WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.100 align:middle line:90% 00:00:02.100 --> 00:00:04.560 align:middle line:84% Visiting with Huell Howser is made 00:00:04.560 --> 00:00:06.180 align:middle line:84% possible through a generous grant 00:00:06.180 --> 00:00:08.580 align:middle line:84% from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:10.920 align:middle line:90% 00:00:10.920 --> 00:00:11.420 align:middle line:90% Well 00:00:11.420 --> 00:00:12.669 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Hello everybody. 00:00:12.669 --> 00:00:13.910 align:middle line:90% I'm Huell Howser. 00:00:13.910 --> 00:00:17.130 align:middle line:84% And here we are right in the middle of beautiful Palm 00:00:17.130 --> 00:00:19.640 align:middle line:90% Springs, California. 00:00:19.640 --> 00:00:22.880 align:middle line:84% Now, one thing you find out about Palm Springs, when 00:00:22.880 --> 00:00:26.720 align:middle line:84% you come here either as a visitor or as a resident, 00:00:26.720 --> 00:00:30.440 align:middle line:84% and that is what dominates this town physically, 00:00:30.440 --> 00:00:32.870 align:middle line:90% geographically, spiritually. 00:00:32.870 --> 00:00:35.450 align:middle line:84% And there it is right over there-- 00:00:35.450 --> 00:00:36.800 align:middle line:90% magnificent Mt. 00:00:36.800 --> 00:00:38.360 align:middle line:90% San Jacinto. 00:00:38.360 --> 00:00:40.730 align:middle line:84% It rises right up off the desert floor 00:00:40.730 --> 00:00:43.760 align:middle line:90% and goes up to over 10,000 feet. 00:00:43.760 --> 00:00:45.500 align:middle line:90% It is a beautiful mountain. 00:00:45.500 --> 00:00:48.550 align:middle line:84% It's nice during all the seasons of the year. 00:00:48.550 --> 00:00:51.740 align:middle line:84% In the wintertime, it's covered with snow up on the top. 00:00:51.740 --> 00:00:55.190 align:middle line:84% And in the summertime, it's a cool place to visit. 00:00:55.190 --> 00:00:58.310 align:middle line:84% The temperatures are about 30 degrees cooler 00:00:58.310 --> 00:01:00.680 align:middle line:84% than they are down here on the desert floor. 00:01:00.680 --> 00:01:04.700 align:middle line:84% This mountain is so spectacular and so wonderful. 00:01:04.700 --> 00:01:07.820 align:middle line:84% That's where we're going to spend the whole day-- 00:01:07.820 --> 00:01:09.770 align:middle line:90% on top of Mt. 00:01:09.770 --> 00:01:12.440 align:middle line:90% San Jacinto. 00:01:12.440 --> 00:01:15.440 align:middle line:84% And part of the fun of getting up to the top of Mt. 00:01:15.440 --> 00:01:20.000 align:middle line:84% San Jacinto is the ride up on the Palm Springs Aerial 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:20.590 align:middle line:90% Tramway. 00:01:20.590 --> 00:01:21.590 align:middle line:90% And that's where we are. 00:01:21.590 --> 00:01:22.580 align:middle line:90% Wait a minute. 00:01:22.580 --> 00:01:25.160 align:middle line:90% What are you taking pictures of? 00:01:25.160 --> 00:01:26.670 align:middle line:90% I'm supposed to be filming you. 00:01:26.670 --> 00:01:27.350 align:middle line:90% You're not supposed to. 00:01:27.350 --> 00:01:29.060 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 2: Well, I wasn't going to pay you. 00:01:29.060 --> 00:01:30.200 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, where are you from? 00:01:30.200 --> 00:01:31.220 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 2: I'm from the UK. 00:01:31.220 --> 00:01:32.420 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, now, are you all 00:01:32.420 --> 00:01:33.830 align:middle line:90% heading up for the first time? 00:01:33.830 --> 00:01:35.240 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 2: Yeah, we're not going down. 00:01:35.240 --> 00:01:36.680 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So this is your first experience? 00:01:36.680 --> 00:01:37.660 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 2: It is the first time. 00:01:37.660 --> 00:01:38.760 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you think so far? 00:01:38.760 --> 00:01:39.830 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 2: Well, it's great, isn't it? 00:01:39.830 --> 00:01:41.480 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You don't have anything like this in England? 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:42.980 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 2: Everything is bigger here, isn't it? 00:01:42.980 --> 00:01:44.480 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Absolutely. 00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:46.445 align:middle line:84% All right, now, where are you all from? 00:01:46.445 --> 00:01:47.440 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 3: San Diego. 00:01:47.440 --> 00:01:48.440 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: San Diego. 00:01:48.440 --> 00:01:49.930 align:middle line:90% Is this your first trip? 00:01:49.930 --> 00:01:51.680 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 4: No, we've been up several times 00:01:51.680 --> 00:01:52.960 align:middle line:90% before, but in March. 00:01:52.960 --> 00:01:55.460 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you've been up when the snow was up on top. 00:01:55.460 --> 00:01:55.790 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 4: Exactly. 00:01:55.790 --> 00:01:56.650 align:middle line:90% We've done some snowshoeing. 00:01:56.650 --> 00:01:58.160 align:middle line:84% And this time, we're hiking to the peak. 00:01:58.160 --> 00:02:00.710 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, now how long a hike is that going to be? 00:02:00.710 --> 00:02:02.549 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 4: It's 11.5 miles round trip. 00:02:02.549 --> 00:02:05.090 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Because I haven't gotten quite to the peak yet. 00:02:05.090 --> 00:02:06.375 align:middle line:90% That's not an easy hike. 00:02:06.375 --> 00:02:08.750 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 4: I've done it before from the other side, which 00:02:08.750 --> 00:02:10.729 align:middle line:84% is a 15 mile round trip, but we're 00:02:10.729 --> 00:02:12.710 align:middle line:84% doing the easy way this time to bring 00:02:12.710 --> 00:02:13.895 align:middle line:90% my daughter in for hiking. 00:02:13.895 --> 00:02:15.603 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You've got plenty of water? 00:02:15.603 --> 00:02:16.400 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 3: Yeah. 00:02:16.400 --> 00:02:18.080 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Plenty of bear repellent? 00:02:18.080 --> 00:02:19.860 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 4: No bears here. 00:02:19.860 --> 00:02:20.170 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: You're right. 00:02:20.170 --> 00:02:20.630 align:middle line:90% You've been up before. 00:02:20.630 --> 00:02:21.110 align:middle line:90% You know. 00:02:21.110 --> 00:02:21.830 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 4: That's right. 00:02:21.830 --> 00:02:23.190 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And you're excited about this. 00:02:23.190 --> 00:02:24.140 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 5: Yeah, it's great. 00:02:24.140 --> 00:02:25.460 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, the people from England-- 00:02:25.460 --> 00:02:27.170 align:middle line:84% do they hike once you get up there 00:02:27.170 --> 00:02:29.540 align:middle line:84% or are you just going to kind of stand around and look? 00:02:29.540 --> 00:02:31.070 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 5: No, we haven't got any hiking gear with us. 00:02:31.070 --> 00:02:32.430 align:middle line:84% We couldn't fit in the suitcase, so we're just 00:02:32.430 --> 00:02:33.200 align:middle line:90% going to have a look. 00:02:33.200 --> 00:02:35.450 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, so I think that's part of it. 00:02:35.450 --> 00:02:38.450 align:middle line:90% Some people go up-- whoa. 00:02:38.450 --> 00:02:40.040 align:middle line:90% That's when we hit the tower. 00:02:40.040 --> 00:02:41.570 align:middle line:90% That's great. 00:02:41.570 --> 00:02:43.320 align:middle line:84% Let's talk to this lady right over here. 00:02:43.320 --> 00:02:45.050 align:middle line:90% Now, I know you were a regular. 00:02:45.050 --> 00:02:47.097 align:middle line:84% We were talking before we got on the tram today. 00:02:47.097 --> 00:02:48.180 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: That's correct. 00:02:48.180 --> 00:02:50.310 align:middle line:90% Yeah, I come up every other day. 00:02:50.310 --> 00:02:51.594 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Every other day? 00:02:51.594 --> 00:02:53.510 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 6: In the summer because you can't you 00:02:53.510 --> 00:02:55.120 align:middle line:84% can't stay in the valley and hike. 00:02:55.120 --> 00:02:55.520 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah. 00:02:55.520 --> 00:02:56.900 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: Yeah, so I'm up here. 00:02:56.900 --> 00:02:58.190 align:middle line:90% I'm a birder. 00:02:58.190 --> 00:03:00.230 align:middle line:90% I look for birds. 00:03:00.230 --> 00:03:03.377 align:middle line:84% So I come up every other day and check it out. 00:03:03.377 --> 00:03:05.960 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You know, I just started doing that this summer. 00:03:05.960 --> 00:03:08.540 align:middle line:84% It's an amazing place up here, isn't it? 00:03:08.540 --> 00:03:10.190 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: Wonderful, wonderful. 00:03:10.190 --> 00:03:13.386 align:middle line:84% About 35 degrees cooler than the desert. 00:03:13.386 --> 00:03:15.510 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah, that's why we like it up there. 00:03:15.510 --> 00:03:15.880 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 6: Right. 00:03:15.880 --> 00:03:17.050 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And look over here Troye. 00:03:17.050 --> 00:03:17.800 align:middle line:90% Let's walk around. 