Janis Hewley has been eager to share a memorable experience with you!
Santa Rosa (8,046'). The fairyland produced by wind and rain and snow on Santa Rosa Mtn. at a temperature well below freezing is a delightful memory. On Nov. 15, Miriam Myhre, Bruce Collier, and I took the dirt road south from Hwy. 74. In less than 10 miles the road wound around and back and forth for an elevation gain of 4,000 feet. The icicles on the trees had been blown by the wind until they projected outward horizontally. Underfoot was flaked, crushed ice as well as packed, noisy snow. 'TWAS REALLY COLD! There is a large building built of logs on the summit complete with fireplace - and even a jar of mustard on the shelf! Survival rations??? Near the hut is a wooden staircase, a sort of "crow's nest". The view from this nest was marvelous although the ice-covered steps made for tricky footwork. Santiago and Modjeska stood high on the horizon. It was too slippery to "get" Toro that day but I will be back to that beautiful place where the wind tinkling through the icicles sounds like chimes!
