SJ volunteers booted out of tram station ...

[momphrare]

Such a bummer! I was actually up there on Saturday hoping to by a topo of the mountain but they were packing up! Plus the gift shops don't sell any maps, so alas no map for me...

I hope they bring it back soon.

They have maps at the Long Valley Ranger Station.

[ishootstars]

Interestingly there were a number of angry letters in the Desert Sun today about the tram's behavior. Perhaps they'll reconsider if they get enough bad PR.

Highly doubtful they care about bad PR. The tram public relations manager is a nightmare to deal with and has been one of the most unpleasant and unhappy people I have encountered while working in the media for the last decade. I've dealt with her on several occasions for work (not pleasure) and every time she's left me with a bad taste in my mouth. IMHO it looks like the tram has a management issue.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

This is extremely sad and disappointing The volunteers have been an invaluable asset to the Forest Service, visitors and tram personnel.

Regarding ishootstars negative experiences -- ugh

From the heart,
Ellen

[Sally]

I may be a little off-subject, but just as a warning, don't lose anything at the tram. My daughter apparently left her expensive hiking boots in the tram parking lot. When I asked where the lost and found was I was given the business card of the Public Affairs Manager. I was unable to get a hold of her on the phone. Two weeks later when I tried to visit the lost and found I wasn't allowed to look through any stuff. Instead, a woman checked a LIST of found articles and said she didn't see the boots. Then I was given a lecture on how they can't hold onto or keep track of found items. I would have felt better if I could have physically looked for the boots myself. Sorry, but it ticked me off and I had to get that off my chest.

[Ed]

I know some people disagree, but I consider PSAT to be an unregulated out-of-control monopoly whose value comes from public land.

As long as we are dumping on PSAT, I had an altercation with a security officer on Saturday. I was waiting for my wife to pick me up in the lowest parking lot. A security officer drove up and asked me if I needed help. I said no thank you, I'm fine. He pressed me for details, and I provided them. And then he went on and on, repeating the same questions and offers for help. It went on for perhaps 10 minutes. Towards the end he clearly thought I was dissing him, and I was, to get rid of him. Clearly a man with a strong need to justify his job. I can think of many ways PSAT can better serve the public, particularly hikers. Which made this guy's insistence on giving me service and attention I did not need or want particularly irritating.

[Hikin_Jim]

So, the whole charging people to park is now a reality? I would rather just pay once at the tram ticket booth rather than having to futz with two fees. I guess they figure if they split the price into two, it will go down easier?

Sad to see the volunteers go. They've been super friendly and helpful over the years.

HJ

[ishootstars]

Jim, they were putting the finishing touches on the parking booth this morning and it looks ready to open any day now.

Had a strange and rather uncomfortable incident with a security guard this morning in the upper parking lot. I had just parked my car and was putting my sun shades in my windshield when I felt someone staring at me. I turned around and there was a security guard staring into my vehicle watching me put my sunshade up. He was too close for comfort and just stood there glaring at me for almost 10 minutes. Pretty clear I was a hiker. Had my hiking backpack laying against the trunk while I was waiting for a colleague to show up. I almost got the feeling that security was trying to give me hard time because it was pretty obvious that I was a hiker and not a cash cow? Really weird vibe there today.. Definitely not a hiker friendly vibe.

I was sincerely considering picking up an Annual tram pass or at least the summer pass today but decided to spend that money in the State Park Volunteer store instead. They seem to be a little more appreciative of my hard earned money than the psat does. By the way, the summer pass has gone up from $50 to $70 this year. Not sure if that includes parking..

I had a great time chatting with George in the volunteer store today and it was nice seeing them open with stuff to sell. No shirts or sweatshirts though. Just some good books, maps and some gold pins/badges. That little volunteer store is way more of an asset than the PSAT realizes.

[Hikin_Jim]

That's weird. What's up with that guy staring you down like that?

The $50 deal was just for the 50th anniversary of the tram I believe. It was a steal of a deal just for that one summer. I think $70 is more reflective of their normal prices.

Yeah, the best information and maps have always been at the little volunteer shop. Hopefully they'll get set up somewhere else.

HJ

[Florian]

ishootstars, that seems very unusual re security. I'm a hiker and buy a summer pass every year. I've always felt welcomed at the tram by all employees. Summer pass is $70 this year and includes parking.

-Florian

[ishootstars]

ishootstars, that seems very unusual re security. I'm a hiker and buy a summer pass every year. I've always felt welcomed at the tram by all employees. Summer pass is $70 this year and includes parking.

-Florian

Ive never had a prob with security in the past. This dude looked like he was new.