South Lake to North Lake via Lamarck Col

“Well...... this looks interesting.

I likely wouldn't be able to make this as well as Wind-o-rama. But I just happen to have this July week booked for vacation also. I guess I need to have a look at the two trips and see what's what. The July week would actually be my prefered choice for a road trip, since there's not much snow free alpine at home that early.

I guess that makes me a 'maybe' but if someone wants to add me to a permit, that would be great (assuming it's not an additional cost ???)”

“Hodgeman - It wouldn't be the same without you!!!”

“FYI, there's a $5 per person fee to be submitted at time of application.”

“geology guy - If you haven't already told us where to send you the money, please email me you snail mail address at: rosenkrantz@csupomona.edu

Or, do you accept PayPal?”

“Phil, just pay me when we meet at the traihead.”

“Hey, five bucks ain't bad. I could send that on spec. I wouldn't want to miss out just because I wasn't on the permit”

“Hey, I just heard about this trip! Count me in! I'm going on this one instead of wind-o-rama.”

“I'll request my own permit.


Hikerchic: I'm thinking of backing out of wind-o-rama too.

In August I want to go from Onion Valley to either Symmes Creek or Mount Whitney. I'd like to go into Center Basin, Lake South America, attempt Mount Tyndall, and check out Wright Lakes. Anyone else interested in this trip?”

“I'm noticing that this trip starts on the Saturday and ends on a Thursday. Doesn't leave a lot of travel time on the front end.

It might be tricky to try and get out of here in time to make it down as far as Sac on Thursday 8th, assuming the drive to the trailhead is on Friday 9th.

Doesn't anybody work Fridays down there?
;-)”

“It would be okay with me to start on a Sunday. What about everyone else? Those arriving on Saturday could party while they wait for the Sunday arrivals.”

“My plan was to bail on work early, go part way to the trailhead that night, then get to the trailhead Saturday morning. We could bump it back one day, but with the days set in most peoples minds and the permit day right around the corner, its may be difficult to get a concensus. I'm free all that week, but others may have to be somewhere on Friday [the 16th].”

“Gathering on Saturday and leaving on Sunday works for me and I see how it could be a factor for people who have to work on Friday. Whether I get back to the trailhead on Thursday or Friday isn't an issue for me (OK, so I have the whole summer off, so what?).”

“I'm OK with it.”

“Sunday start is no problem for me. Will we see much or any snow up there at that time of year?”

“At Sierrapalooza last year, I think camping at the trailhead (7000'+) the night before probably really helped a few of us low-landers acclimatize. Not having to finish up the 1000 mile drive and start hiking the same day was a bonus also.

I sure wouldn't want to go and upset the plan at the last minute, before getting permits. Just thought I'd toss it out there and see if there might be others who could take advantage of the extra day.

I managed to get to Sac on time last year, but I think that drive sucked more outta me than the hike did. Hopefully I could swing it again if need be. Technically my vacation doesn't actually start until the Sunday, so you can see how this gets a bit iffy trying to leave Vancouver in the middle of the week beforehand. Thanks for the consideration guys.”

“I'll be ordering my permit on Monday, so should I go ahead and order it for Sunday July 11th, with a 2nd choice date of July 10th?”

“I think we need to hear from the others people who previously confirmed on this trip if a Sunday start/Friday finish schedule is OK. Hopefully, everyone will respond by Friday [I sent an e-mail to all parties to respond] so we can submit the permits to ensure a group start date.”

“Landscaper and I are okay on Saturday or Sunday.

Geologyguy, would it be a hassle to add both of us to your permit? I will be out of town on the 10th.”

“Geologyguy - just post or email with the date for my permit request when it gets settled - Saturday or Sunday is fine with me.”

“WB, I'll add you and J on my permit.”

“I'm cool with any start/funish date. Geoguy, the cabin still optional?”

“the cabin is still an option. If we leave on Sunday, it means that people can take their time to get to the TH, fly/drive-in, or hang in Tahoe on Saturday. Although, I think we still need to hear from the others.”

“I haven't signed up for this trip yet but Sunday departure works for too.”

“I like a Sunday departure too. Works for me!”

“geologyguy - Any chance I could trouble you to add me to your permit as well? Might be easier than trying to do it from Canada.”

“There's Navi!!! Hoping you were considering this one.”

“Hodge I can put you on my permit if you'd like.

So, the start date is Sunday the 11th and end date is the 16th, right?

Is there a car camping area that we can camp at the night before to aclimate? Or is everyone going to meet at the trailhead Sunday morning?

Also, it would be fun to book a room at a hotel Friday night like we did after sierrapalooza. I'll have to check out the area to see where the nearest town is. Or do you know wingding....our most gracious leader. he he”

“There is lots of car camping in the area, but it does fill up fast. Some local would have to go up on Friday night and claim a couple of sites.
Bishop is the closest town you have to go right through it. Many motels from old to new, run down to sparkeling.

