[pct-l] Fuller Ridge Update

[jas8313 at adelphia.net (JAMES)]

Received tonight a report on the trail conditions from Idyllwild up Slide
Canyon Trail 
and then across San Jacinto and Fuller Ridge from Dave and Michelle Toms -
"The British Trail Blazers".

"The British Trail Blazers" have recent experienced in Snow and Mountain
conditions
having spent the last several months preparing for the hike.. They took a
Ice Axe class
about a month ago during several weeks in the French Mtns.  They also were in
New Zealand hiking at the end of the year.  They have been living in their
tent for
much of the past 6 months in all kinds of conditions.  They were prepared
with GPS, 
Maps and Compass, 6 point Crampons and Climbing Ice Axes.  Their combined 
Base Pack Weight is about 33 pounds including the above - food and water
additional -
I saw their Gear and asked Questions about it - They use Carbon Hiking Poles.

Wednesday 4-27 -- This is a First Light to Dusk Trip.

Departed from Idyllwild at 6:20 am via the Devils Slide Trail and arrived
at Saddle Junction
at 7:45 - Snow fingers below 8000 feet with snow cover above to the
junction.. 8100
The trail was easy to follow - Crampons & Ice Axe not required.

They left Saddle Junction at 8:00 and arrived at the Turnoff - 2 miles
later at 9:30
The trail below 8800 was mostly clear but Crampons and Ice Axe were used
above.

Wellmans Cienaga Trail Junction (9030) to Strawberry junction - (Deer
Spring Trail)
9:30 to 10:30 was mostly clear - No Crampons or Ice Axe. 

Deer Spring Trail ? to Deer Springs  10:30 - 12:15  1st mile ok - GOT LOST
for 20 minutes
but with GPS found location.  Crampons and Ice Axe required after 1st mile
- SLOW and TUFF
They recogmend Black Mountain Road if you are not Properly experienced and
equipped.

Deer Springs to Castle Rock  12:30 to 4:00 - No Trail - Cross Country
Altimiter - Map
and Compass - GPS  Crampons and Ice Axe Required.  1/2 mile before Castle Rock
was Clear.  

Castle Rock to Black Mountain Road - 4:00 to 6:30 -- No trail -- SLOW &
HARD - Rocks
showing - not enough snow for easy travel -- Lots of Trees / FOG --
difficult to navigate
North side of ridge DARK --- 2 Sets of Footprints went thru on Tuesday
Black Mountain Road is easy to find.

( I believe that they Camped around Black Mountain Road on Wednesday - JAS)

This Section is Progressively Harder and Slower as you go. Most will make
this traverse
in 2 days or hike the Black Mountain Road.

Black Mountain Road to Slow Canyon trail was easy to follow - 3 to 4" of
snow  
You will come to a Large Sign that indicates the Trail is closed due to
Hazards -- 
Ignor - This is from the Fire last year.  

No report on the Trail down to Snow Creek Fountain. They camped Thursday
around 
3000 to 4000 feet.

The Conditions Changed due Heavy Storm the went thru Thursday Night.

Copy of this report sent to Anza Trail Angels
I believe they stayed at Tahquitz Inn  - 877-659-4554  -- 951-659-4554
Weekend rates begin at $85 plus tax



James from Southern California