ATTENTION!!! California Hiking Thread!

“More cams.........
they have everything from Mount Everest to Half Dome

Mountain Cams”

“Thanks for making that link work Snownymph - someday I will learn more than just point and click. I may do a dayhike in the Desolation area, but don't expect to see much more than a patch of snow here or there. The dogs will love it anyways.”

“Some of us are heading into the Trinity Alps weekend after this one. A couple Oregonians and some "real" Northern Cal'ers. ;)”

“Neat, where ya going....”

“Gonna do Long Canyon trail, from there we'll play it by ear. Might head up to the Bee Tree Gap area or over to Bowerman Meadow and explore around there. Wanna go? Trailhead Saturday Morning, out Monday.”

“I just might take you up on that..I'll know in a couple days (may have to work). Thats a neat area, lots to do once your up on top.

I'll be in touch.”

“Drop me an e-mail (it's in my profile)we'd love to have you along.”

“CC, you beat me to it, perhaps a day trip to Lake Anna and Bee Tree from a base camp.”

“That's my thought. Pack into Bowerman Meadow Saturday. Sunday day hike up over the ridge above Lake Anna to Bee Tree Gap and depending on how frisky we feel bag Gibson Peak. Then, it's an easy romp out Monday.

For those interested, it's a 10 AM meet time at the Long Canyon trailhead. If you miss us there just head up the canyon. Most likey the only folks you will see will be us. So far us consists of Alps, Dunk, Trinity Trekker and yours truly. Old Timer will be there if'n his weekend visitors bug out.

Just a word of caution, the Trinity Alps are the first range off the coast in Northern California and it will be mid-November.

"We're flirtin' with disaster, ya'll damn sure know what I mean ..."

Woo Hoo!”

“Molly Hatchet - Flirtin' with disaster, saw 'em at spring break '84 at Padre Island.”

“Yeah, I saw them a couple of times around then. When I was living in Oklahoma, seems like they were the opening act for every concert I went to.”

“Is the Nov 16-18 trip still on? Just checking.”

“It's on for me Snownymph. I haven't heard from wanderer for awhile but he sounded firm too. Maybe there will be more as the date gets closer.”

“Nov 16 thru 18, I will report as tenatively in. It sounds great. Have to convince my wife that you all wont kill me. LOL

You know, that whole internet thing:
Meet on internet, Plan a trip, Meet in real world, Turn up dead on mountain top.

She's just a little weary, thats all. Also, she wouldn't be attending, don't like cold/snow or anything like it.

Rockbuck, you plan to camp at Fallen Leaf CG Fri night? Sounds good to me. What kind of permits do we need for the Desolation Wilderness?”

“Tahoe - Friday night at Sugar Pines Point State Park CG, which I believe is at Emerald Bay, Saturday hike into Clyde Lake (about 10 miles) then out Sunday at Fallen Leaf Lake.

Wanderer is getting the permits and it shouldn't be a problem because DW is not on the quota system this time of year. He's also familiar with the campground situation but I volunteer to get reservations for that once we get a head count.

I can't say that I blame your wife - have you seen Snownypmhs website? She'll probably run us all into the ground if we try to keep up with her ;-)) But, I have a plan for that, it's called "you go ahead, I'll catch up with you there". Actually, that will also apply to wanderer who has already pounded one group of TTers up there, and now possibly you - our man in uniform.

So far ir looks like Snownymph (and 'dude?), wanderer and son, you, and myself (My SO just shakes her head when I even talk about this stuff).

Hope you can make it!”

“>She'll probably run us all into the ground

Not this time. Was feeling the altitude last weekend. I missed 2 weekends of being in altitude in Oct so I might die on this trip. But I'll do my best to keep up! Don't know if SD is coming yet. He's had the flu or something for 10 days now (since Chicago). Looking forward to meeting some TTers.”

“SN, I haven't been at any elevation for awhile either but I think wanderer's idea of getting there Friday for a little adjustment time will help. The highest elevation I see on the map is Dicks Pass at about 9200, and camp at Clydes at about 8000.

10 days is a real bad flu, hope he gets better soon and can make it up here too.”

“Kewl! I'm leaving here at noon on Friday. If 9200' is the highest, I'll be ok. Its usually 10K that it gets me.”

“I'm still around, just inundated at work. Wanderer Jr. & I are planning & talking about this trip almost daily - we're definitely in!

Here are details as I have them, everything is subject to group agreement of course...

Fri nite we camp at Tahoe somewhere, I mention Sugar Pines Pt SP only because I've been there a lot & it's close enough to everything (trailheads, as well as decent pizza joints if we want to go out Fri nite for a carb load). Fallen Leaf CG may be even better (certainly closer to the TH). Sat AM we drop a car or two off at Lily lake TH, leave the rest at Fallen Leaf TH. Hit trail at Fallen Leaf, Saturday's hike is to Clyde Lake (other side of Mosquito Pass). This is about 10 miles, we start at 6450', immediately face a pretty good climb for the first 3.5 miles to about 9500', then (mostly) downhill to Clyde lake, which is at 8500'. So on Sat. we'll gain 4,097', but also lose 2,457 for a net gain of 1,640'.

