INCH Hike: Sarah's Special Dumbbell Loop

1138. Sarah's Special Dumbbell Loop (06/23/18)

Hikers (6): Brad, David, Jeff, Mihail, Peter, Sarbinder
Distance: 18 miles
Rating: 3 difficulty, 8 beauty

Peter owes a writeup! -- Pictures by Peter

Only seven people -- all guys -- showed up for this one, thanks to the heat warnings all week. It wasn't just a sausage fest, it was a hot dog fest.

1, 2, 3 ... INCH!

It didn't take long for the casualties to start

There were a few glitches along the way ...

Unlike other hiking groups, we never go where we're not wanted

But Sarbi was concerned nonetheless :)

But then it was time for some serious hiking ...

The lily pond was a nice resting spot on a hot day

Those who did the hike were rewarded with many nice views of Diablo

Is that a dinosaur coming over the hill, or is heatstroke getting to me?

There were nice views of the reservoir on the way back (note fire in the background hills)

When you're on the saddle between Round Valley and Los Vaqueros, the sun beats down on you mercilessly

I finally made it back to the car ...

... and dumped a bunch of water all over myself

A group on horseback told us David needed help, so Jeff jumped into action
(As a good INCH veteran, David did not ask for the Ride of Shame)

Not to worry -- Big Dave showed up a few minutes later, giving the INCH salute

David's never looked better (and Jeff finally made it back too -- demanding a well-deserved Slurpee!)

Honorable mention to Robert for doing a good portion of the hike before (wisely) turning back.

Milestones:
Jeff's 290^th leaf