Anyone going Saturday 9/8

[JimBones]

Hey Ellen & Z-Dude, I sure set myself up for that one, didn't I??? Anyway, we are going Sun. morning with a midnight start from the Desert Museum. Four of us going now. Ellen, we'll probably see you on the mountain. Stop and say hi before you fly on past us. We'll be looking for the skull & crossbones bandanna. I hope everyone has a great weekend enjoying the outdoors in the more typical weather conditions we are now having. Take care, Jim

[Cy Kaicener]

I only went up to the 4000 ft level on Skyline today because of a sore back and also suffering from prickly heat which feels like needles sticking you. It took me longer to get back. Four of us left at 2.30 am. I want to thank Udi for taking the two first timers up to the peak. He was doing push ups before we left, to loosten up. When I took the tram up, the tram operator said that they found a mountain lion in one of the parking lots. Its not good for business but they need water too.

[ltclafae]

Cy,
The C2C is really an epic hike. I topped out about 1:10 and was struggling up the ramp at the tram by 3:30 for a total 13hr hike. Gary was within a mile of the top when I passed him as I headed down. He was determined to make it but he was really suffering. The last 2 miles up to the tram did him in. I'm glad Udi had a sore ankle so I was able to stay with him. A friend of his, Tina, joined us at the ranger station for the stretch to MSJ. She recently had a second knee surgery and only made it 3 miles before it became too painful. She and Udi turned around and I continued alone.

We were so lucky with the weather. The temperature never got about 82F and that may have been the thermometer picking up my body heat.

The C2C was my big hike goal for the year and I really appreciate you hosting us, if even for only a few hours. I hope your back recovers quickly.

Thanks to Udi for joining and taking over the guide dog role. The C2C is hike not to be attemped without an experienced person in front.

Thanks again,
Happy Trails
Dave

[Cy Kaicener]

Thanks for the trip report Dave and congratulations. The last time I did the full c2c it took fourteen and a half hours. Gary was suffering from jet lag and lack of sleep from flying out from Germany the day before. Did you take a taxi back to the cars.?

[ltclafae]

Near the top I asked a woman for trail directions and later she happened to be going down the same tram as me, so I asked her for a ride. I was lucky on the drive home and didn't hit much traffic. I was home before 7PM.

- Dave