High Sierra Trail

“Exactly!! I mean, that's bad.”

“Well, you guys, I sent my swim suit to myself this morning. You are free to dress as you like.”

“Found this link on the Whitney Portal store board.
http://members12.clubphoto.com/robert634908/3376540/guest.phtml”

“E-mail me your e-mail addresses so we can exchange cell phone numbers.”

“i have my gear all packed....

it looks like i will be at about 32 pounds (not including water, but including 13 pounds for my garcia and food)....not quite as light as i would like, but manageable ....

i am chomping at the bit....let's hit that trail!!!”

“Gonzo,
I was thinking that maybe you, cubsfan, mari, and I could share one bear can. We will have bear boxes provided at each camp with the exception of the last night. I figure we could just place our last days munchies in one cannister. Each day we'd take turns carrying the empty cannitster. Think about it.

See ya Friday!”

“I haven't even started packing.....got a lot to do in the next three days. Haven't sent clean clothes to Dow Villa yet either. Yikes.”

“Got the stuff laid out, but still need to get some lunch meals.”

“I saw that post about not needing bear canisters for the first four nights. Where did I read that? Should I believe it? If so....then of course Shiprunner and I would only want to carry one bear canister...”

“I'm gonna start packing food right now.

Is the Friday night campground at Lodgepole?

Any updates on the conditions? http://www.nps.gov/seki/trailcdt.htm from SEKI. And http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=84280285208&page=1&sort_order=0 from the Whitney Portal board.

I'm just a teeny bit nervous. Is anyone planning on crampons?”

“Fritz,
Paige posted that info about the bear boxes. She hiked the trail last year. I double checked the locations of the boxes and she's right. Basically, the only place we don't have access to a bear box is the last night at Upper Guitar Lake which of course is quite high. I've never heard of a bear being up there.

Wannabp,
I broke out the crampons. I'm throwing them in the truck and making a decision Saturday after getting more info. I was reading this mornings PCT-L and someone wrote about a hike to Sunrise Camp in Yosemite this past week. Well, he encoutered about 15 feet of snow in places with suncup hell.”

“Remember to bring the heavy artillery. Bonzai the Mosquito knows you're coming.



Those are military caliber stingers you'll be facing at those altitudes. Bring the Kevlar.

Out-”

“I don't have crampons to break out........ But it does look like rather a lot of snow. It's not like we can only hike when it's melted from the sun if it's all over the place. Are you also bringing an ice axe? I thought those 2 pieces of gear were mated at the hip, so to speak.”

“I'm not bringing an ice axe. I don't have one. I am bringing ski/hiking poles. My first time hiking with poles.”

“I called Dow Villa last night about mailing my stash and they said their mailing address is PO Box 205 instead of 310 S Main St. I hope my stuff gets there.

geologyguy,
What's the rough estimate for shuttle costs per person? Is it $15 for the shuttle to Lone Pine and then $50 for the shuttle back to the trailhead?”

“Matt, our stuff will be wherever yours is. LOL.

Geologyguy, re the shuttle, how do you want to be paid?”

“I'll be waiting for a prompt snow report after this trip guys, just in case I need to buy myself some new crampons before I fly down
:-)”

“Bear boxes - I thought at some point geologyguy was thinking of going further on day 3 so we wouldn't have such a long trek on day 4....not sure of the implications of that re bear boxes.

Crampons and ice axe - I think I'll bring mine down (bet my baggage gets searched....) and then leave in the car at the trailhead if they are not going to be necessary.

Bugs - whilst looking at the map last night it occurred to me I really need to upgrade my bug repellent - mosquitoes really like me. I've thought about those bug suits, but then I'd still need repellent for face, neck and hands.

It also looks like we'll have a lot of creek crossings - anyone got any idea if levels will be above ankle height ? Thinking about bringing the sandals.....”

“The shuttle cost from Whitney Portal to Lone Pine is approximately $9 pp ($25 for 3-4 people) not including tip. The trip takes approx 25 minutes, and we need to call him when we arrive at Whitney Portal.
The shuttle back to the cars is about $30 pp, but I still need to confirm the amount.

My sugesstion is that we pay the shuttles cash (I have not pre-paid or made any deposits). So if you don't lose your money at some drinking or card game or Friday, we'll pool the cash Saturaday moring and pay the drive. Same thing with the earlier shuttle.”

