I gave a talk at a sports medicine conference in Palm Springs yesterday, so was able to spend the night in Palm Springs on Saturday night. Perfect opportunity to squeeze in another Skyline hike.
Tim, Perry and I left at 3:45 AM on Saturday. The sunrise was beautiful. Only toasty area was the manzanita climbing out of Flat Rock. As always, the coolness of the traverse was refreshing.
This was Tim's first time scrambling up the rocks to the tram
Perry walked around to the cement switchbacks to "see and feel" the difference -- he noted that now he understands why we scramble up the rocks 
Thanks so much to the guys from Indio, LaQuinta et al for taking care of the cab fare back to the museum -- I owe you one
After picking up Tim and Perry and returning to the museum, I had lunch at Las Casuelas, then headed to the Renaissance. I'd had such a pleasent time on Skyline that I decided to head up again on Sunday.
I spoke at 11:30 AM on Sunday. I wanted a good cushion to hike, get back to the hotel, and clean up, so I left at 3 AM. The starting temperature wasn't quite as cool as Saturday, but the earlier start helped. The sun came up right as I started climbing up the 5 K ridge. When I reached the traverse, I could hear the howling wind
Reached Grubbs Notch at 8 AM. Scrambled up the rocks to the tram station and refueled while waiting for the 8:30 tram.
Thanks so much to Indie Jack for picking me up and returning me to my car -- this saved both time and $$$. Saw lots of familiar cars in the museum parking lot
Donned my professional garb and make-up, then had eggs benedict at the hotel. That was disappointing -- I should have gone back to Las Casuelas for lunch after my talk.
On reflection, it was wonderful to get in two more Skyline before the heat kicks in. However, I had more fun on Saturday hiking with Tim and Perry
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
