FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2021 9
Palm Springs. It was going to be a long day.
The return hike was without any major event. Just four boys, 14 years
old, from Palm Springs High School, hiking to and from the peak of Mount
San Jacinto via the Skyline Trail, in 1959. The aerial tramway was already a
dream but not yet a reality.
This was the beginning of my 30 plus years of mountain climbing,
including 19,000 foot peaks and climbs in different states and countries. I
also became an active member with the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit
for 16 years. I am now 76 years old and each time I look up at Mount San
Jacinto and Mount San Gorgonio, especially when they are snow-capped, I
think of all the years of climbing in those mountains and how they led me to
extraordinary and rewarding paths.
Rob and Carmen have been Four Seasons residents for 15 years. He was
the editor/writer of the Riverside Mountain Rescue Unit newsletter. It's not
surprising that he also competed in running and bicycling races. However,
when I read more about this hike – nearly 30 miles roundtrip – I was totally
in awe. I learned that this "Cactus to Clouds" hike was rated one of the
hardest hikes in the world by Backpack Magazine. My husband and I have
hiked to the summit from where the tram stops, Long Valley Ranger Station.
It's unthinkable to do it any other way. ~ Elizabeth Westbrook
Rob Gardner with other helicopter rescue members
Rob (center) helps rescue an injured hiker