“There is still much snow on the top of the switchbacks, but trails are starting to get worn through them. I have reviewed the postes on the Mt. Whitney message board and some people are going up and down without any crampons or axes. There is also a rock chute some people are using to bypass snow on the middle section. It is still alittle hairy near the top, but does not seam too risky. I have no crampons or axe to bring so hopefully by time we reach it the trail will be more worn and more snow melt. I would assume this is the the only area of concern for snow.

Even with bear boxes, rangers I think still require everyone to carry a container, but do not hold me to that. I have a completely full container full of enertia food, variety of energy bars, tortillas, peanut butter, jelly, drink mixes and oatmeal.

There is a good chance we may hit some deep water crossings. I have a pair of water shoes I use for around camp that will work grat for any wet crossings.

COME ON AND LET THE FUN BEGIN!!!
last edited: 6/29/05 12:58:53 PM”

“YES!! I do not have, nor want, crampons or an ice ax. And by reading the posts, it looks like things are looking good. And we have another week for additional snow to melt in that area. We will also hit some snow at Kaweah Gap, but there has been groups going over it for the past week. BTW all shuttle services have been confirmed.

I think the river crossings will be a challange. We'll have to be careful.

We will likely be at the trailhead about 9:30 am on Satruday morning, but if people want to head out earlier, they should (although I was told that everyone has to wait until the permit is issued).
last edited: 6/29/05 1:48:07 PM”

“I was told USPS has to go to PO Box, UPS or FedEx has to go to street address.”

“I sent mine by priority mail, so it's up to the government to figure it out.
last edited: 6/29/05 2:59:09 PM”

“So Matt, you'll be buying a clean shirt at the Whitney Portal store, I guess. ;-)”

“If my clothes were good enough for 7 days on the trail, what is another extra day wearing them. So they might stink alittle bit.”

“cubfan....
just jump into the pool with your clothes on....turn around in circles like an agitator and you (and your clothes) will be clean in no time....”

“You all have a wonderful backpacking trip! I just saw this post on another board..it may be a bit helpful to you. I hope the link shows up


http://forums.backpacker.com/thread.jspa?threadID=65665&tstart=0”

“Thanks, MadeinTahoe. That's reassuring to read.

I went to REI and bought crampons and ice axes for Jerry and I. We can always return them if we don't need them, but I actually think they may be a good thing, at least for me. I tend to be really, really slow when my footing isn't secure so you guys may feel fine while I'm freaking out.

Gonzo, Jerry and I actually tried that jump in fully dressed and agitate in a lake in the Trinity Alps back in the '70s. We were high, I mean, the altitude, you know. It didn't work. We had to promptly get naked because of the cold wind.

Matt, we sent our clothes priority mail, too, to the street address.

*** Are we at Lodgepole campground Friday night?”

“Have fun you guys - I'm looking forward to all the great photos I'll get to see when you get back.

Wannabp - I'm packing my crampons and ice axe for this weekend too. Although I know some people did Williamson last weekend without them, I'm just going to play it safe. Now, I'm looking at my helmet and wondering if that's going to for the Class 3 section we have to get up.”

“If we really need crampons and ice axes....we'll be looking for an outfitter of some sort between the airport and the campground on Friday. Hoping we don't need that stuff. Neither of us has the money, nor do I want to carry the extra weight if I don't have to.”

“i am going to attempt to trudge through the snow without any extra equipment....i am guessing that there will be a negotiable trail through by the time we get there....

wannabp, did you remember to pick up my fuel canister at rei??

can't wait to see you all again!!”

“Yes, Gonzo, I did. I got a small Snow Peak for you and another for Aussie.

Fritz and Gonzo, I'm just a lot more cautious and slow. You guys are a lot younger.”

“Check out the first 2 pictures in this link.

Cable Section of Trail

These were taken last weekend. I think there is a rock chute most people are taking to bypass this section.
last edited: 6/30/05 9:46:37 AM”

“It's going to melt fast this week - weather forecast is for warm/clear weather.”

“Intresting, I jut spoke with the Ranger at the backcountry office, and she said the snow line is 10,000-10,500 feet and moving up fast. I then said that since Kaweah Gap is about 10,500 it should be clear, she said yes, the gap is clear, but there may be some snow going up to the Gap. I don't think they really know.”

