Mineral King

“I received my permit for a three day Memorial Day backpacking trip starting at the Sawtooth Trailhead in the Mineral King area of Sequioa National Park. I have extra spaces on the permit if anyone likes snow and wants to go, let me know.

Kathy
wingding0@hotmail.com”

“Great area, one word of warning, the NPS put out a memo last year about little furry animals chewing up radiator hoses and wireing on automobiles in that area. I think it was rockchucks, there is another name but I can't think of what it is now. Normally Ethylene Glychol will kill any critter, but these seem to thrive on the sweet taste of it.”

“Marmots. They don't like light, so if you lift the hood (use a boulder or something) you should be ok. I put moth balls on the bumper and tires and around the truck (not on the ground). I used ammonia (a few drops in a baggie with a kleenex) inside - supposed to keep the bears away. Make sure the car/truck is clean, don't leave ANYTHING on the seat that looks like it could be food.”

“Test your brakes before you start down the winding roads.”

“They sell chicken wire at Silver City so you can fence your car in.

They have been warning visitors about these little fur balls for many, many years. There are even stories about them staying under the hood until they arrive in "Beautiful Dowtown Burbank" ...what a ride ;)”