For Local Regulars Only

[zippetydude]

Is anybody going up Skyline Saturday, July 14th before the get together?

z

[Cy Kaicener]

I am thinking about it, but will wait to see what the weather will be like. Another possibility is the first Saturday in August which is near a full moon.
If I dont go up Skyline this Saturday, I will probably hike down a ways towards Flat Rock from Long Valley.
outdoorsclub.org has a scheduled trip this Sunday leaving the museum at 3 am. Sundays are not good for me.

[magikwalt]

Its still pretty early in the week right now but the weekend is forecasted to be a firebox. Lows 85º - 87º from Friday thru Sunday. Tomorrow by the way is supposed to be 79º-104º if you can hit it mid week!

Besides, you're so fast you'd have to give the old fat guy a 3 hour head start!

[Hikin_Jim]

You could always put salt on Z Dude's tail... (or lead in his pack)

Seriously, it is looking a little nasty going into the weekend: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/MapCli ... -116.54444

[zippetydude]

Can't do mid-week, I'll probably do Vivian tomorrow morning to do some recon on the location of some downed trees. (See the San G board). Skyline on Saturday will be perfect - I'll bring my misty mate and arrive fresh and cool at the top.

z

[halhiker]

I quit leading hikes on the Skyline over fifteen years ago after sending a few folks to the hospital--and I usually went in May!! I don't know why anyone would consider going up this thing in Mid-July. I'd rather do it in January and deal with the snow than go now. With the forecast calling for a LOW of 83, if someone starts at 3 a.m. the temp will be about 90 and HUMID. And when the sun comes up--welcome to hell.

I really regret taking people back in the day who would then publicize this hike to the world at large. It honestly was better when it existed as a word of mouth experience and the search and rescue teams didn't have to save dumbasses from their own folly.

I've already had one friend die on this trail after going when I told him not to. I'd hate to see others meet the same fate. I'm sorry but stupidity really pisses me off.

End of rant.

Hal

[zippetydude]

What was this referring to?

"I'm sorry but stupidity really pisses me off. "

z

[Hikin_Jim]

First:

I've already had one friend die on this trail after going when I told him not to.

Second:
Zip, I think he means people who go when they really don't know what they're getting into and ignore the wisdom of those who do -- which wouldn't apply to you inasmuch as you've done Skyline multiple times (that and you have running shoes with booster engines bigger than the Space Shuttle).

[zippetydude]

No assumptions made here, just asking for clarification. I really didn't understand the direction of the comment.

z

[halhiker]

I would never intend to impugn anyone on this board but my rant related to bringing a group up the skyline in mid-summer, which I consider foolish and dangerous. I have led many hikes up skyline and know a group is only as strong as it's weakest hiker and that newbies tend to overestimate their capability.

If a Skyline veteran and seasoned desert hiker wants to go out in summer, so be it. They know what to expect. But to bring a group up in mid-July is asking for trouble.

I hike for fun. I don't mind 30 miles in a day or sleeping in snow, but heat stroke doesn't sound like fun to me. LIke I said, I've had people end up in the hospital and it weighs on your conscience.

As an adventurer, I seek out risks but as a hike leader I try to avoid them. I would advise other hike leaders to do the same.

Hal