What a great full zero (no hiking miles logged all day) in Idyllwild with my folks. It almost didn't happen because a road into town was closed due to a fire. I'm so thankful they made the effort and got there. They spoiled me rotten--food, foot rubs, and extra attention to my next resupply box. Idyllwild is a great, small mountain town with lots of friendly people.
Mom and Dad dropped me off at the trailhead to Devil's Slide trail at 8:45 in the morning. There was lots of discussion given to what to wear in the rain/snow mix and 35-degree weather. I had a climb from approximately 6100' to nearly 9000'. It was tough with cold and snow most of the way. Very beautiful in spots but I didn't want to stop to take out my phone for fear of getting cold. As I began the LONG descent down the north side of Fuller Ridge, the ice was falling from the trees. What I would have given for ice falling on me in the desert! It was very windy coming down the hill. I am having trouble making peace with the near constant wind.
Wow, you had much worse conditions on San Jacinto than I did last year, great job! You survived your first snow! San Jacinto is really the only place in Sections A-F where snow can be an issue so you are golden for awhile.
ReplyDeleteTake Care,
Drake