Phil, I'm trying to get Tommy to slow down long enough to look at the options for our summer Trek.”

“I appears leaving Sunday July 11th and returning on Friday July 16th is going to work. So mark that period as primary. I don't think I will, but you can mark leaving on July 10th and returing on July 15th as secondary. I just don't want to give the "Man" an oppertunity to F with me.”

“Hikerchic - Cool! Party in the motel room on Friday, July 16! It will be my 55th Birthday.

Wait. That doesn't sound right.

You know what I mean.”

“Nav - Tommy will go. He's easy.”

“easy = easy going”

“Phil and his innuendo again!

:)”

“This sounds like just about the coolest trip I've heard of. My only concern is the elevation gain plus rough terrain may make it too tough for me. The 5-9 miles per day is OK, 10,000 ft in 6 days is high but doable, and it sounds like I maybe could carpool with Hodgeman of BC, me being Seattle-ish. I read the whole thread, and someone mentioned a bypass for those looking to minimize cross-country travel. Does anyone think a moderate packer could handle this, or is everyone pretty tough? No false modesty please! My other question is the weather concern. What is the weather typically like in this area in mid-July? This may sound weird, but I've never planned a trip in advance, at least not set the actual date in advance, just plan in general and wait for a spell of "good enough" weather. I did 10 bp trips last year (all in WA), and 30-something dayhikes, so I'm not hopping on one leg or anything. I will have to make a quick decision, but I am willing to commit if I think I can hack the pace.”

“Hikerchic - Yes please do put me on your permit. And, did I just read that you're volunteering to investigate the accomodations for the apres-hike. That's great! Sign me up for that too
;-)”

“I think this trip is very doable for a moderte backpacker. Most is on trails or an area that is moderately used [Darwin Canyon], and I think even that arae has a good use trail. The only area that is unknown is Ionian Basin, and if you want you can cut it off.
I think the weather will be fine. In August when its a 1000 degrees in the Sac/San Joaquin Valley, you get rain in the mountians. Sometimes it gets that hot in July but not usually.”

“Geologyguy, thanks for adding Jerry and I to your permit.”

“Geo, we can send you a check for the permit cost or take you out to dinner before or after. Before, you don't have to wait for us to straggle out. After, you'll eat more.”

“Count me in as a definite! Whoo hoo! Geologyguy, can you include me in your pass? I can be reached at slugman19@hotmail.com if you have any questions for me. Physical training begins today.”

“Just talked with the nice Ranger man at the Bishop ranger station regarding permits. He said they allow only 22 individuals over Bishop Pass per day, and unless there's another group that puts in permits for that day, our chances are good if we submit early.

WD, what do you think of a late September trip leaving from Roads End [Sequoia NP], up Bubbs Creek, to Junction Meadow, then to Lake Reflection, xc over Longley Pass into Brewer Basin, camp at Sphinx Lakes [big fish], then out. I know it major elevation gain on the first day. I'd say 4 days.”

“BTW, I am including the following on my permit:
me
Rockman/Pants Candy
Landscaper
Wannapb
Phil
Slugman”

“Thanks, Geologyguy.”

“Hikerchic - Are you all set, as far as what to get for a permit, and when?
:-)”

“sign me up for the late September trip Geologyguy - September is my favorite month in the Sierra.

I now have this trip for July, my plan to go from Onion Valley to Symmes Creek (over Kearsarge Pass, Forester Pass, out to Lake South American and Wright Lakes, over and up Mount Tyndall and out over Sheperd Pass for August; so I need September trip.

Other than those trips, I'm going to fit in a trip to the Bear Lakes and Granite Park area, a trip out to Humphrey Basin, a trip out to Thousand Island Lake, and I'd still like to go over Taboose Pass and out to Bench Lake.

It's going to be a great season.


Also, anyone have a suggestion for a 4 or 5 day trip in the Sierra over Memorial Day? Last year we over Olancha Pass and on to Olancha Peak (a 3-day trip), and the year before we went over Cottonwood Pass and out to Rocky Basin Lakes (another 3-day trip). What other areas can be accessed early in the season?”

“I will order my permit for the 11th to the 16th. The Sunday start is a good idea Hodgeman.”

“I'm in for the Sunday start too. I'll get my own permit and throw in an extra person just in case somebody jumps in later.
Wingding....now you're just trying to make us all feel bad.8)So many trails so little time.”

“Is there way to access the permit on line.”

“jvz, you can also call in at 760-873-2483.”

“JVZ - No, not trying to make anyone feel bad - it's just when I start thinking about the Sierra and backpacking season I tend to get all excited and ramble about areas I want to see.”

“The best way to obtain a permit is to call (760) 873-2483 first thing Monday the 12th. If there are any problems they can deal with them on the phone. I will apply for my own permit. The ranger told me that whoever sends in the permit should put their name down as the leader. That does not mean I will lead, just need a name. Looks like we are getting quite a group together.”