00:03:17.800 --> 00:03:20.010 align:middle line:84% Let Troye walk around right here. 00:03:20.010 --> 00:03:23.460 align:middle line:84% This is part of the fun of it is just the view. 00:03:23.460 --> 00:03:28.110 align:middle line:84% Look up here-- this wonderful view of the mountain. 00:03:28.110 --> 00:03:29.620 align:middle line:90% It is just spectacular. 00:03:29.620 --> 00:03:32.270 align:middle line:84% Let me see if I can remember all the facts. 00:03:32.270 --> 00:03:36.320 align:middle line:90% The tramway was built in 1963. 00:03:36.320 --> 00:03:41.884 align:middle line:84% It's about 2.5 miles long and rises about 6,000 feet. 00:03:41.884 --> 00:03:42.800 align:middle line:90% Look over here, Troye. 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:46.790 align:middle line:84% We're getting ready to pass the other car 00:03:46.790 --> 00:03:50.690 align:middle line:84% as we go right up the side of this beautiful, beautiful 00:03:50.690 --> 00:03:51.560 align:middle line:90% mountain. 00:03:51.560 --> 00:03:54.680 align:middle line:84% Here, we can get a shot right here. 00:03:54.680 --> 00:03:57.620 align:middle line:84% They're waving at us out the windows. 00:03:57.620 --> 00:04:00.590 align:middle line:84% This is a very exciting ride all the way 00:04:00.590 --> 00:04:02.450 align:middle line:90% to the top of the mountain. 00:04:02.450 --> 00:04:05.240 align:middle line:84% And these are brand new cars that 00:04:05.240 --> 00:04:07.880 align:middle line:90% were put in just this year-- 00:04:07.880 --> 00:04:09.440 align:middle line:90% made in Switzerland. 00:04:09.440 --> 00:04:10.940 align:middle line:90% The floor revolves. 00:04:10.940 --> 00:04:13.550 align:middle line:84% And let's get one look down at the valley floor 00:04:13.550 --> 00:04:18.380 align:middle line:84% because this is part of the fun of it too, is as you rise up 00:04:18.380 --> 00:04:20.899 align:middle line:84% and the temperature gets cooler, you're 00:04:20.899 --> 00:04:24.890 align:middle line:84% looking down at the beautiful hot Coachella Valley 00:04:24.890 --> 00:04:25.810 align:middle line:90% down there. 00:04:25.810 --> 00:04:27.260 align:middle line:90% There is Palm Springs-- 00:04:27.260 --> 00:04:30.320 align:middle line:84% that little green speck down there. 00:04:30.320 --> 00:04:35.839 align:middle line:84% We're heading to the top of the mountain in the tram. 00:04:35.839 --> 00:04:36.380 align:middle line:90% Good morning. 00:04:36.380 --> 00:04:37.160 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: Good morning. 00:04:37.160 --> 00:04:37.550 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Morning. 00:04:37.550 --> 00:04:39.549 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Where are you all hiking out from? 00:04:39.549 --> 00:04:41.482 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: We were up in Round Valley today. 00:04:41.482 --> 00:04:43.190 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: That's where we're heading. 00:04:43.190 --> 00:04:43.750 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: Very beautiful. 00:04:43.750 --> 00:04:45.708 align:middle line:84% We went up Monday and stayed up for a few days. 00:04:45.708 --> 00:04:48.333 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you camped out up here on top of the mountain? 00:04:48.333 --> 00:04:50.249 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: Yeah, it's the only place actually, 00:04:50.249 --> 00:04:51.050 align:middle line:90% that there's water. 00:04:51.050 --> 00:04:53.380 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: First time you've ever done anything like this? 00:04:53.380 --> 00:04:55.520 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: No, we've done it a number of years. 00:04:55.520 --> 00:04:58.572 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Y'all are experienced hikers and campers. 00:04:58.572 --> 00:05:00.155 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 8: I guess you could say that. 00:05:00.155 --> 00:05:02.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, you're carrying a pretty good load 00:05:02.180 --> 00:05:02.540 align:middle line:90% here. 00:05:02.540 --> 00:05:03.800 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: It's our fourth year up here. 00:05:03.800 --> 00:05:05.420 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You know, we're just turning people 00:05:05.420 --> 00:05:07.130 align:middle line:84% on to the fact that this is up here-- 00:05:07.130 --> 00:05:08.900 align:middle line:90% this beautiful state park-- 00:05:08.900 --> 00:05:12.410 align:middle line:84% that is like you would never know you were in the desert. 00:05:12.410 --> 00:05:14.000 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: Right, normally, we usually 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:15.590 align:middle line:84% come up the Idyllwild side and they sort of 00:05:15.590 --> 00:05:16.590 align:middle line:90% meet up at top there. 00:05:16.590 --> 00:05:18.920 align:middle line:84% But this year, we decided to do a little something different. 00:05:18.920 --> 00:05:20.510 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, so you're heading back down. 00:05:20.510 --> 00:05:21.562 align:middle line:90% Now, we just came up. 00:05:21.562 --> 00:05:23.270 align:middle line:84% Let me just give you the weather forecast 00:05:23.270 --> 00:05:24.034 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Oh no. 00:05:24.034 --> 00:05:26.450 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: It's going to be about 104 down there today. 00:05:26.450 --> 00:05:26.960 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Oh, my gosh. 00:05:26.960 --> 00:05:27.980 align:middle line:90% You know what? 00:05:27.980 --> 00:05:30.050 align:middle line:90% It went down to 50 at night. 00:05:30.050 --> 00:05:33.950 align:middle line:84% And it was really like very pleasant up there-- about 70. 00:05:33.950 --> 00:05:34.882 align:middle line:90% Very nice. 00:05:34.882 --> 00:05:35.840 align:middle line:90% It's going to be harsh. 00:05:35.840 --> 00:05:37.490 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, so have a good trip down. 00:05:37.490 --> 00:05:38.310 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: Thanks a lot. 00:05:38.310 --> 00:05:39.290 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Have a good trip down. 00:05:39.290 --> 00:05:39.410 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: Thank you. 00:05:39.410 --> 00:05:40.820 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: You all are from? 00:05:40.820 --> 00:05:41.380 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: West LA. 00:05:41.380 --> 00:05:43.260 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, so you all are city dwellers. 00:05:43.260 --> 00:05:44.690 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 7: City people just getting away 00:05:44.690 --> 00:05:45.680 align:middle line:90% for a couple of days. 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:47.290 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And a great place it is to get away. 00:05:47.290 --> 00:05:47.870 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: Yeah, it's beautiful. 00:05:47.870 --> 00:05:49.040 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Nice to meet you all. 00:05:49.040 --> 00:05:49.295 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 7: Thanks, yeah. 00:05:49.295 --> 00:05:49.550 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 8: You too. 00:05:49.550 --> 00:05:50.925 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, come on. 00:05:50.925 --> 00:05:53.130 align:middle line:90% We've got our little group here. 00:05:53.130 --> 00:05:55.330 align:middle line:84% Pat, this is kind of your routine. 00:05:55.330 --> 00:06:00.160 align:middle line:84% The routine is that we come up here to the ranger station 00:06:00.160 --> 00:06:02.390 align:middle line:90% and we have to fill out permits. 00:06:02.390 --> 00:06:03.610 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: Right, correct. 00:06:03.610 --> 00:06:04.750 align:middle line:90% We fill out the permits. 00:06:04.750 --> 00:06:05.920 align:middle line:90% And there's two copies. 00:06:05.920 --> 00:06:07.210 align:middle line:90% One copy, we take with us. 00:06:07.210 --> 00:06:09.280 align:middle line:90% One copy, we leave in the box. 00:06:09.280 --> 00:06:11.740 align:middle line:84% When we return from Round Valley or wherever 00:06:11.740 --> 00:06:14.500 align:middle line:84% your hike is finished from, you do come right back here. 00:06:14.500 --> 00:06:17.650 align:middle line:84% And there is a green mailbox down here where you drop off 00:06:17.650 --> 00:06:19.420 align:middle line:90% the second part of the permit. 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:21.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And the permits are free. 00:06:21.340 --> 00:06:22.180 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 9: Exactly. 00:06:22.180 --> 00:06:23.590 align:middle line:84% And there is no limit to how many 00:06:23.590 --> 00:06:25.450 align:middle line:90% permits at the current time. 00:06:25.450 --> 00:06:31.000 align:middle line:90% 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.660 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You don't hear anything. 00:06:32.660 --> 00:06:34.660 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 10: You hear some birds and a little bit of the breeze. 00:06:34.660 --> 00:06:35.350 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah. 00:06:35.350 --> 00:06:37.391 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 10: And it's good for your mental health. 00:06:37.391 --> 00:06:38.350 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah. 00:06:38.350 --> 00:06:41.980 align:middle line:84% And that's what's great about comping up here 00:06:41.980 --> 00:06:43.840 align:middle line:90% early in the morning. 00:06:43.840 --> 00:06:46.090 align:middle line:84% There were only four or five people on the tram. 00:06:46.090 --> 00:06:48.470 align:middle line:84% There's hardly anybody up here now. 00:06:48.470 --> 00:06:50.417 align:middle line:90% Now's the time to be up here. 00:06:50.417 --> 00:06:51.250 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 10: Exactly. 