Sunday we leave Clyde & hike to Lily Lake, which is about 7.6 miles. Once we cross Mosquito Pass, Sunday's hike is almost all downhill. For the day we gain only 757', and we lose 1,485. We end at 6,500'.

I can get permits & should do so by week-end. By then I'll need to have a good headcount, so all you procrastinators get it together! So far I have 4 of us down; me, Wanderer Jr., Snow Nymph & Rockbuck. I also have 4 "maybe's" that I've invited. One of them is one of my co-leaders on this summers' 50 miler in Desolation, and also was with us on the Memorial Day weekend TT trip up there (along w her son); the other is another lady I've hiked w more than a few times in the same general area, along w her son. The boys (there will be 3 of them if they all make it) are all 14-15, I've been taking them BP'ing since they were 11 & they're all better than the average BP'r I meet on the trail.”

“We got a plan! (anybody see Tremors last week?*G*)

Subject to group agreement of course.

I think we have Tahoe interested also.”

“I should at least be able to meet up and camp with you guys in Sugar Pines Point SP. The beer and pizza sounds good. I will be able to confirm more as the date gets closer. It would be great to finally meet some of you, I don't get out as much as I would like.”

“Well, hi everyone! Shoot! I have plans! I haven't been on this site for a while and missed this thing about a california hiking club.

Hopefully I can catch up with you another time!

Have fun you guys!”

“My map of the Desolation Wilderness came in the mail yesterday. Where are we thinking of heading for the February trip?”

“I called the Sugar Pines Point CG today and there will be no problem showing up and getting spots this time of year.

The February trip is not yet detailed out, but the Crystal Basin (west of Desolation off Hwy 50) was discussed as a possible snowshoe trip, and then there was a XC hut to hut trip - I'm don't know where that would take place. Still an open issue I think.”

“Weather forecast calling for snow above 7000' this weekend and early next week then clearing through the next weekend with low temps around 5*. Long term forecasts aren't worth much but heck, I've got the time.... Everybody psyched?!?!”

“I'm probably off to get our permits Monday A.M. Any last-minute procrastinators joining us, you need to let me know ASAP!

Thanks for the update RB. Hey Tahoe, since you live there can you tell us how much snow is up above The Lake? What do the peaks (Tallac, especially) look like? It'd be nice to know what we're headed into!”

“E"verybody psyched?!?! "

I'm ready!!!”

“The group is smaller but a few of us are still headed into the Trinity's this weekend. Supposed to be a good storm this coming. We'll let you know the weather situation when (or if) we return.”

“Rockbuck, wanderer: how much do your packs weigh?”

“Have a great trip CC, I hope you'll post some of your usual great pics WHEN you get back.

I'm probably looking at 30-35 lbs, maybe less because of the new tent and my skimpy food needs for an overnighter. Problem?”

“Nah, just seeing how much I'm carrying compared to you guys. My pack last night was 32 lbs. But on the spread sheet it said 36.”

“I'll stuff it this weekend and get a real number.”

“CC, I'm packing my food right now. I'm psyched but who knows what I'll be thinkin' tomorrow afternoon.”

“Haven't fiished packing yet but I'm guessing 32-35 lbs. Wanderer Jr & I both usually carry OR Advanced Bivy's, which weigh in at about 2.5 lbs. ea. This week, however, I bought a new 4 season tent, (Dana Design, Jana model), so we'll be bringing that this trip to see how it goes. I'm guessing it will work out to be about 3.5 - 4 lbs each if we can split it equitably, so it's really not a huge increase over us both carrying our Bivy's. I wanted the 4 season for extended winter trips, we're also kinda / sorta looking at a trip to Denali in Alaska sometime soon, and I want to have ALL my gear checked, double-checked, broken-in and be familiar w it before we get up there.”

“Another update...

EVERYBODY else I've mentioned this trip to is coming, so we're up to a total of 8 people.

TAHOE...DUDE...are you joining us? Tell your wife she's PARANOID about the internet-I don't-know-these people-you'll be-captured-by aliens-thing (that's supposed to be humor, I hope your wife doesn't read these posts). I'm bringing some BOY SCOUTS, for God's sake...I'm getting permits on Monday, so I need to know attendance!

EVERYONE ELSE...unless there's a better idea, let's just meet up Friday nite at the Sugar Pines Pt. State Park CG. I'll bring some wood for a campfire, but throw a log in your car if you have one... If'n y'all want, we can go out for pizza Fri nite., or, we can do an "on your own" dinner and just hang out around the campfire & get to know each other before Sat. departure. I'm hoping to get out of Sac around 5:00, which would put me at the campground by 7:00.

If you're meeting us there, I'm sure we won't have much trouble finding each other this time of the year. Look for a white Toyota Landcruiser with a wierd-looking roof-rack.

GOOOOOD times ahead!!!”

“Black 4runner with snowboard racks!”

