite time of the day on Skyline. I saw a layer of moisture over Palm Springs, which explained the humidity and my high sweat rate.

I kept trying to find a workable pace based on my breathing. It wasn't happening. Unlike last Saturday, there was no breeze on the ridge. Before 4 K, I passed some of the guys who'd passed me -- they were taking a break and removing wet shirts. If I removed my shirt, not only would I burn, the glare off my porcelain skin would blind anyone who wasn't wearing polarized sunglasses

I saw Florian on one of flat sections between 4K and 4.4 K -- he was standing on a rock looking back at the desert. Smart man -- I should had joined him and enjoyed the view. I commented on the humidity; he noted that the mosquitoes were active. Kept slogging along to 4.4 K. I enjoyed the Enchanted Garden before grinding up the ridge to 5 K. Then, I faced my nemesis -- the Never Ending Ridge. It more than lived up to its name yesterday -- no air movement and humid.

I staggered into Flat Rock, looked at the watch, said to heck with it, threw off my pack, and took a 10 minute fuel break. Most intelligent decision I had made all day. Right as I was leaving, another hiker came up and threw off his pack. I laughed, said "hi" and told him I felt the same way. Started up through the manzanita. Heard footsteps behind me and stepped off the trail. It was the hiker from Flat Rock. Arturo introduced himself and said he was happy to stay with me.

So began the best part of the day -- companionable hiking with a really nice guy. His younger brother Fernando (not the dynamic duo Fern) was up ahead. He let his brother know via walkie-talkie that he was hanging with the bloody blond. It was a gift to reach the shade and cooling breeze on the traverse. My shirt was sopping wet and made a perfect radiator. About halfway between Coffman's Crag and Grubbs Notch, heard my name being called. It was speedy Steve and Patti We were very happy to reach "home" -- Grubbs Notch.

I started eating baked Ruffles but the two greyhounds were getting cold, so we clambered up the rocks to the tram viewing platform. Enjoyed a wonderful beer and shared a cab with Arturo, Fernando, Steve and Patti back to museum.

Thanks to Arturo for salvaging my hike -- I look forward to hiking with you again soon

Miles of smiles,
Ellen