00:06:51.250 --> 00:06:53.500 align:middle line:84% And we're going to have a real nice quiet hike. 00:06:53.500 --> 00:06:55.250 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, let's turn around 00:06:55.250 --> 00:06:57.430 align:middle line:84% and get a shot of where we came from because this 00:06:57.430 --> 00:06:59.830 align:middle line:90% is beautiful as well. 00:06:59.830 --> 00:07:03.550 align:middle line:84% Everywhere you look, you see these beautiful trees 00:07:03.550 --> 00:07:09.590 align:middle line:84% and the peace and tranquility of being on top of this mountain. 00:07:09.590 --> 00:07:12.940 align:middle line:90% And our hike has just begun. 00:07:12.940 --> 00:07:15.460 align:middle line:84% OK, we're filling out our permits here. 00:07:15.460 --> 00:07:17.210 align:middle line:90% We are at the ranger station. 00:07:17.210 --> 00:07:18.940 align:middle line:90% Here's the ranger himself. 00:07:18.940 --> 00:07:20.702 align:middle line:84% Introduce yourself to everybody, Eric. 00:07:20.702 --> 00:07:21.910 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: I'm Eric Hansen. 00:07:21.910 --> 00:07:24.451 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Eric and I have become good friends this summer 00:07:24.451 --> 00:07:27.220 align:middle line:84% because I've been coming up here quite a bit. 00:07:27.220 --> 00:07:30.010 align:middle line:84% And do you remember the first day I came in? 00:07:30.010 --> 00:07:32.950 align:middle line:84% And I was a little apprehensive about what 00:07:32.950 --> 00:07:35.962 align:middle line:84% I should do up here because I'm not really a hardcore hiker. 00:07:35.962 --> 00:07:37.420 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, I remember that. 00:07:37.420 --> 00:07:40.085 align:middle line:84% You didn't even have water with you that particular time. 00:07:40.085 --> 00:07:41.710 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I've got water right now. 00:07:41.710 --> 00:07:43.127 align:middle line:84% Bought my little water pack here-- 00:07:43.127 --> 00:07:44.459 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, that's great. 00:07:44.459 --> 00:07:46.400 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: --which leaks from time to time. 00:07:46.400 --> 00:07:48.382 align:middle line:84% And I just found out today what makes it leak. 00:07:48.382 --> 00:07:50.590 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, there's a huge pressure difference 00:07:50.590 --> 00:07:51.890 align:middle line:90% when you come up the tram. 00:07:51.890 --> 00:07:53.640 align:middle line:84% Your water bottles will do strange things. 00:07:53.640 --> 00:07:55.480 align:middle line:84% They'll leak coming up and then they'll capsize 00:07:55.480 --> 00:07:56.360 align:middle line:90% going the other direction. 00:07:56.360 --> 00:07:57.910 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So when you come up with water bottles, 00:07:57.910 --> 00:08:00.327 align:middle line:84% you need to kind of unscrew them and let the pressure out. 00:08:00.327 --> 00:08:02.785 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, you just have to watch that first drink. 00:08:02.785 --> 00:08:04.930 align:middle line:84% When you open it up, it can squirt you pretty good. 00:08:04.930 --> 00:08:07.120 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, Eric, we are on the trail. 00:08:07.120 --> 00:08:08.970 align:middle line:84% And I guess this is as good a time as any 00:08:08.970 --> 00:08:12.942 align:middle line:84% to explain officially exactly where we are. 00:08:12.942 --> 00:08:14.650 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, we're entering the Mt. 00:08:14.650 --> 00:08:16.600 align:middle line:90% San Jacinto State Wilderness. 00:08:16.600 --> 00:08:18.880 align:middle line:90% We're on the low trail. 00:08:18.880 --> 00:08:21.302 align:middle line:84% The backcountry up here is loaded with trails. 00:08:21.302 --> 00:08:23.260 align:middle line:84% Between the state and federal wilderness areas, 00:08:23.260 --> 00:08:26.380 align:middle line:84% we have approximately 70 miles of trail. 00:08:26.380 --> 00:08:28.990 align:middle line:84% And the state wilderness and state park combined 00:08:28.990 --> 00:08:30.640 align:middle line:90% is about 14,000 acres. 00:08:30.640 --> 00:08:32.200 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: And these trails-- 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:36.100 align:middle line:84% what I like about them, because I'm not a hardcore hiker, 00:08:36.100 --> 00:08:37.280 align:middle line:90% they're pretty accessible. 00:08:37.280 --> 00:08:44.700 align:middle line:84% I mean, they're not trails that a beginner couldn't navigate. 00:08:44.700 --> 00:08:46.500 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, we have a variety. 00:08:46.500 --> 00:08:49.440 align:middle line:84% The one nice thing about up here is that the tram gives you 00:08:49.440 --> 00:08:51.300 align:middle line:90% such quick and easy access. 00:08:51.300 --> 00:08:53.620 align:middle line:84% It's a wonderful place for beginners to get into it. 00:08:53.620 --> 00:08:56.290 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And it's not easy to get up here, is it? 00:08:56.290 --> 00:08:57.679 align:middle line:90% This is kind of out of the way. 00:08:57.679 --> 00:08:59.970 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: No, if you have to walk in from Idyllwild, 00:08:59.970 --> 00:09:02.850 align:middle line:84% it's eight miles and a lot of uphill. 00:09:02.850 --> 00:09:05.850 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And the other way is coming up the tram. 00:09:05.850 --> 00:09:07.350 align:middle line:90% There are no roads up here. 00:09:07.350 --> 00:09:09.391 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: No, it's a completely roadless area. 00:09:09.391 --> 00:09:10.380 align:middle line:90% It is a wilderness. 00:09:10.380 --> 00:09:12.900 align:middle line:84% You can actually start in Mexico or Canada 00:09:12.900 --> 00:09:14.969 align:middle line:84% and come here via the Pacific Crest Trail. 00:09:14.969 --> 00:09:17.510 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: We'll stick with the tram, thank you very much. 00:09:17.510 --> 00:09:17.560 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: I think so. 00:09:17.560 --> 00:09:19.851 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I mean, the whole idea is to get up here. 00:09:19.851 --> 00:09:21.690 align:middle line:84% And we were also talking coming up 00:09:21.690 --> 00:09:24.990 align:middle line:84% the trail about the percentages of people. 00:09:24.990 --> 00:09:28.440 align:middle line:84% Hundreds of thousands of people come up the tram every year. 00:09:28.440 --> 00:09:30.540 align:middle line:84% What percentage of them do you think ever 00:09:30.540 --> 00:09:33.510 align:middle line:84% leave the building at the top of the tram 00:09:33.510 --> 00:09:35.796 align:middle line:84% and come out and take advantage of all of this? 00:09:35.796 --> 00:09:37.170 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, our best guess 00:09:37.170 --> 00:09:39.930 align:middle line:84% is that only between 30% and 40% of the people that 00:09:39.930 --> 00:09:42.330 align:middle line:84% ride the tram actually get out into Long Valley 00:09:42.330 --> 00:09:43.350 align:middle line:90% and onto our trails. 00:09:43.350 --> 00:09:45.090 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Actually leave the building 00:09:45.090 --> 00:09:46.105 align:middle line:90% at the top of the tram. 00:09:46.105 --> 00:09:46.980 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Exactly. 00:09:46.980 --> 00:09:49.950 align:middle line:84% Most people just come up for the meal or for the ride itself, 00:09:49.950 --> 00:09:52.306 align:middle line:84% and they never even get into this wonderful wilderness 00:09:52.306 --> 00:09:53.430 align:middle line:90% that's behind the building. 00:09:53.430 --> 00:09:55.096 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, this is spectacular. 00:09:55.096 --> 00:09:57.570 align:middle line:84% What are we looking at right up on top up there. 00:09:57.570 --> 00:09:58.260 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, there's basically 00:09:58.260 --> 00:09:59.490 align:middle line:90% two peaks we're looking at. 00:09:59.490 --> 00:10:01.470 align:middle line:90% The left peak is Jean Peak. 00:10:01.470 --> 00:10:03.510 align:middle line:84% And the right really rocky peak in front of us 00:10:03.510 --> 00:10:05.175 align:middle line:90% here, that's Yale peak. 00:10:05.175 --> 00:10:06.800 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: We're not going up there. 00:10:06.800 --> 00:10:07.150 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: No. 00:10:07.150 --> 00:10:09.090 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: We're going to Round Valley. 00:10:09.090 --> 00:10:12.390 align:middle line:84% I'm still in the beginning stage of my hiking. 00:10:12.390 --> 00:10:13.380 align:middle line:90% But I'll tell you what. 00:10:13.380 --> 00:10:17.220 align:middle line:84% When you walk along these trails, there's always-- 00:10:17.220 --> 00:10:19.650 align:middle line:84% it seems like every day I'm up here-- something 00:10:19.650 --> 00:10:24.927 align:middle line:84% new and wonderful to see that you missed the day before. 00:10:24.927 --> 00:10:26.760 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, there's a lot to explore. 00:10:26.760 --> 00:10:28.843 align:middle line:84% We have a lot of people who come up here for years 00:10:28.843 --> 00:10:30.330 align:middle line:90% and still don't know the place. 00:10:30.330 --> 00:10:33.390 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Lots of beautiful rock formations up here. 00:10:33.390 --> 00:10:34.560 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Oh, you bet. 00:10:34.560 --> 00:10:36.540 align:middle line:84% Along our east face, we have some walls 00:10:36.540 --> 00:10:38.155 align:middle line:90% that are over 1,000 feet high. 00:10:38.155 --> 00:10:39.030 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Really? 