Sierrapaloosa 2003

“Now that I've actually got around to packing , I'm having a tough time deciding on the clothing layers. Not my usual climate ya know.

I have my lightest base layer for hiking, in anticipation of warm days. And, I finally got something other than black, for pants He He He

But, I'm not quite sure what to take for the upper half warm layers. How are we looking for overnight lows, and what are you locals taking?”

“I think the rangers amuse them selves watching all prevention techniques.

It just takes one smart marmot to ruin this idea...cause a blue tarp is easy chewin' for one of these buck toothed critters.

The snow should be melting fast...it's 108* here today....I'm melting!!!!!!”

“silnylong tarp - check
2 3-ft dowels - check
20 mustard packets - check
20 mayo packets - check
5 tuna foil packs - check
5 Mountain High dinners - check
1/2 rack of Bud - check

I'm set to go!”

“That's what I'm thinking Wind Walker...that tarp isn't real "secure". All it takes is that curious nibble.

Hodgeman, I tend to over pack, but I like to be comfortable. I'm figuring on 30 to 40 at night and dressing accordingly. Fleece pants, light fleece top and synthetic fill jacket with fleece hat and gloves. I always bring my rain gear which is a good wind block. I'm also packing my gators for those snow crossings and some inexpensive water shoes from Target (5$)for any stream crossings and camp footware.

As for those Marmots, are you guys doing the tarp? I may look to see how much $$ for some extra hoses for the car too.”

“Since Pepperdog can't hike with us, why don't we pay her to camp at the trailhead and let her dogs chase the marmots away.”

“Hmmm... When the temp drops to the mid 30s is when I usually think about putting in the polarguard coat with light gloves, but I'm not planning to bring it on this trip.

I'm thinking maybe the Arc'teryx ThermalPro (quite warm for a mid-weight fleece pull-over) and the NF Denali jacket will be enough. I was tempted to go down to an expedition weight capelene (lighter than fleece), with the Arc' wind stopper jacket, but I may be pushing my luck.

I'll have the GoLite shell for wind and rain either way”

“Good idea Rockman, I'd chip in a $5.00 bill for that!

Hodgeman...like I said, I do tend to overpack and some of my stuff may be overkill. Of course I may change my mind when I actually start packing.”

“Hodge, think Montanapalooza without the hail.
And rain gear just in case.”

“wingding,

I live about 20 minutes south of the 10. I can drive up and meet you near the 10 & 57 interchange somewhere. Email me and I will give you my phone number(s) so we can talk.

THANKS!

Phil
prrosenkrant@csupomona.edu”

“Weather forecast for Sequoia N.P.:
7/3 Sunny 63F / 34F
7/4 Isolated T-storms 65 / 34
7/5 Sunny 65 / 35
7/6 Sunny”

“opps.
65 / 35”

“Hang on while I get my fahrenheit converter out”

“Okay ... here's the BC translation

7/3 Chance of showers 17c/1c
7/4 Rain possibly easing to showers 18c/1c
7/5 Chance of rain or showers 18c/1c
7/6 Possible showers with drizzle breaks 18c/1c”

“Seriously, Navi those mid-sixties high temps are lower than I would have thought”

“Navi I wanted to meet y'all as well.

Yeah Phil, BUMMUH!!!

You asked about our move to Italy wannabp, a military move to the north in the Dolomites for a 3 yr assignment. We fly out of the states on the 9th.

Sorry pepper, cain't even make the Sac party, as we're in NC visiting family for the next 2 weeks.

I cain't wait for the trip reports tho!!!!!!!!!!!”

“I'll check the temps this weekend and compare to the forecast.

I always pack for the worst. Last weekend it got pretty cold at night (didn't have a thermometer), but everyone went to their tents to keep warm. I was wearing:

Patagonia light weight top
Patagonia expedition weight top and bottom
Patagonia R4 jacket
Patagonia R1 fleece pants
Patagonia expedition weight bottom
Patagonia R4 jacket
Marmot Precip jacket and pants
Patagonia beanie
Patagonia R1 glove liners
Only my toes (tevas with fleece socks) and fingers got cold.

I'll probably bring the same clothes for Sierrapalooza.”

“That's colder than I thought also. Got to rethink my clothing.”

“Snow, do you like Patagonia?”

“Pepperdog, interested in a job?

I think a combo of tarp and chicken wire may do the trick.

Drive over the chicken wire and then pull it up around the car. Drape wired together tarps over the car and under the chicken wire. Wire the whole mess together low on the chicken wire so it can be folded out making an overhang to deter climbing marmots. Sprinkle liberally with moth balls and laugh.

Buying extra hoses seems prudent, but what if they eat thru the wiring en route to the hoses?”

“Check out Treats for Troops on-line. Another backpacker (different forum), Deborah from CO, started it when she got laid off her day job. If your military family member (you or wife) signs up, let me know. I'll send a treat. I really want to support her business; she's good people.”

