Around 2000 or so (I don’t remember the exact date); Jack, Bill, Marsha and I went to Palm Springs to catch the Tramway to the top of the Cochillea Valley and associated Mountain Range. The day was very hot and we had to park our car a fair way from the Tram “get on” and as I remember the heat and sweat just to carry our heavy backpacks up the hill to the Tramway ramp from the parking lot was a “hump and a half”; no doubt, that this was going to be a “bummer” of a hike.
My hesitation was greatly rewarded by the beautiful sights and the cool air as we left the Tramway on the top for our hike on one of the trails. I believe the altitude on top was about 9 – 10 thousand feet (just a guess). We heard coyotes all night and the air actually got quite cool. I do remember staying up with the gang until the wee hours of the morning as we talked about everything under the sun. We literally talked ourselves out! I think we were plumb exhausted from everything and fell into our pads. I heard the coyotes howl and carry on. They never disturbed our encampment. What a glorious time we had.
I don’t know why Phil was not there, nor do I remember the exact date. I’m sure we invited him to be with us; something obviously interfered with his being there.
Still, this was one of those experiences that we don’t talk about very much, but still represented a fabulous time and a very precious moment for all of us to be together. How I would love to do it again.
Tom
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