Cactus to Clouds 5/31/09
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:08 pm
I am happy to share that I hiked Cactus to Clouds for the first time yesterday! I’m even happier to say that my legs feel great, without any soreness whatsoever!
My buddy Jeff and I started out dark and early at the Desert Museum. It was warm and quite humid. The most I’d ever climbed in one day up to this point was Whitney, so I was wondering how 10,400 would feel. I’d heard the first 8,000 were tough. I did notice the lower part of the Skyline Trail was fairly steep, while the middle was more moderate. The last mile or so got pretty steep, but nothing too bad. At least, nothing as bad as I’d imagined. Plus, Jeff took me up Iron Mountain a couple months ago. After the last 3 miles to that summit, I’m having difficulty calling many other trails “steep.” Ha ha. It’s all about perspective.
Anyway, we enjoyed a splendid sunrise as we made our climb. It was interesting, making our way over the first few “humps” before we finally got to the final approach to the tram station. I’ll admit, I was glad to get there! It meant we’d climbed our initial 8,000 feet, and it also meant a nice break and a sink to wash my grubby hands.
After a leisurely break, we swung by the ranger station for our permit. Unfortunately, Jeff was still recovering from a bad respiratory infection, and had been feeling terrible all morning. His body simply was not ready for such a strenuous day. I will tell anyone gladly that Jeff is the strongest, most perseverant hiking buddy I’ve had, or could ever ask for. I thought I was strong when we started hiking together, but he’s pushed my limits! However, we knew the summit wasn’t in the cards for him yesterday. As badly as he wanted to continue, we agreed it best that he turn back, about a quarter of a mile past the ranger station.
So, I continued on. He had done this before and wasn’t about to let me miss my opportunity to complete the hike. Quite determined, I picked up my pace and set out for the summit. I’d been to the top of San Jacinto before, but not this way! I met several friendly hikers as I made my final climb. My legs felt surprisingly fresh and I was in good spirits. I cannot even explain how good it felt to get to the summit! I think it was as satisfying as my first Whitney summit. After all, I remember hearing about c2c for the first time about 5 years ago. I clearly recall saying, “I’ll never be able to do that!” Well, I got stronger, and turns out I could do that. (Hey, 10 years ago I was fat, out of shape and could barely walk a neighborhood block without needing a break! If you’ve seen me on the trail, you know I’ve made some changes!)
I enjoyed about 30 minutes on the summit. The weather was wonderful, and the shy was blue with a few passing clouds. I met some nice folks up on the summit, too! I then made my quick dash back to the tram station, feeling exuberant. I said hi to pretty much anyone, flashing them my goofy grin.
I loved this hike and will do it again…and again.
Pics are here: www.flickr.com/photos/33777171@N06/sets ... 119368972/
My buddy Jeff and I started out dark and early at the Desert Museum. It was warm and quite humid. The most I’d ever climbed in one day up to this point was Whitney, so I was wondering how 10,400 would feel. I’d heard the first 8,000 were tough. I did notice the lower part of the Skyline Trail was fairly steep, while the middle was more moderate. The last mile or so got pretty steep, but nothing too bad. At least, nothing as bad as I’d imagined. Plus, Jeff took me up Iron Mountain a couple months ago. After the last 3 miles to that summit, I’m having difficulty calling many other trails “steep.” Ha ha. It’s all about perspective.
Anyway, we enjoyed a splendid sunrise as we made our climb. It was interesting, making our way over the first few “humps” before we finally got to the final approach to the tram station. I’ll admit, I was glad to get there! It meant we’d climbed our initial 8,000 feet, and it also meant a nice break and a sink to wash my grubby hands.
After a leisurely break, we swung by the ranger station for our permit. Unfortunately, Jeff was still recovering from a bad respiratory infection, and had been feeling terrible all morning. His body simply was not ready for such a strenuous day. I will tell anyone gladly that Jeff is the strongest, most perseverant hiking buddy I’ve had, or could ever ask for. I thought I was strong when we started hiking together, but he’s pushed my limits! However, we knew the summit wasn’t in the cards for him yesterday. As badly as he wanted to continue, we agreed it best that he turn back, about a quarter of a mile past the ranger station.
So, I continued on. He had done this before and wasn’t about to let me miss my opportunity to complete the hike. Quite determined, I picked up my pace and set out for the summit. I’d been to the top of San Jacinto before, but not this way! I met several friendly hikers as I made my final climb. My legs felt surprisingly fresh and I was in good spirits. I cannot even explain how good it felt to get to the summit! I think it was as satisfying as my first Whitney summit. After all, I remember hearing about c2c for the first time about 5 years ago. I clearly recall saying, “I’ll never be able to do that!” Well, I got stronger, and turns out I could do that. (Hey, 10 years ago I was fat, out of shape and could barely walk a neighborhood block without needing a break! If you’ve seen me on the trail, you know I’ve made some changes!)
I enjoyed about 30 minutes on the summit. The weather was wonderful, and the shy was blue with a few passing clouds. I met some nice folks up on the summit, too! I then made my quick dash back to the tram station, feeling exuberant. I said hi to pretty much anyone, flashing them my goofy grin.
I loved this hike and will do it again…and again.
Pics are here: www.flickr.com/photos/33777171@N06/sets ... 119368972/