“I always take the same clothes:

Moving Comfort top to hike in,
convertible nylon pants to hike in,
lightweight fleece jacket,
midweight hooded fleece jacket,
lightweight capilene long undies, top and bottom, for sleep or extra cold times,
Marmot precip jacket and pants for rain and wind,
glove liners (maybe I'll bring my fleece gloves this time) for morning and evening,
one pair of extra socks.

REI Sub Kilo bag for night.

I always heat up as I hike. The above was comfortable in October when it was cold enough to freeze the water in my water filter tube while I made breakfast.

We can dance around in the evening for entertainment and to keep warm.”

“Good news for the 5-dayers.

The 7-dayers will come up over Sawtooth pass before we do. They'll make us a path to follow and kick out steps on the steep parts.

Right, 7-dayers? 'Cause you're nice and have all that extra time.”

“For you wannabp, anything. And if the other 5 dayers want to use them too that's OK.”

“About this marmot thing . . .
How about a bag of corn, heavily laced with some 1080?

Do marmots eat corn?”

“I know it is pretty steep and winding, but is it paved or does it turn to gravel/rocks/potholes?”

“ldhiker...that idea comes with silver bracelets ;) but only if you get caught. 1080 has been outlawed in CA. cause it also works on fox, coyote and domestic dogs a little too well.

Mike, the road turns to dirt road twice before you get there. It's not too rough and the dirt parts are not too long.

It's kinda weird usually the dirt portion of the road would be at the end...but not on this road. LOL!”

“Thanks WW, I think I'm leaving the yellow car at home. :(”

“I day hiked White Mountain yesterday - only a few patches of snow near the summit (14,246 feet). The weather was beautiful - sunny but not too warm for hiking. It stayed warm in the evening at the Grandview Campground (8,600 feet).

You get a great view of the Sierra from White Mountain. It looks like the Mammoth area still has lots of snow, but there is much less snow in the mountains south of that area.”

“Also, there were very few Marmots out in the White Mountain area. I hear that area is usally full of Marmots. Maybe they are coming out later this year?”

“There were marmots everywhere you looked in Mineral King a few weeks ago....while I was in the ranger station a man came in from the campground with a marmot under his hood and couldn't get it out ;)”

“oh no - maybe i'll do the chicken wire”

“I'm not going to be able to make it. I just can't afford it right now.”

“Bummer Mike!”

“I went to Home Depot for the tarp, $25. I figure I'll use it when I paint my house.

Let's see . . . what'll it be? Paint the house, back pack? paint the house, back pack? Life sure throws ya some tough ones, doesn't it?

Might be awhile.”

“Sorry, Mike :-(. I was looking forward to meeting you.”

“We're probably going to do gopher mesh -- it's like chicken wire with smaller holes -- 'cause we'll need it when we get our garden boxes built and ready for planting.”

“You guys better have a great time. Buy extra rolls of film to replace the pics I would have taken! I am so sorry to miss this trip! DAMN!!! I am down now but not out! I will be making a come back!

Good luck with the pesky varmints!”

“Since we will likely be able to fit everyone in two vehicles for the trip in Hodge's jeep or my - your truck, I was wondering if you already had some chickenwire. Considering we both have the same truck we could use it regardless of who drives. I measured the dimensions this morn. 21x6x3. So that would be 54x3 foot length of chicken wire. If you have it already let me know otherwise I'll have to get some.”

“Hi gang - thanks for the job offer but I come pretty expensive. And the dogs would ask for even more.

I was just out for a 2 nighter near Tahoe - under 8000 feet and it was pretty warm. I don't know exactly how cold it got but I was plenty comfortable in fleece pants, thermal top w/ windbreaker over sitting out watching the stars 'till 10.

I was pretty excited about hiking in - we only went 3.8 miles and stayed two nights so I lazed around the campsite the middle day but my feet really feel better than they have felt for weeks. I think I will have to suggest backpacking to other people with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am still convinced that I couldn't do the Sierrapalooza but I will be there in spirit (but not chasing marmots from cars!!!).”

“Glad to hear you had a good trip and feel better. I'm still bummed you're not coming along with us.”

“Believe me - I am bummed too. We will have to come up with a shorter trip I can join you on.”

“OK, that sounds good.”

“I received a recent promotion and my days off have changed. I will not be able to attend this trip. I hope that you all have a great time, I was hoping to meet all of you. Maybe next time.”

“BigRob - bummer again...

Pepper - glad you had a good outing. Hope to see you again sometime soon.”

“Just as celebs die-off in threes, hikers drop out... and the ring is now complete. :(

Navi, why are you scaring everyone away?”

“Sombody close the door ...they're getting away!!!”

“I hate this part of it, there is always a big exodus at the end. My work is pretty hectic now, I'm just waiting for that shoe to fall on me, but its only got today to do it 'cause I'm heading out tomorrow.”

“Well, DANG! Sorry, Mike and BigRob. Sure wish you guys could still come. And Tango, pepperDog, and who else? Wish you all could be there.

As for me...I am pretty much locked in. It would take an earth-shattering event to change my plans.”

“Yes I've got the chicken wire and some baling wire for fastening. I bought an 18 inch roll but I'll go exchange it for three foot. It comes in 150 foot bale so its good enough for our two and a smaller car. Today is packing day.”