C2C for 10/18/08 - Opinions on Plan

[Perry]

Does the drinking fountain at the ranger station work? It's kind of early to put insulation on it, but in theory an unusually cold day might not be good.

[Zé]

What time does the tram parking lot close? About 10 pm?

[sf_hiker]

Joseph,
I stayed last weekend at the one just near Ramon Rd and it was decent. I took up that (against the one further up on palm canyon) because there were some internet reviews noting that its cleaner and has bathtub, as against just a shower in the one further up.

Not that I used the tub but, I was surely interested in getting the cleaner one.

Oh, and there is a Denny's around a mile up on palm canyon. I not only had a heavy breakfast there but, also had them pack a sandwich for the trail - which came in really handy - there is nothing like eggs and cheese on the trail!!!

Have a great hike!!!

Thanks,
M.M.

PS: Are you the one from some hikers website, I once shared my feedback with on Bear Canyon route to Baldy.

[Zé]

sounds like a good idea sf_hiker!

yes I organized a hike up Bear Canyon to Baldy back in late July. why didn't you show up??!!

[Ellen]

Howdy Joe,

I'll be leaving with Karin about 4 AM. Based on your predicted time for the full C2C, the only chance I stand of seeing you is in the parking lot

I recommend passing on the food at the tram -- go to the original Las Consuelas in Palm Springs -- it's not far from the Desert Museum.

Unfortunately, it looks like it will be about 70 degrees when we start. I'll probably drink a liter before we leave and carry 3 liters.

Howdy Cy,

Looking forward to seeing you again

Howdy Jim,

Thanks for the lovely picture of the Pacific diamond-back rattlesnake -- I'd like YOU to lead me up Skyline tomorrow

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[Cy Kaicener]

I will be leaving with the Sierra Club at midnight and hopefully going a bit further than Long Valley.
Ellen - if I see you then we can eat at Las Consuellas.
Now I have to go to sleep.

[Hikin_Jim]

Ellen:

Eureka! I think I've found it! The perfect way to beat the snakes and improve your time:

[tinaballina]

have a great hike everyone....i will be on the mountain sunday so roll out the red carpet for me while you are up there......LOL

[Cy Kaicener]

I left at midnight with 22 Sierra Clubbers and two first timers who sent me e mails. We got up to Long Valley at 7.45 am. Most of them continued on to the peak. It was a cool 50 degrees at the tram. We passed three guys who started at 8.30 am on Friday and were camped at Flat Rock bumming water from everybody. They had a roaring fire going believe it or not, and the Sierra Club made them put it out. The 4 am group are due for a hot day. it was in the nineties in Palm Springs.

[Ellen]

Howdy All

I'll be the first 4 AM person from yesterday to validate Cy's comment about the heat. I met Chris from Altanta in the parking lot (he recognized me from this board) and he accompanied us.

Thanks to Karin's and Chris' eagle eyes, we found the short cut at Shade rock and were approaching the 4,300 ft level when the sun rose. It was absolutely breath-taking and the Salton sea glittered. The excellent companionship helped the time in heat pass more quickly. I started developing a headache on the never-ending ridge -- an indication that I wasn't drinking enough. I took some Alleve, started pushing fluid, and felt better by the time we reached Flat Rock.

The final climb from Flat Rock to Long Valley is my favorite part of Skyline. It was wonderful to reach the cooler, pine scented air and shade as we traversed up towards Coffman's Crag. Even at this point, I was wiping sweat out of my eyes every few switchbacks. Amazingly, we reached Long Valley in 6:10 -- 10 minutes faster than in the cooler weather the week before. My shirt was covered with dried salt.

Chris felt great and continued on to the summit. We had the ritual beer at the tram and were pleasently surprised to see Scott in the boarding area. Even Scott commented on the heat. A very nice couple from Michigan gave the three of us a ride back to our cars at the museum. In turn, we introduced them to the original Las Consuelas

Miles of smiles,
Ellen