After more than two years of having to put travel on hold, Life in Solera
is proud to introduce a new feature highlighting on resident's travel. Take
the latest issue of this magazine and hold it up in the picture for bonus
points! Whether you go near or far, we want to see you smiling. Submit
high-resolution photos to lifeinsolera@yahoo.com.
Near or Far
Celebrating the Forth of July on the summit of Mount San Jacinto!
My son Joey and I celebrated the 4th of July by raising the American
flag at the summit of Mount San Jacinto. We started the climb to the
10,834-foot peak early on the morning of July 3rd. The 10.5-mile trek
to the top started in Idyllwild following the deer Springs Trail. The
elevation at the trailhead is 5,400 feet. We covered 9.5 miles the first
day and spent the night in Little Round Valley, elevation 9,600 feet,
just over a mile from the summit. The weather was excellent. Our
campsite was close to a flowing spring. The overnight temperature
dropped to the mid-thirties, but we were prepared and had a great
night's sleep. The first rays of morning light found us awake and
excited to scramble to the peak. The last mile climb was quite steep
extending 1,000 feet in elevation gain. We left the backpacks at camp
and summited carrying only light daypacks. The morning was
indeed glorious as the mountain top was traversed. Joey and I were
the only people up there. The celebrational exuberance of spending
our Nation's birthday in such a beautiful setting lifted our spirits as
we trekked the 10.5 miles back to Idyllwild. ~ Mike Ryan
| LIFE IN SOLERA | AUGUST 2022 | 15
Mark Schrader visited Puerto Vallarta in May
