Mt. San Jacinto

July 6, 2002

Elevation: 10,800'

The first big training hike for October's Mt. Kilimanjaro expedition was 100% successful!!! The group consisted of 2002 WOW Great African Adventure members Keith Francis, Greg Ocasek, Greg Weiler, Craig Atkins, Jamie Craig and leader's Bingo and Goon. We also had 4 WOW virgins enjoy the day on the mountain. Hope it wasn't too painful and we see them all again on future WOW adventures?! Welcome to Jeremy, Ann, Steve and my brother-in-law John Klein; it is always nice to have new energy on the trail.

After an early car pool from the parking lot at O'Donnel/Atkins, we arrived at the tram station above Palm Springs at about 8:30 am. We boarded the 9:00 tram and after two scenic 360 degree rotations and almost 5,000' of elevation gain the tram car spit us out into the masses of tourist's already packing the station. After a quick potty break, a few backpack adjustments and a retightening of my bootlaces, we started "down" the trail ½ mile to a small valley were the ranger station is located. We signed in and started our first ascent to Round Valley a few miles up the trail. From here we took a left on the trail which took us another 1.5 miles up to a ridge with an impressive view of the Southern California ranges and Palm Springs. Just after noon we were beginning to negotiate the switchbacks and the last couple of miles of the hot, exposed southeasten face. By 1:30 we had all made the final scramble over the mass of boulders crowning the summit. After a leisurely lunch and a few snapshots to confirm our accomplishments, we made a mad dash for the tram station. It always amazes me how we all begin to gallop when we see the barn.

We hiked almost 12 miles, gained nearly 2,700' and all 12 made it back to the bar to rest our weary feet and exchange a few stories about the day. As the tram plunged us back down into the reality of everyday life, I reminded myself that in leaving the office each day, one should take with them a sense that they have accomplished something. Needless to say, it was a quiet drive home… I guess you could say it was a great day at the office.