10/18/2008: Skyline with Ellen and Karin

[CXP777]

Skyline with Ellen and Karin

On October 18th I completed my third attempt of Skyline and my second attempt of C2C. First, I have been coming out to Palm Springs to do this hike for three years. I live in Atlanta, Georgia and usually take three days to fly out and do this hike on a set day. So, if the weather turns out to be on the bad side, I would need to cancel all my reservations, which could mean $$$; however, it be worth every dime. I look forward to this every year, and this year was no exception.

I flew into Phoenix, AZ on 10/16 and drove over to Palm Springs the afternoon of 10/17. I ate dinner (Pasta) that evening and went to bed at 90 P.M. I arrived at the Desert Museum parking lot the following morning at 4:00 A.M. and saw Ellen getting ready to go. I recognized her from this message board and quickly introduced myself. Ellen’s story was one that was riveting to me this past Winter and I really admire her tenacity and courage. Ellen invited me to go along with her and friend Karin, and I accepted (hike with a Skyline legend???? Of course!); turned out to be my best decision all day. We started our journey at 4:06 A.M.

Ellen and Karin were not only great company, but they kept a pace that worked really well for me and we just “hummed” along. We really had some great conversations and discussed, among other things, the great people who frequent this board. We were really moving well. We only took one 5 minute break in some shade at Flat Rock and crested Long Valley at 10:13 A.M: A total of 6 hrs 7 minutes for Skyline. After I thanked Ellen and Karin for their wonderful companionship, I proceeded forward to complete the entire C2C. I left Long Valley at 10:30 A.M. and got to Wellman’s Divide at 11:30 A.M. I felt great and then headed up the last 1,100 feet to the summit. I reached the summit at 12:45 P.M. and completed the C2C in 8hrs and 39min. I was not only happy to be done and reach this pinnacle of the hike, but I shattered my goal of 10 hrs. I had previously completed C2C in 10 hrs and 40 min and really wanted to break 10 hrs. I have to thank Ellen and Karin for really setting a pace that was not only comfortable but consistent. I also think the conversation took the mind off the physical challenge to a degree.

I left the Summit at 1:08 P.M. and was back at the tram at 2:59 P.M; the end to a fabulous hike. I caught a cab ride with a couple who completed Skyline later in the day (started at 7:00 A.M.) and picked up my rental car and drove 4 ½ hrs back to Phoenix and had a steak dinner (not a bad end to a long day). The next day I played golf (shot my best round ever) and flew out back to Atlanta on 10/20.

Note: As I was leaving Palm Springs and heading up I-10, I caught Mt. San Jacinto in my rear view mirror, the sun was starting to go down below the southern crest, and was inspired by the view (I just spent my day on this mountain and was mesmerized by how beautiful it looked to me right now).

Again, thank you Ellen and Karin.

I am back in Atlanta and it is raining and cold. However, thinking about my day on the peak makes a day like this a good one..

Don’t know when I will get back out, but if I do, will be looking to do it on a day to meet more of you.

Chris

[Hikin_Jim]

A very cool account! Thanks for sharing that with us!

Wow, all the way from Atlanta, GA, just to do Skyline? I guess I'd better quit complaining about how the San Jacinto Mtns are more than two hours drive from my place in Los Angeles!

HJ

[Ellen]

Howdy Chris,

Thanks so much for your excellent company on Skyline -- Karin and I had a terrific time. Please let us know when you return as I would love to hike with you again.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[CXP777]

Ellen,

I will let you know when my schedule next year of when I plan to hike again. Normally, I go for October. Again, thanks for the company and good talk.

Chris

[CXP777]

Hiiking Jim,

You are so fortunate to have San J. in your "backyard." As I was telling Ellen, I can't get any good training on terrain like you have, because Georgia has such low vertical hikes. The highest point in Georgia is 4,784 feet (basically. 1 1/2 Skylines); however, from the base of the mountain, the hike is 8.3 miles long, gaining 2,716 ft (an average of 6.1%), which is not much compared to Skyline.

[Hikin_Jim]

Hiiking Jim,

You are so fortunate to have San J. in your "backyard." As I was telling Ellen, I can't get any good training on terrain like you have, because Georgia has such low vertical hikes. The highest point in Georgia is 4,784 feet (basically. 1 1/2 Skylines); however, from the base of the mountain, the hike is 8.3 miles long, gaining 2,716 ft (an average of 6.1%), which is not much compared to Skyline.

And these guys, http://www.mtsanjacinto.info/viewtopic.php?t=1104, came all the way from Poland if I'm understanding correctly. I definitely better stop complaining about the drive to the San Jacintos.

[CXP777]

Hiking Jim,

Wow! Poland. It looks like they do different types of adventure trips. Well, C2C/Skyline would qualify. They do not have this type of terrain or life zone changes in Poland, so don't blame them for travelling here for the experience.