“I can see snow being present up to the gap. Sierrapalooza 1 went through Kaweah gap and it was clear and hot. Once through and near Precipice Lake we came across snow on the trail. Heck Navi even stopped and made tequila snowcones! There shouldn't be so much snow that we'll need crampons (I hope).”

“What night-time temps should we expect, and what is the worst-case we should prepare for?”

“You said tequila. Ummm, tequila.”

“Fritz,
I use this site to determine nighttime temps. Notice the temps at 8000 feet. I then subtract another 3-6 degrees to get a more realistic temp.

http://weather.allrefer.com/california/sequoia-national-park.html

At worst, I would prepare for freezing temps at night.”

“Fritz - it looks like the weather will be a lot like it was for the Mineral King Loop a couple of years ago except there will be more soft snow to deal with. It sounds like it's going to be really nice out there for the next few days.”

“gosh, I'm jealous. I can't wait for my trip in 2 weeks!

Ok, so it looks like the consensus is to just pray for snow melt! Everyone with me on that?

You guys have fun! Too bad I'm going to miss meeting some new tt'rs and some I've already met.”

“Does a yard gnome have to pay for a seat in the shuttles?”

“Hey, is Eugene making the trip ?? Say Hi for me.
;-)”

“LOL at Matt! Time to finish packing. Yawn. Why do I always wait 'til the last minute?”

“I'm outta here in 15 minutes to go pick up Mari. I'll see ya tonight in SEKI or tomorrow... or in hell. :)”

“We're outta here, picking up Fritz and Ian at the airport. See ya'll at the campground.”

“First of all I have to thank each of you for making my first backpacking trip full of fun, love and knowledge. (and no ledge)
I learned so much. 1. you can meet people on line that are wonderful! 2. my tent sucks.
3.i packed too much. 4. trying new things is good. 5. i am afraid of heights. 6. my family loves me but they don't need me. and the list goes on....
After you headed off up the hill from lake hamilton i felt a big part of me and by life go. i watched until i couldn't see you any longer. i don't know if you heard the rock (or ice, not sure) break away from the side across from you but it was very metaphorical as i felt a part of me break away.
i packed up and said goodbye to the gongga shan people (told them what i was doing) and headed off on independence day to go solo- (I know that wasn't the plan but it seemed so right)
I told people along the way what i was doing (in case)
I didn't see anyone until bearpaw meadow and then not until merton creek. but you ALL were with me. i even talked to you (out loud) I hiked the whole way out in just under 8 hrs and hitched a ride to lodgepole where i called doug and then hitched a ride to visalia where he picked me up at 9:00pm and we were home at 12:30. i showed katie and doug pictures and took a long shower and fell into bed and it was hard falling asleep thinking of you up there. i said a prayer.
i can't wait to hear about the rest of your adventure. You are all an inspiration. and i admire your passion for your sport. i am fortunate to have met each of you
Wannabp - you have so much grace. you will always be with me.
Cubfan- you have so much gusto. and a great smile.
Matt the web master- thanks for your support and drawing the line of no return
Aussie- I thought you were quiet but realized right away that you are a thinker, leader and very strong
Geologyguy- thanks for organizing the trip and all your encouragement. you go to all lengths to make it happen. i love your sense of humor!!! your a great t.h.
Landscaper - you are a lucky guy, mr wannabp! and a big helper
Fritz- you are a great dad! thanks for your support
Shiprunner08- your a great kid! you are one of the smartest people your age i know. your wisdow comes from other than books!
Gonzo- so that's a real man! thanks soooooo much.
Rockman - you do rock! thanks for the ride and the comfort on my first night of "cowboy" sleeping.
last but not least i will join another trip and finish it! and hope to see you all again!
much love and success!!!!
mari”

“My buddies and I are heading out this Sunday, July 10.

How was the snow from Precipice to Kaweah Gap and down to The Big Arroyo?

Did you have to have crampons?”

“Yes, great group there. Will mess them on the Rendezvous (except wannabp and landscaper).

Anxious to hear what conditions were like after Hamilton Lake.”

“Phil, a friend of mine saw them at big arroyo and they did just fine. they will have to give you the details but he said the snow was very soft and managable and the river crossing was a little difficult in the afternoon. not sure what they encountered.
they will be at dow villa on friday and i will call one of them then.”