00:10:39.030 --> 00:10:39.900 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:10:39.900 --> 00:10:41.941 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And what an interesting combination 00:10:41.941 --> 00:10:48.300 align:middle line:84% between the trees, and the rocks, and the terrain here. 00:10:48.300 --> 00:10:52.830 align:middle line:84% What I've noticed is that when you're walking one direction, 00:10:52.830 --> 00:10:54.069 align:middle line:90% you see one thing. 00:10:54.069 --> 00:10:55.860 align:middle line:84% And then when you turn around and come back 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:58.632 align:middle line:84% in the other direction, it has a whole other look to it. 00:10:58.632 --> 00:11:00.090 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, isn't it amazing 00:11:00.090 --> 00:11:02.100 align:middle line:84% how you just turn around 180 degrees 00:11:02.100 --> 00:11:03.807 align:middle line:90% and it's a whole new world. 00:11:03.807 --> 00:11:06.390 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, we're getting down into an interesting part 00:11:06.390 --> 00:11:11.700 align:middle line:84% down here where we can talk about the air 00:11:11.700 --> 00:11:13.855 align:middle line:84% because the air is thinner up here. 00:11:13.855 --> 00:11:14.730 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:11:14.730 --> 00:11:16.590 align:middle line:84% Those oxygen molecules are a long way 00:11:16.590 --> 00:11:17.902 align:middle line:90% apart at this elevation. 00:11:17.902 --> 00:11:19.860 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Which probably throws some people 00:11:19.860 --> 00:11:21.790 align:middle line:84% off the first time they're up here. 00:11:21.790 --> 00:11:22.080 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:11:22.080 --> 00:11:24.246 align:middle line:84% We see a lot of people up here get altitude sickness 00:11:24.246 --> 00:11:26.911 align:middle line:84% just because they're not used to the rarefied air. 00:11:26.911 --> 00:11:28.410 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: In fact, you warned me 00:11:28.410 --> 00:11:31.165 align:middle line:84% about going too high up the first day. 00:11:31.165 --> 00:11:32.040 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:11:32.040 --> 00:11:33.900 align:middle line:84% You want to acclimatize, take it slow. 00:11:33.900 --> 00:11:35.820 align:middle line:84% A lot of people need to drink lots of water 00:11:35.820 --> 00:11:37.770 align:middle line:84% because if you don't have enough water, 00:11:37.770 --> 00:11:40.050 align:middle line:84% you're predisposed to altitude sickness. 00:11:40.050 --> 00:11:42.660 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And what's also interesting about this air-- 00:11:42.660 --> 00:11:50.920 align:middle line:84% it is literally cool, and crisp, and fresh, and clean. 00:11:50.920 --> 00:11:52.040 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:11:52.040 --> 00:11:54.690 align:middle line:84% It can be as much as 40 degrees difference between the valley 00:11:54.690 --> 00:11:57.150 align:middle line:84% floor where you left and where we're hiking now. 00:11:57.150 --> 00:11:59.850 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And lots of times in the wintertime, when it's 00:11:59.850 --> 00:12:02.360 align:middle line:84% 75 down on the valley floor, and people 00:12:02.360 --> 00:12:04.560 align:middle line:84% are laying out by the pool, and they say, 00:12:04.560 --> 00:12:07.710 align:middle line:84% oh, let's go up on the tram, they come up here. 00:12:07.710 --> 00:12:08.576 align:middle line:90% It's freezing. 00:12:08.576 --> 00:12:09.450 align:middle line:90% There's snow up here. 00:12:09.450 --> 00:12:10.325 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:12:10.325 --> 00:12:12.930 align:middle line:84% We see that a lot in the spring, and even in the early fall, 00:12:12.930 --> 00:12:15.471 align:middle line:84% where it will be hot down below, but people will come up here 00:12:15.471 --> 00:12:17.310 align:middle line:84% and it will be actually be below freezing. 00:12:17.310 --> 00:12:19.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: The flatlanders, the tourists 00:12:19.180 --> 00:12:21.015 align:middle line:90% get taken off guard. 00:12:21.015 --> 00:12:22.980 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, it surprises a lot of folks. 00:12:22.980 --> 00:12:25.620 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, let's just walk right out here. 00:12:25.620 --> 00:12:29.400 align:middle line:84% I mean, we could stop almost anywhere 00:12:29.400 --> 00:12:31.680 align:middle line:84% to get the views that we're talking about. 00:12:31.680 --> 00:12:33.150 align:middle line:90% You know what I like to do? 00:12:33.150 --> 00:12:37.950 align:middle line:84% I like to about halfway through the hike, I go off the trail, 00:12:37.950 --> 00:12:41.700 align:middle line:84% and lay down on one of these flat rocks, and take a nap, 00:12:41.700 --> 00:12:45.510 align:middle line:84% and just listen to the wind going through the trees, 00:12:45.510 --> 00:12:47.100 align:middle line:90% and listen to the birds sing. 00:12:47.100 --> 00:12:48.600 align:middle line:90% And I sleep like a baby. 00:12:48.600 --> 00:12:50.100 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: In Southern California, 00:12:50.100 --> 00:12:51.900 align:middle line:90% solitude is such a rare thing. 00:12:51.900 --> 00:12:54.240 align:middle line:84% And that's something that we really offer. 00:12:54.240 --> 00:12:55.699 align:middle line:84% The solitude up here is tremendous. 00:12:55.699 --> 00:12:58.198 align:middle line:84% It's a chance for you to get away from the hustle and bustle 00:12:58.198 --> 00:12:59.430 align:middle line:90% of everyday life down below. 00:12:59.430 --> 00:13:02.070 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And yet, I think this place is still 00:13:02.070 --> 00:13:04.680 align:middle line:90% kind of a secret. 00:13:04.680 --> 00:13:06.180 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, a lot of people 00:13:06.180 --> 00:13:08.730 align:middle line:84% are surprised that there is such a wilderness setting 00:13:08.730 --> 00:13:10.410 align:middle line:90% in Southern California. 00:13:10.410 --> 00:13:12.270 align:middle line:84% And like I said, very rarely do they 00:13:12.270 --> 00:13:13.660 align:middle line:90% get past the tram building. 00:13:13.660 --> 00:13:15.780 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I like the dead trees. 00:13:15.780 --> 00:13:17.610 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, we leave those go down 00:13:17.610 --> 00:13:19.090 align:middle line:90% for a couple of reasons. 00:13:19.090 --> 00:13:21.480 align:middle line:84% First is they provides habitat for our animals 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:22.560 align:middle line:90% and our wildlife. 00:13:22.560 --> 00:13:25.740 align:middle line:84% The second is that it also provides 00:13:25.740 --> 00:13:26.920 align:middle line:90% the beginnings of soil. 00:13:26.920 --> 00:13:29.550 align:middle line:84% That's where decomposition takes place. 00:13:29.550 --> 00:13:32.630 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So this is the natural way of doing it. 00:13:32.630 --> 00:13:35.970 align:middle line:84% And here again is one of these beautiful views. 00:13:35.970 --> 00:13:37.950 align:middle line:84% You know, just everywhere you look, 00:13:37.950 --> 00:13:40.710 align:middle line:84% you look back here where we just came from at the rocks 00:13:40.710 --> 00:13:42.360 align:middle line:90% and the trees. 00:13:42.360 --> 00:13:46.930 align:middle line:84% You get a beautiful 360 of this whole place. 00:13:46.930 --> 00:13:49.480 align:middle line:84% If we weren't filming today, I'd be taking my break right 00:13:49.480 --> 00:13:56.320 align:middle line:84% now-- just going over and laying on that rock taking a nap. 00:13:56.320 --> 00:13:58.510 align:middle line:84% Here they come, coming down the trail. 00:13:58.510 --> 00:14:00.550 align:middle line:90% Where are you all headed? 00:14:00.550 --> 00:14:01.990 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Headed up to-- 00:14:01.990 --> 00:14:02.500 align:middle line:90% where is it? 00:14:02.500 --> 00:14:03.160 align:middle line:90% You've been here. 00:14:03.160 --> 00:14:04.000 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 12: Round Valley. 00:14:04.000 --> 00:14:04.990 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Round Valley. 00:14:04.990 --> 00:14:06.070 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Round Valley. 00:14:06.070 --> 00:14:07.480 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, what's the occasion? 00:14:07.480 --> 00:14:09.021 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: Well, my daughter thought 00:14:09.021 --> 00:14:10.900 align:middle line:84% that she'd take me out on my birthday 00:14:10.900 --> 00:14:12.942 align:middle line:90% to give me a little workout. 00:14:12.942 --> 00:14:14.775 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, so today is your birthday? 00:14:14.775 --> 00:14:16.310 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: Today is my birthday. 00:14:16.310 --> 00:14:17.626 align:middle line:90% She said it would do me good. 00:14:17.626 --> 00:14:18.022 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Yeah. 00:14:18.022 --> 00:14:19.770 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: What do you mean by that? 00:14:19.770 --> 00:14:23.340 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 11: Well, it's just a nice day to be out in the open. 00:14:23.340 --> 00:14:25.279 align:middle line:90% How about I leave it at that? 00:14:25.279 --> 00:14:26.570 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: You all are from? 00:14:26.570 --> 00:14:27.320 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Los Angeles. 00:14:27.320 --> 00:14:29.330 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, so you've come from the city 00:14:29.330 --> 00:14:31.020 align:middle line:90% to this glorious mountaintop. 