Arrived at the Visitors Center to arrange a car shuttle with Perry A. I was suddenly approached by a Palm Springs police officer: "You cannot park here at night." (Actually, it's morning, but I'm not going to split hairs). "Officer, I'm just meeting a friend here." (Perry drove up -- perfect timing). As we leave for the museum (gate was closed), we noticed that three other vehicles who had to move pulled off the side of road about 20 feet from the Visitor Center parking lot. Ookay...
The temperature at the museum was in the low 70's a bit before 5 AM and immediately jumped as we climbed. We met a nice group of four folks who had lost the trail, so we stayed with them to the picnic tables. Turns out, I'd met them on Skyline last fall.
The moonlight was absolutely gorgeous -- it was in the right position to illuminate our way. It felt a good 10 degrees warmer than Saturday and we paced ourselves accordingly. At the 4 K level, we ran into two guys who asked us if this was the way to the airport -- classic. Reminded me of Gunny Walt catching up to me and asking if there was a waffle house ahead
We're in the time of year now when the temperature does not drop as you gain elevation. Occaisionally, we had a breeze. Reached Flatrock in bit under four hours, had a snack, and continued on -- the cooler temperature and shade of the traverse were calling. On the steep sections in the brush, I could barely go slow enough to keep from overheating -- I thought my head was going to "pop off" my shoulders like a turkey thermometer.
It was blessing to reach the traverse, but still a struggle to get to Grubbs Notch. Scrambled up through the rocks. A women asked me if my Camelbak hose was connected to an oxygen tank
Met the Craigmeister and chatted before heading down. In the bottom station, I realized I didn't have my wallet -- DUH! The Craigmeister and other tram family members saved the day and found it -- THANKS guys! Enjoyed a fabulous meal at Las Casuelas before heading home.
A bunch of folks will be going up on Saturday -- I hope everyone leaves early and brings adequate fluid.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
