Here we go again?

[simonov]

Personally, I would no more organize or lead a hike up Skyline with people I had never hiked with before, than I would try to colonize Mars with a band of Muppets. And with 40plus people? No way, Jose ...

Well then it's a good thing for many folks there are people like Verdi to lead them up.

[Jim Bakos]

We’re always here to help; we don’t need to mark our calendar for rescues.

Since we’re all unpaid volunteers, I seriously doubt we’ll be off to Hawaii…

BTW: Rick M is a member of RMRU as well (not to mention others here
on the board...). We’re here to catch you when you fall!

Hike Safe!

--Jim

[KathyW]

It is unfortunate that some hikes are not successful.

I often hike solo, so I doubt if I'm in any position to talk about what's safe and what's not or to judge others on safety issues.

[justinjohnsen]

Last spring I hiked Skyline an hour or so behind Verdi's Cactus to Clouds group. Aside from the fast lead group, the slower ones broke into "buddy" pairs and trios. My hiking buddy and I met a couple of straggler pairs on our way up (one with blisters, another not conditioned well enough).

Despite the "on your own" posting, Verdi left the lead group and hiked back down to "lunch rock" to wait on his group's stragglers. Even though we gave him a report on how far back they were and how they were doing, he waited to see them himself, and be sure they were in shape to make the tram station. Then he launched back up to catch the lead group. Both the blistered and sore pairs made the tram, and enjoyed the hike.

So however CYA the posting looks from the outside (something people do for self-preservation in our sue-happy California society), the reality of the hike may be different, and boils down to the individuals involved.

[simonov]

Despite the "on your own" posting, Verdi left the lead group and hiked back down to "lunch rock" to wait on his group's stragglers. Even though we gave him a report on how far back they were and how they were doing, he waited to see them himself, and be sure they were in shape to make the tram station. Then he launched back up to catch the lead group. Both the blistered and sore pairs made the tram, and enjoyed the hike.

Oh yeah, I've seen him do that on a Santiago hike. At one point I think he stopped to talk to some hikers or take a crap or something, he was WAAAAY behind the main group, but within a few minutes of rapid walking he had caught up with us.

He's an animal.

[cynthia23]

Well, as the resident curmudgeon/Cassandra, I can only say, gloomily, let's hope for the best. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, she inquired plaintively .... why has no one else taken me up on the rescue pool? ? Where is the sporting spirit? We will donate the proceeds to RMRU via JimB! Then he can take the entire team on that trip to Hawaii!

Mark N. has volunteered his front patio (it has a clear view of most of Skyline) for "base camp". On the great day, we plan to barbecue buffalo steaks and follow the progress of the Mass O' Mountaineers, via telescope and ESP. Hopefully, we will not see any of them wandering off into chutes of doom....but if we do, we will be carefully annotating the time, number, and place .... hey, it's better than watching NASCAR!

[Kevin]

.. why has no one else taken me up on the rescue pool? ? Where is the sporting spirit?

Maybe because it's mean-spirited?

[Marknhj]

Count me in for a charitable donation of $5. Yes, my front patio is perfect for a base camp, observation station. There will be no NASCAR on, but possibly F1 or football (version where the use of feet is strongly suggested)...

[AlanK]

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, she inquired plaintively .... why has no one else taken me up on the rescue pool? ? Where is the sporting spirit?

OK, I'm in. I am concerned about assuming the post of resident optimist, but I predict that May 10 will come and go with no SAR activity in the San Jacinto Mountains. This is not part of the official bet, but verdi will run for Mayor of Palm Springs.

[doug m.]

.. why has no one else taken me up on the rescue pool? ? Where is the sporting spirit?

Maybe because it's mean-spirited?

maybe?