“Sugar Pine it is! I may get there early Friday and will bring some wood.

Congrats on the new tent, sounds like a winner. I've got a similar 4 season Marmot that works great for 2 and when split winds up being very light.

I just read there may be a significant meteor shower next weekend. The DW should be a great place to see it if the weathers clear.”

“Rockbuck, in case you get there before me, what type of vehicle to you drive?

Also, check out this Sunday's Sac Bee, there's an extensive article on the Leonid Meteor showers...we just might be in for the show of a lifetime!!”

“That's the article I saw and "show of a lifetime" is exactly what I was thinking. This could really be something!

I'm still working out my departure time with the dogsitter but I'll be in a white chevy truck. Assuming I get there early I thought I'd just stay loose unless you have a favorite spot you'd like me to grab onto?”

“If you get there before me just grab whatever spot you'd like & make yourself at home. We'll prolly need a couple sites side-by-side since it looks like a total of 8 of us. Everytime I've been there this time of year I've pretty much had the run of the place, most people are all thru camping (good for us!). I believe the restrooms are still open, but not sure...”

“I'm sleeping in my truck. All I need is a parking space.

It was snowing on Kearsarge Pass trail this morning (nice rainbow too), but by the afternoon most of it melted. I was camped at 9300', and it was drizzling. Hiked up to the ridge below Kearsarge Peak and found patches of fresh snow. Guessing it was at 11,000'.

Dayhiked to Red Lake (10,460'), below Split Mtn, on Saturday. The smaller lake was frozen, and most of Red Lake was too. Light dusting of snow on the higher peaks, but none at 10K.”

“I believe they told me the heated restroom would still be open, and seemed to restrain a laugh when I asked if we would have a problem getting camping spots. I'll truly be doing the "car camping" thing that night also.

The weather looks like it will be interesting to watch this week! We might be looking at snowshoes!”

“Just returned from the Ranger Station (the one on Camino Rd at Apple Hill), here's the latest...

Precip is falling big-time, they expect 12-18" snow tonight alone above 7,000'. Their forecast calls for more moisture, perhaps as late as through Friday. Saturday / Sunday still looks to be clear (and probably colder).

At a minimum bring gaiters. Depending on what happens, may want snowshoes.

If we have to snowshoe / posthole, I'm all for coming up with a "Plan B" instead of a 10 mile trek to Clyde Lake! At the very least, we should plan on camping in the snow regardless of where we end up.”

“Which route are we taking? What are the lakes, etc we're passing by? I'm looking on the map and I found Clyde Lake and Fallen Leaf Lake. Also, I'll probably need details on how to get to Sugar Pines? I have to try to find this place in the dark, and I don't know the area. I'm known for getting lost on the road.”

“The plan was to take the Mt Tallac trail. It starts at a parking lot that is designated on your Desolation Map near the southeast corner of Fallen Leaf lake. Trail heads directly north, then turns west, passes just to the north of Cathedral Lake, then turns directly toward Mt Tallac. Veers off from the peak, though, and heads to the SE corner of Lake Gilmore. From Gilmore, trail 17EO1 goes around the south end of Susie Lake, then heads west travelling along the north shore of Heather Lake, across the north shore of Lake Aloha, over Mosquito pass to Clyde Lake.

We will be at 7000' within the first 1 mile of this hike. That means we'll be in snow all the way, and, if the weather predictions are correct, we'll be in snow deep enough that we should be wearing snowshoes. We'll also be climbing about 3000' over the first 3 miles. If we're going to be wearing snowshoes on thios trek, we should probably re-consider what we're doing & where we're headed as a final destination. I've been in this area in the snow before, it can be quite an experience!! (ask Obi Wan Canoli, Freedom or Tommy about last years trek... postholing in snow over Dick's Pass).”

“Flexibility is definitly a virtue IMO. I have a feeling everything will work out great whether we have to modify the plan or not. Lots of Plan B possibilites too - out and back from Emerald Bay to Velma Lakes or Fontanillis or Dicks Lake; Emerald Bay to Gilmore then out at Fallen Leaf Lake. It's going to be interesting watching the weather this week!”

“Another option possibly worth considerin...if there is significant snow accumulation before Fri nite, what would y'all think about setting up a base camp & then doing a couple day-hikes from there?”

“I'm easy! Last two weekends were prepared for backpacking, dayhiking or snowboarding (even took the snowshoes). Have gear, will travel!”

“I think dayhikes would be a great option. They do some BC ski/board action in that area SN - just another option on the dayhike option. I like the open minded flexibility we're discussing here, and the enthusiasm!”

“Wanderer, I'm only in for Friday night. Got me some obligations and stuff like that. You know, all grown and want to go play, but I cant. So I will see you all on Friday at sugar pines S.P.
Should be up around 6:00 p.m. Will bring wood and such. I would love to go- growing up sucks.

My wife dosent TT but if she did she would get kick out of the posts. Maybe she will come along. I sort of doubt that though.

I will be in a green Ford Ranger with overhead lights.”