A Devils Slide Challenge Again
Devils Slide is an unfinished hike from last year. On 10th I thought this could be a perfect timing to take this challenge again after a good rain in early February.
- Our Previous Visit On A Sunny Day:
Devils Slide Trail to Tahquitz Peak
- Route : Out and back
- Length : 8.1 mi
- Elevation : 2375 ft
- Parking: at San Jacinto Ranger Station, $8
- Permit: at San Jacinto Ranger Station, $5/day or $30/year
It didn’t scare us (or maybe just me) that day even though we drove past pouring rain and knew it’s going to snow in the mountains. I appreciated that Quentin didn’t say anything to end my stubbornness.
The visibility and the view we had that day was so different compared to the previous visit. There was no sun, just a windy black and white world.
The trail was full of ice chunks falling from the trees, looking just like piles of rock candies scattered everywhere. Occasionally we will hear a huge noise from loads of ice falling into the valley distance away.
Quentin was sketched out by the idea that the ice might fall on us, and there is no way me as a girl can possibly drag him down the mountain if he goes unconscious. If it’s TT says Quentin, I can put him into my backpack.
I wore only two layers but the hike kept me really warm, people who walked passed us smiled at TT and said he has the perfect jacket for this weather.
We began this hike around 10 am in the morning, and I was so determined to finish it thinking 8 miles is nothing.
The higher we went the stronger the wind was, I forgot walking 8 miles in snow uphill is not as easy especially when I am still recovering from an early injury.
After 2 hours we finally came to the place where we turned back last year, stopping to have lunch made our bodies go from warm to unbearably cold.
Snow fell on TT’s head just like a dust of powdered sugar, he looked like nothing was bothering him, so thrilled and still full of energy in snow. But I was tired, fingers felt like agony so I immediately agreed to retrieve without any hesitation.
Lets try it again next year, better luck next time.
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