00:14:31.020 --> 00:14:33.055 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 11: Yeah, he needed fresh air, you see. 00:14:33.055 --> 00:14:33.846 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah. 00:14:33.846 --> 00:14:34.950 align:middle line:90% Have you been here before? 00:14:34.950 --> 00:14:36.510 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: I've been here before a number of times, 00:14:36.510 --> 00:14:37.430 align:middle line:90% usually backpacking. 00:14:37.430 --> 00:14:39.390 align:middle line:84% But now, I've got her with the backpack. 00:14:39.390 --> 00:14:40.440 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, it's your birthday. 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:41.000 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: Yeah, it's my birthday. 00:14:41.000 --> 00:14:42.000 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: She's supposed to carry the pack. 00:14:42.000 --> 00:14:42.890 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: So this is wonderful. 00:14:42.890 --> 00:14:43.755 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, happy birthday. 00:14:43.755 --> 00:14:44.480 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 12: Thank you very much. 00:14:44.480 --> 00:14:46.490 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Enjoy the fresh air. 00:14:46.490 --> 00:14:47.300 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 11: Yeah. 00:14:47.300 --> 00:14:48.830 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: It's just glorious up here. 00:14:48.830 --> 00:14:50.288 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 12: You just can't beat it. 00:14:50.288 --> 00:14:52.570 align:middle line:84% I think Southern California-- anywhere in the world, 00:14:52.570 --> 00:14:54.490 align:middle line:90% this is the place to be. 00:14:54.490 --> 00:14:57.120 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Who takes care of all these trails. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:14:59.385 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well my staff does most of the work. 00:14:59.385 --> 00:15:02.640 align:middle line:84% The state park system employs a seasonal staff. 00:15:02.640 --> 00:15:04.920 align:middle line:84% And they maintain all the trails within our state park 00:15:04.920 --> 00:15:05.610 align:middle line:90% and wilderness. 00:15:05.610 --> 00:15:08.220 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Because these are great trails. 00:15:08.220 --> 00:15:10.800 align:middle line:84% Are some of these originally Indian trails? 00:15:10.800 --> 00:15:14.040 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, originally, Indian trails were used. 00:15:14.040 --> 00:15:17.520 align:middle line:84% And then the CCCs in the '30s proceeded 00:15:17.520 --> 00:15:20.790 align:middle line:84% to go over a lot of those trails, 00:15:20.790 --> 00:15:23.250 align:middle line:84% then actually improve and maintain them. 00:15:23.250 --> 00:15:25.510 align:middle line:84% And we ended up with the trail system we have today. 00:15:25.510 --> 00:15:27.450 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Boy, this is just beautiful. 00:15:27.450 --> 00:15:30.080 align:middle line:84% You know, the first time I was hiking it, 00:15:30.080 --> 00:15:31.800 align:middle line:90% I just was-- oh, wait a minute. 00:15:31.800 --> 00:15:33.450 align:middle line:90% This is the rock. 00:15:33.450 --> 00:15:35.940 align:middle line:84% This is where I usually take my nap. 00:15:35.940 --> 00:15:40.350 align:middle line:84% Right here, under this tree, just looking up in the tree 00:15:40.350 --> 00:15:42.400 align:middle line:84% and listening to the birds and to the wind. 00:15:42.400 --> 00:15:45.040 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, we've got a lot of birds up here. 00:15:45.040 --> 00:15:46.910 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I don't hear any this morning. 00:15:46.910 --> 00:15:47.450 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, actually, they're 00:15:47.450 --> 00:15:49.074 align:middle line:84% most active in the morning and evening. 00:15:49.074 --> 00:15:51.690 align:middle line:84% So if you want to experience our wildlife in general, 00:15:51.690 --> 00:15:54.710 align:middle line:84% you need to be here on the first car and get out here early 00:15:54.710 --> 00:15:57.710 align:middle line:84% or come up late, just before dusk. 00:15:57.710 --> 00:16:01.270 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah, OK, let's walk right down here because 00:16:01.270 --> 00:16:04.400 align:middle line:84% here's another one of these great views. 00:16:04.400 --> 00:16:09.140 align:middle line:84% And you know, these trails are basically easy trails too. 00:16:09.140 --> 00:16:11.090 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, most of our trail system 00:16:11.090 --> 00:16:12.490 align:middle line:90% is easy to moderate. 00:16:12.490 --> 00:16:15.290 align:middle line:84% And like I said, it's great for beginners 00:16:15.290 --> 00:16:17.510 align:middle line:84% because it doesn't stress you too bad. 00:16:17.510 --> 00:16:20.120 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So somebody could actually start out and not 00:16:20.120 --> 00:16:22.410 align:middle line:84% have to really have a destination in mind. 00:16:22.410 --> 00:16:24.260 align:middle line:84% They could just walk as far as they 00:16:24.260 --> 00:16:26.780 align:middle line:84% wanted to walk and then turn around and go back. 00:16:26.780 --> 00:16:27.770 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:16:27.770 --> 00:16:29.095 align:middle line:84% A lot of people come up here for the first time 00:16:29.095 --> 00:16:30.920 align:middle line:84% are a little concerned and they ask me what to do. 00:16:30.920 --> 00:16:32.670 align:middle line:84% And I say, walk till you're not having fun 00:16:32.670 --> 00:16:34.295 align:middle line:84% anymore, and turn around and come back. 00:16:34.295 --> 00:16:36.294 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, we're still having fun, 00:16:36.294 --> 00:16:37.240 align:middle line:90% so let's keep walking. 00:16:37.240 --> 00:16:38.390 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:16:38.390 --> 00:16:42.350 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, we got some people on the trail. 00:16:42.350 --> 00:16:43.345 align:middle line:90% Hi, how are you doing? 00:16:43.345 --> 00:16:43.970 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Hi. 00:16:43.970 --> 00:16:44.630 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: Heading back to civilization. 00:16:44.630 --> 00:16:45.970 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Nice to meet you. 00:16:45.970 --> 00:16:46.750 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Nice to meet you. 00:16:46.750 --> 00:16:47.550 align:middle line:90% You're what? 00:16:47.550 --> 00:16:49.397 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: Heading back to civilization. 00:16:49.397 --> 00:16:50.980 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Where have you all been? 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:52.063 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: The top of Mt. 00:16:52.063 --> 00:16:52.730 align:middle line:90% San Jacinto. 00:16:52.730 --> 00:16:53.646 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, wow. 00:16:53.646 --> 00:16:55.240 align:middle line:90% That's up over 10,000 feet up. 00:16:55.240 --> 00:16:57.020 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: Yeah, it was 10,804 I think. 00:16:57.020 --> 00:17:00.110 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And how long did it take you to get up there? 00:17:00.110 --> 00:17:01.985 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: Well, we hiked up to Round Valley 00:17:01.985 --> 00:17:03.600 align:middle line:90% and camped overnight. 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:05.939 align:middle line:84% And then yesterday we took-- what was it? 00:17:05.939 --> 00:17:07.772 align:middle line:84% Six hours up and back-- something like that. 00:17:07.772 --> 00:17:09.397 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: Yeah, about 3.5 to the top. 00:17:09.397 --> 00:17:12.130 align:middle line:84% 5 to get up to the top from when we started. 00:17:12.130 --> 00:17:14.250 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, you all are experienced hikers. 00:17:14.250 --> 00:17:16.286 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Oh, very. 00:17:16.286 --> 00:17:18.119 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: We did this 30 years ago though. 00:17:18.119 --> 00:17:18.910 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What? 00:17:18.910 --> 00:17:21.263 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: And not too much in between. 00:17:21.263 --> 00:17:23.679 align:middle line:84% These two guys are my sons and this is my daughter-in-law, 00:17:23.679 --> 00:17:25.564 align:middle line:84% and we hiked to the top 30 years ago. 00:17:25.564 --> 00:17:27.480 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So this is your first time back? 00:17:27.480 --> 00:17:28.790 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Since. 00:17:28.790 --> 00:17:30.780 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Wow, how did the old man hold up? 00:17:30.780 --> 00:17:32.577 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 14: He did great. 00:17:32.577 --> 00:17:34.410 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: I didn't make the top this time, 00:17:34.410 --> 00:17:35.240 align:middle line:90% but I got pretty close. 00:17:35.240 --> 00:17:36.635 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, you got to Round Valley and a little bit 00:17:36.635 --> 00:17:36.760 align:middle line:90% further. 00:17:36.760 --> 00:17:37.635 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Oh, yeah. 00:17:37.635 --> 00:17:39.360 align:middle line:84% And then a little bit further on. 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:41.840 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Wow, what a great way for the family to-- 00:17:41.840 --> 00:17:44.554 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: This was her maiden voyage in the hiking world. 