2013-02 San Jacinto Snow Hike
The hike yesterday was a huge success. We covered 4.2 miles round trip (yellow highlighted route on attachment). The tram ride was "uplifting" to say the least!!
We took five boys: Joey Mask, Kyle Barnard, Christopher Nomura, William Nomura and Caleb Nomura. Since we had a variety of patrols represented, we decided to make an honorary patrol for the hike called the Skunk Cabbage Patrol! The adults were Harold Orlando, Bob Barnard, Tom Nomura and me.
The hike was definitely challenging and fun. While there was not enough snow on the ground for snow shoes, there was plenty for some impromptu snow ball fights. We also saw quite a few slips and several boys have made a note to get real hiking shoes for future snow hikes.
We at lunch at a closed ranger station near the Round Valley Camp Ground and the sun popped out to keep us warm while we ate. The weather was about as good as it could be. I believe it was 38 degrees when we arrived at the tram station and remained around that temperature most of the time. The higher we hiked the cooler it got and the more snow we encountered. Tom Nomura has decided he prefers cold weather hiking and I may be on his team. It kept things from getting too hot with the packs on our backs.
We completed our trip with a stop at the Hadley Fruit Company for Banana Date Shakes, which seemed to go over with all the boys. I think nearly everyone would love to go back! Perhaps we can make it a camp out in the snow!!!
