Overcoming the aftereffects of New Years Eve celebrations, Whitebark (me), Chuck, and Jim left Palm Springs early on New Year's Day and made the short drive to the Whitewater trout farm. From there, we hiked the PCT norhtbound two miles almost to Red Dome. Then we followed a faint user trail climbing the ridgeline. The two mile cross country route along the ridge turned out to a lot of fun. There were no real difficulties with brush or cliffs, and the views got better and better as we climbed. However, the weather was very un-Palm Springs like - clouds blocked the sun and spat flurries of snow at us, and at times the wind was bitterly cold.
Despite the clouds, the view on the Nob was spectacular. A snowstorm had engulfed Mt. San Gorgonio, but otherwise we enjoyed a great 360 degree view of the surrounding mountains. As we ate lunch on the peak, the sun started peeking through the clouds and warming us up a bit.
Overall the hike was 8 miles with 2200 feet of gain to the 4450' Nob. A fun time was had by all. What a way to ring in the New Year!
(well, they're new to So Cal anyway) 