00:17:44.554 --> 00:17:46.470 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So this was a bonding experience 00:17:46.470 --> 00:17:47.220 align:middle line:90% with the family, right? 00:17:47.220 --> 00:17:47.490 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: Yeah, he's been wanting 00:17:47.490 --> 00:17:48.760 align:middle line:90% to take me for 12 years. 00:17:48.760 --> 00:17:50.621 align:middle line:90% I wish I had gone 10 years ago. 00:17:50.621 --> 00:17:51.495 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Really? 00:17:51.495 --> 00:17:52.860 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: Well, it's pretty strenuous for somebody 00:17:52.860 --> 00:17:53.610 align:middle line:90% who's never does this. 00:17:53.610 --> 00:17:54.750 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah, but I tell you what. 00:17:54.750 --> 00:17:56.666 align:middle line:84% We were just talking about it with the ranger. 00:17:56.666 --> 00:17:59.590 align:middle line:84% This place grows on you because it is a magical place. 00:17:59.590 --> 00:18:00.760 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 14: It's beautiful. 00:18:00.760 --> 00:18:02.884 align:middle line:84% I mean, the view from up there is just like nothing 00:18:02.884 --> 00:18:04.160 align:middle line:90% I've ever seen. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:05.130 align:middle line:90% That was the payoff. 00:18:05.130 --> 00:18:06.588 align:middle line:84% But my two words for this trip have 00:18:06.588 --> 00:18:08.730 align:middle line:90% been exhilaration and misery. 00:18:08.730 --> 00:18:10.540 align:middle line:84% Right now, we're in the misery portion. 00:18:10.540 --> 00:18:11.290 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Why? 00:18:11.290 --> 00:18:12.685 align:middle line:90% It's all downhill. 00:18:12.685 --> 00:18:13.685 align:middle line:90% You're heading downhill. 00:18:13.685 --> 00:18:14.726 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: That's right. 00:18:14.726 --> 00:18:17.182 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 14: I've still got 30 pounds on my back. 00:18:17.182 --> 00:18:18.390 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Well, have fun. 00:18:18.390 --> 00:18:19.740 align:middle line:90% Let's get everybody together. 00:18:19.740 --> 00:18:21.480 align:middle line:90% Stand here for a group picture. 00:18:21.480 --> 00:18:22.902 align:middle line:90% What's the name of this family? 00:18:22.902 --> 00:18:23.860 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: The Frantz. 00:18:23.860 --> 00:18:26.330 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: The Frantz family-- introduced by name. 00:18:26.330 --> 00:18:27.330 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 14: Judy Frantz. 00:18:27.330 --> 00:18:28.080 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Norm Frantz. 00:18:28.080 --> 00:18:29.050 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 15: Robert Frantz. 00:18:29.050 --> 00:18:30.091 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Randy Frantz. 00:18:30.091 --> 00:18:31.257 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: From? 00:18:31.257 --> 00:18:32.340 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 16: Orange County. 00:18:32.340 --> 00:18:33.881 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 15: Orange County, Placentia. 00:18:33.881 --> 00:18:35.010 align:middle line:90% And they live in Irvine. 00:18:35.010 --> 00:18:35.970 align:middle line:90% And he lives in Brea. 00:18:35.970 --> 00:18:36.803 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Great. 00:18:36.803 --> 00:18:38.430 align:middle line:90% Let's get a nice group picture. 00:18:38.430 --> 00:18:40.680 align:middle line:84% They're in their misery phase right now, 00:18:40.680 --> 00:18:41.775 align:middle line:90% but they still look happy. 00:18:41.775 --> 00:18:43.233 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 13: Soon to be home though. 00:18:43.233 --> 00:18:45.540 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Soon to be home from the top of Mt. 00:18:45.540 --> 00:18:46.920 align:middle line:90% San Jacinto. 00:18:46.920 --> 00:18:48.020 align:middle line:90% Nice to meet you all. 00:18:48.020 --> 00:18:48.350 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 14: Thank you. 00:18:48.350 --> 00:18:48.930 align:middle line:90% Nice to meet you too. 00:18:48.930 --> 00:18:49.846 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 13: Thank you. 00:18:49.846 --> 00:18:51.469 align:middle line:90% 00:18:51.469 --> 00:18:53.010 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Eric, I'm just thinking 00:18:53.010 --> 00:18:56.250 align:middle line:84% back to that first day we met up here, 00:18:56.250 --> 00:18:59.770 align:middle line:84% the first time that I came up here. 00:18:59.770 --> 00:19:02.292 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, I remember it too. 00:19:02.292 --> 00:19:03.750 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Why are you laughing? 00:19:03.750 --> 00:19:06.660 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, here's a guy in tennis shoes, no socks, 00:19:06.660 --> 00:19:08.890 align:middle line:90% no water, and no pack. 00:19:08.890 --> 00:19:10.980 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: I just came up here curious 00:19:10.980 --> 00:19:12.630 align:middle line:90% about what was here. 00:19:12.630 --> 00:19:14.820 align:middle line:84% I left the tram building for the first time 00:19:14.820 --> 00:19:16.620 align:middle line:90% and kind of ventured out. 00:19:16.620 --> 00:19:19.590 align:middle line:84% And you kind of set me off on my way 00:19:19.590 --> 00:19:21.090 align:middle line:90% with words of encouragement. 00:19:21.090 --> 00:19:24.750 align:middle line:84% You loaned me a bottle of water, told me to next time, 00:19:24.750 --> 00:19:26.940 align:middle line:90% get some good shoes and socks. 00:19:26.940 --> 00:19:28.800 align:middle line:84% But I think that's part of it, isn't it? 00:19:28.800 --> 00:19:33.480 align:middle line:84% People who are not great hikers, who are not experienced hikers, 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:35.670 align:middle line:84% maybe they have a fear of the unknown. 00:19:35.670 --> 00:19:38.630 align:middle line:84% They're not real sure of themselves, so they don't try. 00:19:38.630 --> 00:19:40.402 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Sure, new things scare us. 00:19:40.402 --> 00:19:41.610 align:middle line:90% It takes a little experience. 00:19:41.610 --> 00:19:44.220 align:middle line:84% But sometimes, it takes just a nudge to get them out the door 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.880 align:middle line:84% and they discover a whole new world. 00:19:45.880 --> 00:19:48.360 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you could encourage people to come up 00:19:48.360 --> 00:19:51.810 align:middle line:84% who aren't experienced hikers and they could still 00:19:51.810 --> 00:19:52.470 align:middle line:90% enjoy this. 00:19:52.470 --> 00:19:52.800 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:19:52.800 --> 00:19:54.216 align:middle line:84% This is a place to get experience. 00:19:54.216 --> 00:19:56.340 align:middle line:84% And we have trails from easy to hard. 00:19:56.340 --> 00:19:58.600 align:middle line:84% And we just start out easy and get people used to it. 00:19:58.600 --> 00:20:00.180 align:middle line:84% And people find out they fall in love 00:20:00.180 --> 00:20:01.670 align:middle line:90% with hiking in the wilderness. 00:20:01.670 --> 00:20:02.670 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Hey, boys. 00:20:02.670 --> 00:20:05.490 align:middle line:84% What's it like up there on top of the rock? 00:20:05.490 --> 00:20:07.332 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 17: Well, it's real nice and sunny. 00:20:07.332 --> 00:20:12.049 align:middle line:84% And you can see all the pine trees. 00:20:12.049 --> 00:20:14.569 align:middle line:84% It's a beautiful view from up here. 00:20:14.569 --> 00:20:16.610 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: It's a beautiful view from up here. 00:20:16.610 --> 00:20:17.740 align:middle line:90% Are those your kids? 00:20:17.740 --> 00:20:18.700 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: Yeah, they're my boys. 00:20:18.700 --> 00:20:20.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, do you all come up here a lot? 00:20:20.180 --> 00:20:22.013 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: About two or three times a year. 00:20:22.013 --> 00:20:23.852 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So they're old timers at this. 00:20:23.852 --> 00:20:26.060 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: Yeah, they've been backpacking since they 00:20:26.060 --> 00:20:27.430 align:middle line:90% were 4 and 6 years old. 00:20:27.430 --> 00:20:27.670 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Really? 00:20:27.670 --> 00:20:28.420 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: Mm-hm. 00:20:28.420 --> 00:20:30.867 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you feel safe letting them go up there. 00:20:30.867 --> 00:20:32.450 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: Yeah, they're experienced. 00:20:32.450 --> 00:20:34.116 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: They like to climb around. 00:20:34.116 --> 00:20:36.576 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: Yeah, they like to climb and jack around, yeah. 00:20:36.576 --> 00:20:38.825 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And what's he doing with his binoculars? 00:20:38.825 --> 00:20:41.984 align:middle line:84% What are you looking at up there? 00:20:41.984 --> 00:20:44.150 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 17: Just checking out the scenery and stuff. 00:20:44.150 --> 00:20:45.470 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Just checking out the scenery. 