Deb wrote:Summitted San Jacinto via MMT on Friday with perfect snow and temps. I had a lump removed from over my left knee 2 weeks ago, stitches due to come out in a week, but I couldn't take staying away from the mountains any longer!!
Took me just under 5 hours to summit; never saw/found or made a trail once leaving the PCT/Deer Springs junction, I just shot an azimuth and blazed over the frozen snow (in crampons) across Drury's skirt and straight up the the Folly-Jacinto saddle (that's what I call it).
There is a set of Honda keys on the San Jacinto summit block.
The trip back to MMT trailhead was wrought with a few somersaults (not intentional) down steep snow slopes, tripping head long over downed trees and "where the hell am I?" I never found the trail! In the 5.5 hours it took me to get back to my truck, I traversed MILES back and forth between PCT and 7 Pines trying to eliminate landmarks. Yes, I have map and compass but in the trees, everything looks the same! I clambered up a high point of rock (4th class in crampons), called Dave who was on his way home from Lancaster. "I'm lost." What a goober! Talking to him calmed my nerves and I was able to gather a plan and go for it. 90 minutes of gingerly sliding down into a deep draw, over (and through) a few creeks, hop-scotching over downed trees, climbing back up onto rock prepisces, and eventually finding the terminus of the logging/fire road - I reached my truck just moments before Dave drove up to help find my ass. He's so sweet!
I consider myself a decent navigator, but I was just massively confused by everything with the snow covering and too damn many trees. Clouds dropped onto the peaks and I could no longer ascertain who was what. Without the compass and map, I'd still be out there.
Nice Deb, glad it all worked out...and SAR Dave just happened to be in the neighborhood, in case you needed him, that's pretty cool! Now take care of your knee silly.
