Autumn on Devil's Slide to the Peak

[Sally]

Being as my regular hiking buddies were traipsing in the Grand Canyon I decided it was time for me to take a solo hike. First I thought of doing C2C, but it was a bit warm for my liking and I've never done it alone and I was certain I would get disoriented at the bottom or would be eaten by a big cat, so I wimped out and chose to do one of my old favorites, Devil's Slide. It was a great choice because it was a day of wild surprises.

I started at 6:20 and needed my headlamp for about 10 minutes until my eyes adjusted to the light. I enjoyed watching the moon play hide and seek in the tree branches. Soon the sun was starting to glow pink on the ridges ahead of me. Also, I noticed that some of the foliage was starting to turn gold. From Saddle Junction I turned onto the PCT and headed up the switchbacks. Then I entered my favorite area where ferns and skunk cabbage line the trail. To my surprise, the skunk cabbage was pretty much shriveled up for the winter and the ferns had turned a rich shade of gold. The Salton Sea glowed and appeared to be floating in the distance. It was sad to see that Wellman's Cienaga was looking pretty muddy, but then again at least there was some moisture. There were plenty of birds taking advantage of the water.

Eventually, after taking more time than usual to shoot some pics, I made it to San Jacinto Peak. There were only a handful of folks up there so I had guessed thet I had beaten the tram crowd up there. A gentleman skipped up to the summit block in front of me and when I got up there we started a conversation. It turns out that the gent was none other than our Board friend "Mountaingoat." We had much to talk about and meanwhile flocks of other hikers came and went from the top.

Mountaingoat and I bid adieu, and as I rounded the first switchback on the way to Wellman's Divede someone pointed out a plume of smoke down in the valley. A little concerned, I made haste down the trail. As I drew closer to the fire I saw that there were helicopters dumping fire retardant on it. It seemed to be near Saddle Junction, right where I needed to pass through to get back to my car. I hesitated at the PCT/Strawberry Cienega junction thinking it might be a wise choice. But, then there would be the hassel of getting back to my car. With no rangers posted ther to redirect me I took a chance and continued down the trail the way I had come up. Soon I was overjoyed to see that the smoke seemed to be getting thinner. The fire was close to Saddle Junction, but was in no way a danger. Relieved, I made my way down Devil's Slide back to my car. What I was most relieved about was that the fire seemed to be under control, thanks to the helicopters and whoever else was lending a hand. Thank you firefighters!

Pics:
https://picasaweb.google.com/1009477359 ... lideTrail#

[Ulysses]

Thanks for sharing your pictures Sally. I was out of town for the weekend, and somebody from Idyllwild emailed me a message that there was a fire in Little Round Valley. I was just looking on the message board for more information about the fire when I read your post. Obviously the fire was in "Little Tahquitz Valley" not Little Round Valley. Hasn't been any lightning lately. Have to assume the fire was man-caused. What a shame. Hard to imagine that anyone could be so careless in these conditions. Thankfully the Forest Service got on it quickly and there wasn't much wind. As usual, this board is one of the best sources for accurate information in the San Jacintos. Looks like you had a wonderful hike.

[bluerail]

i was coming through saddle junction sat. and there was a group headed that way to camp. cant imagine what else other than humans could have started it.

[cynthia23]

Wow, that last part of the hike must have been a bit nerve-wracking. But the part up until then sounds lovely !

[Ulysses]

Just talked to a buddy who is on Wilderness Patrol. He was up there Sunday morning and reported the fire. Definitely a camp fire that got out of control. He was in the process of cleaning up another hot campfire at Chinquapin flats when this one started up. He said "Idyllwild dodged a bullet" on this one.

[Sally]

Thank you for the update, Ulysses. Campfire? What were they thinking?! I would say Idyllwild dodged a bullet, thankfully there wasn't much wind and it wasn't really hot.

[Mountaingoat]

Hi Sally,

Thanks for your post and the mention of us meeting on the summit for a nice chat and exchange of stories. I certainly enjoyed it, hopefully as much as you did and I especially thank you again for sharing your flask with an excellent choice of Scotch.

I don't think, I have ever taken a breather of 1 hour and a half on any peak that have summited.

My best to you and your family!

Berne Mettenleiter aka "Mountain goat"

[momphrare]

Just talked to a buddy who is on Wilderness Patrol. He was up there Sunday morning and reported the fire. Definitely a camp fire that got out of control. He was in the process of cleaning up another hot campfire at Chinquapin flats when this one started up. He said "Idyllwild dodged a bullet" on this one.

Did they get a fine for having the Fire?

[towbradley]

wow sally, Michon and I were up on devils slide at 8:30 on Monday......yea yea, late start.....it was my wife's first time up on a hike from devils slide all the way to the fire watch tower.....just before we hit saddle junction the choppers(2) started their drops.... went to the right to continue up the trail and we had a spectacular a view of the choppers in action. made it the rest of the way to tahquitz fire tower, then went straight back to the car. said howdy to a few overnighters who were traveling along up there........sorry we missed you up there. fire seemed only a half a mile from the junction maybe. happy trails

[Sally]

It was a pleasure sharing stories and Scotch with you, Berne. I'm looking forward to bumping into on the trail (or the top) again.

Towbradley, I was up there on Sunday, so I'm surprised to hear the choppers were still at it on Monday. I guess it wasn't under control as I thought it was. The choppers were still dropping stuff on the fire to be sure they got it all the way out, I figure. Those things can smolder for a long time. Sorry to have missed you on the mountain.