Sunday, February 8 - We hiked the Lyykens Trail up into the San Jacinto Mountains overlooking Palm Springs, CA, this morning.....ugh! We could either enter the trail from the North where it is rated "moderate" or from the South where it is rated "strenuous." We really didn't make an obvious decision. We simply followed the directions to the trail and found ourselves at the South trailhead, so we decided to head out and turn around if it became too difficult.
The trial is well defined and consists of many, many, many switchbacks leading up the mountain. We gained 1000' in elevation over a distance of about three miles to the top.
We should have known better when we saw this on the map.
Lots of beauty along the trail.
We saw several people running up or down that mountain. We thought them nuts!
The views from the top were fabulous. We overlooked downtown Palm Springs and the entire Coachella Valley.
The next photo is for our son-in-law, Dave. See all the green down there Dave. It is what they call a golf course. Show us one of these this time of the year in Ohio…lol
Our friends Pam and John always eat lunch at the top of the mountain calling it "lunch with a view." We are a little earlier risers getting on the trail at about 7 a.m., so we sat at a picnic table (must have been brought up by mules in pieces) and had "breakfast with a view!"
Then, of course, we had to either return the way we came or continue on to the North trailhead and find a way back to our car. We chose to return the way we came. Let us tell you, it's significantly easier going down then up. But still no walk in the park!
We certainly consider this the most strenuous hike we've ever done and are proud of our accomplishment by making it to the top. There was a point near the top that we thought be were going to throw in the towel, but pride won out and we persevered.
1,500’ feet, we still love our Buckeyes.
We had a big surprise yesterday. While Paul was sitting outside, a gentleman with a dog walked up to him. Paul recognized them both instantly. It was Rick and Rylie. We talked nonstop for about an hour. It was a really nice visit. We are getting together with Rick and Paulette on Tuesday for breakfast. Thanks for stopping over Rick and bringing Rylie. He is one well-behaved dog.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!