00:20:45.470 --> 00:20:46.120 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: Yeah. 00:20:46.120 --> 00:20:47.030 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, do they go home 00:20:47.030 --> 00:20:48.830 align:middle line:84% with all kind of great adventure stories? 00:20:48.830 --> 00:20:49.970 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 18: Yeah, we bring a camera 00:20:49.970 --> 00:20:51.560 align:middle line:84% and we tell ghost stories at night. 00:20:51.560 --> 00:20:53.516 align:middle line:90% And it's just a blast. 00:20:53.516 --> 00:20:55.640 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: He was telling us how high up we are. 00:20:55.640 --> 00:20:57.150 align:middle line:90% How high up are we? 00:20:57.150 --> 00:20:58.367 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 17: 8,500 feet. 00:20:58.367 --> 00:21:00.200 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: 8,000-- they know their facts. 00:21:00.200 --> 00:21:01.241 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 18: That's right. 00:21:01.241 --> 00:21:02.400 align:middle line:90% They do. 00:21:02.400 --> 00:21:04.340 align:middle line:84% It's because I make them look at the topo maps 00:21:04.340 --> 00:21:05.354 align:middle line:90% before we leave home. 00:21:05.354 --> 00:21:08.020 align:middle line:90% 00:21:08.020 --> 00:21:09.730 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Now, here's a guy. 00:21:09.730 --> 00:21:11.950 align:middle line:84% What do you call this that you're doing right here? 00:21:11.950 --> 00:21:13.060 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: I'm just power walking. 00:21:13.060 --> 00:21:14.226 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Power walking. 00:21:14.226 --> 00:21:16.032 align:middle line:84% Are you up here power walking a lot? 00:21:16.032 --> 00:21:17.740 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Oh, a couple of times a week. 00:21:17.740 --> 00:21:18.400 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Really? 00:21:18.400 --> 00:21:18.760 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: Yes. 00:21:18.760 --> 00:21:20.380 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: When did you get started doing that? 00:21:20.380 --> 00:21:22.120 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Well, in July of this year. 00:21:22.120 --> 00:21:23.434 align:middle line:90% I did it two years ago. 00:21:23.434 --> 00:21:25.100 align:middle line:84% And then last year, the tram was closed, 00:21:25.100 --> 00:21:26.950 align:middle line:90% so I didn't get an annual pass. 00:21:26.950 --> 00:21:29.470 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So when it's hot down in the valley, 00:21:29.470 --> 00:21:30.280 align:middle line:90% you come up here. 00:21:30.280 --> 00:21:31.660 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: Exactly, right. 00:21:31.660 --> 00:21:34.180 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And how many miles a day do you figure you do? 00:21:34.180 --> 00:21:36.220 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Well, anywhere to Wellman's Divide, 00:21:36.220 --> 00:21:38.060 align:middle line:90% which is six miles to the peak. 00:21:38.060 --> 00:21:40.810 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And do you go solid the whole way through? 00:21:40.810 --> 00:21:42.768 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Well, I'll stop at Wellman's Divide 00:21:42.768 --> 00:21:44.899 align:middle line:84% usually by myself, and then at the top. 00:21:44.899 --> 00:21:46.690 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: But you're not out of breath. 00:21:46.690 --> 00:21:49.674 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 19: Well, sometimes, yeah. 00:21:49.674 --> 00:21:51.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: See, that's why we stopped 00:21:51.340 --> 00:21:52.350 align:middle line:90% to talk to you for a minute. 00:21:52.350 --> 00:21:54.190 align:middle line:84% We wanted to give you a chance to catch your breath. 00:21:54.190 --> 00:21:55.090 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: I appreciate it. 00:21:55.090 --> 00:21:56.050 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Your name is? 00:21:56.050 --> 00:21:56.980 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: Don Reniker. 00:21:56.980 --> 00:21:58.688 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And if people come up here, 00:21:58.688 --> 00:22:00.340 align:middle line:84% they can see you up here twice a week. 00:22:00.340 --> 00:22:01.381 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: That's right. 00:22:01.381 --> 00:22:03.820 align:middle line:84% Usually on Mondays and Wednesdays or either Wednesdays 00:22:03.820 --> 00:22:05.024 align:middle line:90% and Fridays, right, yeah. 00:22:05.024 --> 00:22:06.190 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Power walking. 00:22:06.190 --> 00:22:06.898 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 19: Yeah. 00:22:06.898 --> 00:22:07.469 align:middle line:90% It's great. 00:22:07.469 --> 00:22:08.260 align:middle line:90% It's good exercise. 00:22:08.260 --> 00:22:09.757 align:middle line:90% It keeps me young. 00:22:09.757 --> 00:22:11.340 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Good morning, gentlemen. 00:22:11.340 --> 00:22:12.260 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Hi there. 00:22:12.260 --> 00:22:12.810 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: How are you doing? 00:22:12.810 --> 00:22:13.676 align:middle line:90% I'm Huell Howser. 00:22:13.676 --> 00:22:14.550 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 21: I'm Eric. 00:22:14.550 --> 00:22:15.630 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Nice to meet you. 00:22:15.630 --> 00:22:15.920 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Hi, Huell. 00:22:15.920 --> 00:22:16.770 align:middle line:90% I'm Mark. 00:22:16.770 --> 00:22:17.690 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Nice to meet you. 00:22:17.690 --> 00:22:18.430 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Good morning. 00:22:18.430 --> 00:22:19.763 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: What's your story? 00:22:19.763 --> 00:22:21.310 align:middle line:84% We're stopping people on the trail. 00:22:21.310 --> 00:22:26.400 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: Well, just wanted to get my boy out here and enjoy 00:22:26.400 --> 00:22:28.320 align:middle line:90% the top of the hill today. 00:22:28.320 --> 00:22:30.270 align:middle line:84% Been waiting for a pretty day to do that 00:22:30.270 --> 00:22:31.327 align:middle line:90% and it's a beautiful day. 00:22:31.327 --> 00:22:32.910 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Now, are you all locals? 00:22:32.910 --> 00:22:34.368 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: Yeah, we live just down 00:22:34.368 --> 00:22:35.940 align:middle line:90% the mountain over in Wildomar. 00:22:35.940 --> 00:22:38.298 align:middle line:84% It's just maybe about an hour's drive from here. 00:22:38.298 --> 00:22:39.006 align:middle line:90% Not too far away. 00:22:39.006 --> 00:22:41.220 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So you know the beauty and the wonder 00:22:41.220 --> 00:22:42.600 align:middle line:90% of coming up here and hiking. 00:22:42.600 --> 00:22:42.870 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Oh, absolutely. 00:22:42.870 --> 00:22:43.830 align:middle line:90% Yeah, we love it. 00:22:43.830 --> 00:22:44.710 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You ever been up here before? 00:22:44.710 --> 00:22:45.950 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 21: No, this is my first time. 00:22:45.950 --> 00:22:46.800 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Really? 00:22:46.800 --> 00:22:47.820 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 21: I like it so far. 00:22:47.820 --> 00:22:49.260 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: How far are you taking him? 00:22:49.260 --> 00:22:50.820 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: We're going to try and go to the summit. 00:22:50.820 --> 00:22:51.770 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Oh, my gosh. 00:22:51.770 --> 00:22:52.380 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: Yeah, we're at least going 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:53.590 align:middle line:90% to go to Wellman's Divide. 00:22:53.590 --> 00:22:55.687 align:middle line:84% And then if time permits, we're going to go on up 00:22:55.687 --> 00:22:56.520 align:middle line:90% to the summit today. 00:22:56.520 --> 00:22:58.050 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Is he in good enough shape to do that? 00:22:58.050 --> 00:22:59.220 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: I think so, yeah. 00:22:59.220 --> 00:23:01.469 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Are you in good enough shape to do that? 00:23:01.469 --> 00:23:02.947 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: I would hope so, yeah. 00:23:02.947 --> 00:23:05.280 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: We've met a lot of very interesting people 00:23:05.280 --> 00:23:06.210 align:middle line:90% on the trail today. 00:23:06.210 --> 00:23:07.980 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: You meet some nice folks up here hiking. 00:23:07.980 --> 00:23:09.555 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: You know, that's part of it too. 00:23:09.555 --> 00:23:10.846 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: Yeah, it really is. 00:23:10.846 --> 00:23:12.940 align:middle line:90% We've met folks from all around. 00:23:12.940 --> 00:23:14.490 align:middle line:84% You get up here and people sometimes 00:23:14.490 --> 00:23:16.609 align:middle line:84% are from out of state, out of the country. 00:23:16.609 --> 00:23:18.150 align:middle line:84% And then sometimes, you find out it's 00:23:18.150 --> 00:23:19.930 align:middle line:84% your neighbor that's just down the street from you. 00:23:19.930 --> 00:23:20.472 align:middle line:90% So it's neat. 00:23:20.472 --> 00:23:21.971 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Yeah, you know, that's 00:23:21.971 --> 00:23:23.880 align:middle line:84% something we kind of forgot to talk about. 