Skyline Wednesday

[Kathryn61]

I'm thinking about going up Skyline this Wednesday. If anyone knows the conditions of the trail...how much snow there is or will be, if any, please let me know.

Thanks!

Kathryn

[asterixrc]

i am planning on doing skyline to tram wed too. if anyone has trail info please post. do we need crampons? and at what elevation do we have snow/ice.

[Kathryn61]

Hi asterixrc,

There are about 10 of us going up Skyline tomorrow, starting at 6am. I'm bringing microspikes. Many of the hikers aren't bringing any spikes, axes or crampons. I think the snow probably starts around 5500', but I'm not sure. I don't know the conditions, but based on what I heard from Sunday's hike and the weather reports, I'm sure there will be snow.

Maybe we'll see you tomorrow...

Kathryn

[zeeke]

http://www.pstramway.com/long-valley-cam.html

heres a live webcam of long valley that you can control

[summitbagger]

How'd it go, Kathryn? Did it go? What are the conditions like?

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I accepted Kathryn's invitation to join her on Skyline yesterday What can I say -- I'm still not thinking clearly after the PCT to tram hike

Speedy Steve and Doug kindly came along as trail guides in case snow presented challenges with the route. The group included Kathryn, Lindella, Jason, Sally, Michael (OCHC), Mike (OCHC), Don (OCHC) and me. It was nicely brisk when we left. By the time we reached the picnic tables, everyone was removing clothing. Kathryn servied as tour guide and described signficant way points -- warning sign, shade rock, enchanted garden, 5 K, never ending ridge, tombstone rock, flat rock, Coffman's crag, and grubb's notch.

The view of San Jacinto from 5 K was wonderful -- San Jacinto was shrouded in mist and bands of clouds. By the time we reached Shade Rock, we were in the clouds, so there were not the customary wonderful desert views as we climbed up through the manzanita to the pines. It was chilly -- even this Polar Bear put on a fleece jacket and mittens. Michael noted that at least the cold weather would slow any bleeding from my legs The snow started immediately after we left Flat Rock but did not become substantial until we reached the traverse. I donned microspikes to be on the safe side. From the footprints, it was clear that others had been up in the snow before us.

It was interesting to reach Coffman's Crag and not be able to see it Headed up the final 400 to Grubb's Notch and wasted no time scrambling up through the rocks to the upper viewing platform. Regrouped in the bar and enjoyed companionship and various beverages before heading down. Had a fabulous meal and fellowship at Las Casuelas Only bad part of the day was having to go home

Thanks everyone for a wonderful day and congratulations to the Skyline first-timers -- I know you'll be back.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Team Artic Wolf

[Kathryn61]

Thanks for the TR Ellen! Now I don't have to write one! Ditto to everything you said. It was a spectacular hike, especially because we were in a deep, foggy haze and snow! I also wore microspikes, but most of the others didn't. I found it more tiring than usual hiking in the snow and if it snows much more up there, I won't be going up Skyline again until the spring.

I have a link of some pics that shows the conditions above Flatrock and in the traverse.

http://bluerail.smugmug.com/Other/Skyli ... 9538_6Vzh9


Kathryn

[Sally]

Hello everyone. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving!

Thank you, Kathryn, for getting us all together. It was a great group.

Thanks, Ellen, for the TR. It pretty much said it all. On this trip I experienced two Skyline "firsts." It was the first time I have started out in daylight, so I got to see the bottom part of the trail without a headlamp. Also, it was the first time I have hiked Skyline in the snow. The conditions were perfect without much ice, so there wasn't a lot of slippin' and slidin'. I sure wouldn't want to attempt it with ice.

Thanks Doug and Steve for your patience and making sure we all made it OK.

I'd like to take this opportunity to express how thankful I am to have 2 legs that work pretty well and a good set of lungs. I"m thankful that I have plenty of food to nourish my body. I'm greatful to have locally several beautiful mountain ranges with trails I can hike on. I'm greatful for my family (that tolerates my need to get out and hike.) And I'm thankful for my hiking family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

[guest]

Thanks for posting the conditions & photos, looks like a fun time.
Next time you guys see doug, tell him thanks for the 4:40AM!!!! invite call!

ss

[bluerail]

look for my call tonight at 3 am...c2c manana buddy !