Mt San Jacinto in the snow!

 It may be getting warmer down in the desert, but the mountains are still very snowy! 

We woke up early and drove into Palm Springs to get the aerial tram. We'd been before, but I wanted to do a bigger hike into the wilderness. We'd rented crampons and hiking poles from the University outdoor club so we could really explore some of the longer trails. 

The tram took us from the desert into the mountains where there was a lot of snow from all the winter storms. Lots of families had come in snowsuits and with their boards, ready to play. 

We filled out our wilderness permit at the ranger station, strapped on our spikes, and headed out. We took the trail up to Wellman's divide which is about 6-7 miles round trip. The trail does continue all the way to San Jacinto Peak, but it was a bit far for us to do in the time given to us in winter, especially when we're slowed down by snow. 

Spiky feet!

The crampons were really useful (once we'd got them to stay on properly). The trail was covered in proper snow rather than ice, and we saw a few people with snowshoes on instead. There were a few places where the spikes helped us stay upright on a very narrow path or helped to stabilise us going up or down hills. Sometimes the snow was packed tight and all we left were little spike marks. In other areas it was softer and our feet went right the way through. 

The trail was so pretty in the snow, with large areas completely untouched between the trees. Usually this area is all green and foresty, and while the trees were still pretty green, the snow was the overwhelming colour today. For most of the day we were able to follow the footprints of groups who had done this trail in the last few days, but there weren't many. We only saw three other groups on the loop the whole day. 

We passed a campground (which just looked like an empty snow covered field) and ended up getting a little lost trying to follow the footprints here. There were several tracks in a few directions, some of which were going through some very deep snow, but we found the main trail after a little bit, and even found a good view on the way. 

Just before we got to our aim of Wellman's Divide, we met another couple who told us to carry on the trail towards San Jacinto, just a little further, because there was a great view. We walked up and across the side of the mountain with no trees. While this made for scary hiking as the snow could theoretically begin to slip into an avalanche at any point, it meant there was a completely unobstructed view of the valley below.

When we got back to the divide, we could see over the top of a snowy, tree lined mountain and into the desert. We stopped here to eat lunch and as we sat, we heard big chunks of ice falling from the surrounding trees. The snow all around us was covered with these and were sparkling in the sun. We didn't see any wildlife on our hike that day, but we did see a few tracks. The only one we could identify properly was a rabbit as they have such a distinctive hop pattern. 

After eating our lunch, we started the journey back down the mountain. On the way, we passed the toilets at the summer ranger station. Usually, these are just little sheds with a bowl over a pit. They were open, but the snow had packed up so much around it that it half covered them and the doors could not close. I decided to brave it while Mitchell kept watch. I stepped down 2-3 feet of snow to get into the little shed and stared out at the snow floor as I did my business. 

My view from the toilet

We also saw a sign post on the way back which had been almost completely covered by the snow. Even when we were breaking through as we walked, we were only making it through a tiny portion. 

We made it back to the tram just after 4pm where we enjoyed a well earned rest and snack. Between the cold and the snow covering up all of the fallen trees and rocks, we hadn't really been able to stop to breaks, other than for lunch, so we were pretty tired. 

Hiking in the snow is exhausting, but very pretty to see, and exciting to experience. However, I think I still prefer going in summer when it's all green and brown! 

Also this weekend, Mitchell had another show with his new improv comedy group, and invited all the international people! We had a big group to watch and it was a good show. Lots of them had never seen improv before, and I think they had a good time. 

That's it for this week, but next week is my birthday, so you know I'll have something good planned!

Lots of love,

Emily and Mitchell

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