This hike was bloody in both the figurative (UK) and literal sense.
Several meet-up groups and other folks left from the museum at 3:30 AM. My decision to do the "full monty" depended on how I felt at Grubbs Notch. It was fun to see the headlamps both above and below us on the trail. Thanks to the early start, we enjoyed the lights of Palm Springs as we ascended. We reached 4 K right about as the sun came up and were treated to beautiful alpine-glow on San Jacinto
We sorted out into groups based on pace -- I hiked with Cindy, Perry A, Florian H and Mustapha up to Flatrock. Took a fuel break, then continued up. Once at Grubbs Notch, Cindy, Perry, Mustapha and I opted to head for the summit -- Chevalier Florian H was already well ahead of us on his way to the summit.
We took the Sid Davis route to Tamarack Valley. From there, the plan was to take the old Tamarack trail. There was a difference of opinion on our route and we wound up bushwhacking up to gain the trail
Fortunately, I was the only one who sustained serious blood loss. We joined the main trail below the 10 K level. I used the snow as both a anesthetic and cleaning aid. The other hikers we encountered were really nice and concerned and offered aid -- I wanted to wear a bag over my head 
Scrambled up to the summit (gorgeous as always) and enjoyed a second fuel break. Chevalier Florian had waited for us on the summit and joined us on the descent. Once we reached the 10 K, we split from the main trail and headed down the Old Tamarack trail through the little forest. Once we reached the brushy, overgrown section, we confirmed our route with Chevalier Florian's GPS and re-entered Tamarack Valley. We saw a deer, then encountered a couple who were a bit lost (they'd come up the main trail to Round Valley then over to Tamarack). They joined us as we wound our way back to the Sid Davis drainage.
Right before joining the main trail, I slipped on something and found myself lying on my back with all four extremities in the air. Embarassed again -- arrgh. The fall didn't hurt but my right calf took that moment to seize up. Chevalier Florian hauled me to my feet. There were no further incidents.
Congratulations to my friend Cindy for completing her first C2C in less than ideal conditions (warm Skyline followed by XC, bushwhacking and post holing going to and from the summit of San Jacinto)
I want to thank:
1) Perry, Mustahpha, Cindy and Florian for their wonderful company and patience with route-finding.
2) My always wonderful tram family for providing first aid supplies while I inhailed liquid anesthesia (Arrogant Bastard Ale) at the tram bar.
3) Perry for buying my dinner at Las Casuelas.
Miles of smiles,
Ellen
Bloody Blond Hiking