00:23:23.880 --> 00:23:28.260 align:middle line:84% And that's all the nice people that you meet along the way. 00:23:28.260 --> 00:23:30.660 align:middle line:84% I have met some amazing people this summer. 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:32.820 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: We see a phenomenal amount of visitors 00:23:32.820 --> 00:23:34.170 align:middle line:90% from out of the area-- 00:23:34.170 --> 00:23:36.630 align:middle line:84% international visitors, people from all over the US, 00:23:36.630 --> 00:23:37.647 align:middle line:90% and a lot of nice folks. 00:23:37.647 --> 00:23:39.230 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: They're all nice people. 00:23:39.230 --> 00:23:43.740 align:middle line:84% And along the trail, people take the time to stop and talk. 00:23:43.740 --> 00:23:44.490 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Sure. 00:23:44.490 --> 00:23:46.110 align:middle line:90% A lot of folks like to chat. 00:23:46.110 --> 00:23:49.020 align:middle line:84% My job is great because I get to just talk to people all day. 00:23:49.020 --> 00:23:49.530 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: And you know what? 00:23:49.530 --> 00:23:52.470 align:middle line:84% A lot of people like to stop and chat because it gives them time 00:23:52.470 --> 00:23:53.554 align:middle line:90% to catch their breath. 00:23:53.554 --> 00:23:55.470 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 20: The higher up you go, that's true. 00:23:55.470 --> 00:23:56.950 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: A lot of talking going on there. 00:23:56.950 --> 00:23:57.870 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: That's right, 00:23:57.870 --> 00:23:59.280 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: All right, gentlemen, head on out. 00:23:59.280 --> 00:23:59.630 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 20: All right. 00:23:59.630 --> 00:23:59.960 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 21: Thank you. 00:23:59.960 --> 00:24:01.350 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: Nice to meet you. 00:24:01.350 --> 00:24:02.730 align:middle line:90% And where did you come from? 00:24:02.730 --> 00:24:04.590 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: Well, I'm a volunteer here 00:24:04.590 --> 00:24:06.090 align:middle line:90% in the state park. 00:24:06.090 --> 00:24:07.890 align:middle line:90% I belong to an organization. 00:24:07.890 --> 00:24:10.470 align:middle line:84% It's a natural history association. 00:24:10.470 --> 00:24:13.700 align:middle line:84% And we sort of help out the park a little bit 00:24:13.700 --> 00:24:17.316 align:middle line:84% by running a visitor center, doing nature walks. 00:24:17.316 --> 00:24:19.440 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Ah, I've been to your visitor center. 00:24:19.440 --> 00:24:21.279 align:middle line:84% I haven't been on one of your nature walks. 00:24:21.279 --> 00:24:23.070 align:middle line:84% SPEAKER 22: Well, you should come sometime. 00:24:23.070 --> 00:24:23.730 align:middle line:90% It's on weekends. 00:24:23.730 --> 00:24:26.021 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: So people can come to the top of the tram 00:24:26.021 --> 00:24:27.040 align:middle line:90% and take a short-- 00:24:27.040 --> 00:24:28.650 align:middle line:90% it's not a long nature walk. 00:24:28.650 --> 00:24:29.570 align:middle line:90% Anybody can do it. 00:24:29.570 --> 00:24:30.820 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 22: Anybody can do it. 00:24:30.820 --> 00:24:33.090 align:middle line:90% It's about 2/3 of a mile. 00:24:33.090 --> 00:24:35.190 align:middle line:90% It goes around a meadow. 00:24:35.190 --> 00:24:38.760 align:middle line:84% And then, we have people that can explain 00:24:38.760 --> 00:24:40.990 align:middle line:84% about the trees, and the birds, and the flowers 00:24:40.990 --> 00:24:42.270 align:middle line:90% when they are in season. 00:24:42.270 --> 00:24:43.785 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: How much fun for you. 00:24:43.785 --> 00:24:45.000 align:middle line:90% SPEAKER 22: It's wonderful. 00:24:45.000 --> 00:24:47.100 align:middle line:90% It's wonderful. 00:24:47.100 --> 00:24:48.600 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Boy, Eric, we couldn't 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:52.830 align:middle line:84% have had a more beautiful day for our hike. 00:24:52.830 --> 00:24:56.220 align:middle line:84% But I get the feeling that just about every day 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:58.565 align:middle line:84% is a beautiful day up here on top of this mountain. 00:24:58.565 --> 00:25:00.690 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, we have a lot of beautiful days, 00:25:00.690 --> 00:25:02.160 align:middle line:90% but they're not all beautiful. 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:03.070 align:middle line:84% I tell you, in the wintertime, it 00:25:03.070 --> 00:25:04.480 align:middle line:90% can get a little rough up here. 00:25:04.480 --> 00:25:06.150 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, but that's part of the mountain too. 00:25:06.150 --> 00:25:08.340 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: That's part of the wilderness experience. 00:25:08.340 --> 00:25:09.715 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, that's what's 00:25:09.715 --> 00:25:12.450 align:middle line:84% so interesting about this is it's so close to cities, 00:25:12.450 --> 00:25:15.660 align:middle line:84% and towns, and peoples, and freeways, and traffic, 00:25:15.660 --> 00:25:18.780 align:middle line:90% and noise, and pollution. 00:25:18.780 --> 00:25:21.274 align:middle line:84% We're up in the middle of a place like this. 00:25:21.274 --> 00:25:22.690 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, we're literally 00:25:22.690 --> 00:25:25.311 align:middle line:84% an island of wilderness surrounded by civilization. 00:25:25.311 --> 00:25:27.310 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Well, it's just wonderful up here. 00:25:27.310 --> 00:25:30.580 align:middle line:84% I am so thankful that I have been turned on to this place. 00:25:30.580 --> 00:25:32.110 align:middle line:90% You know, I'm a regular up here. 00:25:32.110 --> 00:25:32.590 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:25:32.590 --> 00:25:35.080 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: And I'll continue to come up here all year round. 00:25:35.080 --> 00:25:36.910 align:middle line:84% I'm even going to try it out in the winter. 00:25:36.910 --> 00:25:37.780 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: I hope you start snowshoeing. 00:25:37.780 --> 00:25:38.970 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Strap on those snowshoes. 00:25:38.970 --> 00:25:39.820 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah, snowshoeing. 00:25:39.820 --> 00:25:40.740 align:middle line:90% I can see you doing that. 00:25:40.740 --> 00:25:41.920 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Which is a lot of fun too. 00:25:41.920 --> 00:25:42.600 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: You bet. 00:25:42.600 --> 00:25:43.960 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Thanks for the tour. 00:25:43.960 --> 00:25:44.650 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: My pleasure, Huell. 00:25:44.650 --> 00:25:47.108 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: We're sending Eric back to the ranger station 00:25:47.108 --> 00:25:49.330 align:middle line:84% to make sure everybody is filling out their permit 00:25:49.330 --> 00:25:49.971 align:middle line:90% correctly. 00:25:49.971 --> 00:25:50.720 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: Yeah. 00:25:50.720 --> 00:25:53.260 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: By the way, we forgot to fill out our permit. 00:25:53.260 --> 00:25:55.240 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: Well, we figured we'd escort you. 00:25:55.240 --> 00:25:57.190 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: OK, we're not going to get into any trouble 00:25:57.190 --> 00:25:58.270 align:middle line:90% about it going on? 00:25:58.270 --> 00:25:59.860 align:middle line:84% ERIC HANSEN: No, I've let the staff know you're coming. 00:25:59.860 --> 00:26:00.818 align:middle line:90% HUELL HOWSER: OK, good. 00:26:00.818 --> 00:26:01.550 align:middle line:90% Thanks a lot. 00:26:01.550 --> 00:26:01.940 align:middle line:90% ERIC HANSEN: My pleasure. 00:26:01.940 --> 00:26:02.040 align:middle line:90% Take care. 00:26:02.040 --> 00:26:03.220 align:middle line:84% HUELL HOWSER: Thank you very much. 00:26:03.220 --> 00:26:05.170 align:middle line:84% We're going to head on up to Round Valley. 00:26:05.170 --> 00:26:07.390 align:middle line:84% It's about three miles from here. 00:26:07.390 --> 00:26:10.150 align:middle line:84% And a beautiful three mile hike it is. 00:26:10.150 --> 00:26:14.950 align:middle line:84% This whole place-- the San Jacinto State Park and State 00:26:14.950 --> 00:26:17.610 align:middle line:84% Wilderness-- is just a magnificent place. 00:26:17.610 --> 00:26:19.240 align:middle line:90% I highly recommend it for you. 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:21.310 align:middle line:84% You don't have to be a great hiker. 00:26:21.310 --> 00:26:24.700 align:middle line:84% You just have to enjoy the beauty and the solitude of what 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:26.740 align:middle line:90% this place has to offer. 00:26:26.740 --> 00:26:28.990 align:middle line:90% It is a wonderful treasure. 00:26:28.990 --> 00:26:33.160 align:middle line:84% And the beauty of it all is it belongs to all of us. 00:26:33.160 --> 00:27:01.255 align:middle line:90% 00:27:01.255 --> 00:27:03.730 align:middle line:84% Visiting with Huell Howser is made 00:27:03.730 --> 00:27:05.350 align:middle line:84% possible through a generous grant 00:27:05.350 --> 00:27:09.180 align:middle line:84% from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. 00:27:09.180 --> 00:27:09.750 align:middle line:90%