Sierrapaloosa 2003

“Leader - that's one title I don't want”

“It's not so bad, even from the rear.
I do think the "leader" should be semi close to the trailhead.”

“It seems these outings might be considered like a ski event where folks just meet up on the slopes. If you go, great. Meet you there. If not, that's okay too.

Some might say there's perceived safety from liability in role ambiguity.”

“ambiguity - now that's a word I like”

“I'm just being a smart a$$ when I say both trips. I'll probably be able to just do one also. But I like to have several trips in the planning stages so if the opportunity presents itself it is not lost. And what the heck, its a year away, you can plan anything that far out.

The Winds are best done, I'm told, in late August/early September. So I vote for Sept 4-12, which is a Friday to Sunday. The kids and the bugs, which can be terrible, are gone then.

I like the loose arrangements also. Just pick a trail head and at time, and whoever is there is on the trip. Maybe a few more plans than that but not much.”

“Grizzlies? Did someone mention grizzlies? I only like seeing them on the Discovery Channel!”

“I might be down for this. Are we talking about the Tetons? The last trip I did at the Tetons was a total bust and am still mad about it. I said I would not return because of the crowds. There are just too many other places to hike that I don't need the Tetons. If last years group of Sierrapalooza is going, then that could change my mind.”

“I'm talkin the Winds.”

“Wingding, you're a great leader. Maybe a little ambiguous, but...........LOL.

The ski slope idea seems fine, but we need a trailhead (or a parking lot if people will be sharing gear) and a date.

I like the Sept 4-12 dates, but Sept 11 - 19 would be better for me, if it's not too late.

What's the permit system like there in Sept?”

“Hi ya big! How are ya? You'd go if a lot of the sierrapaloozas went? Aaahh...chucks. I'll go for sure even with the grizzlies if you're going! Will you save me? :)

Yeah, Kathy, I'm sure you're a great leader!”

“windwalker does the Winds...I like the sound of that.

Much better than windwalker is breakin' wind again ;)”

“How about Windwalker breaks wind in the Winds.”

“You know I will make any sacrafice to save my fellow hiker. I will need to see more details on the trip, but this might be my big trip for the year. September is a terrible time for me to take off, but I am not going to worry about that. There is always another way. August would be better.”

“Starting the last weekend in August would be better than Sept 4-11 for me. I have a 2nd Thurs of the month work obligation each month.

I looked up permit info. The official website seems to be down, but the Pinedale page said organized groups need permits and max size is 15.

Uh, is this group organized? Where's Naviguesser? He did a fair amount of Sierrapalooza organizing.”

“I only "lead" Sierrapalooza because I'd been on the trail before and got Shanghied by Windwalker.

Maybe we should get Windwalker to lead this one.”

“So when is this trip?


8)”

“I drove through Jackson Hole once...but I don't think that's enough Wyoming experience to lead a trip into the Winds :)”

“It's enought for me.

You're it!”

“phew, Wind. i drove through jackson hole once too, but i'm glad you mentioned it first!”

“We have an assistant leader!”

“I've been reading some trip reports from the Winds. Sounds like the trails are so unmaintained that the leader has a lot of flexibility.........
I plan to exercise every day from now to then so I be a speedy follower.”

“Sounds like wannabp has the most experience to me...Tag...your it!”

“Sounds like Ldhiker (AKA Shawn) has the most experience to me...Tag...you're it!

Great trip report. Would you mind doing the same route again?”

“I guess it's time to order a book on the Wyoming. Any suggestions on a good backpacking book?”

“Would you mind doing the same route again?"


Oh, twist my arm!”

“What are the dates for this trip? You guys are making it hard not to think about going on it!”

“Twist.........”

“free24, twist, twist. I'll be seeing you in person Sunday the 28th so I'll twist it ever so gently then.

whew! glad I'm one of the newer backpacker's so I don't have to be leader.

Navi-don't worry! I've been training! I won't be the slow poke this next trip. I'll have many trips under my belt by that time. :)”

“Who will keep me company then?”

“LMAO I'm ALWAYS a slowpoke :) If i go, I'll be keeping ya company :)”

“Seems like everyone was claiming sweep position before Sierrapalooza. Don't know about the 7-dayers but Landscaper and I were undisputed sweep for 5-dayers.”

“Book suggestions for the Winds are easy:

"Climbing and Hiking Wind River Mountains"--Joe Kelsy
This one has lots of climbing stuff mixed into it which is comfusing until you figure it out.


"Walking the Winds"--Rebecca Woods
Does not seem as complete but maybe it's just because I used Kelsey's book first.

Earth Walk Press Hiking Map and Guide, Northern (and Southern) Wind River Range

Both maps are essential.

"Wind River Trails" by Finis Mitchell
Mitchell opened the Winds up to recreation. Lived until not to long ago, and it something of the local legend. His book is pretty scant, he refers to a 2-3 day trips as a "walk."

Also, check out the Big Sandy Lodge website. I would do some checking prior to committing to stay there again. Seemed like they were not very "viable" when we were there last. Looked like some $$ problems, but that may have changed by now.

Pinedale Online is another website for local information.

This is starting to feel "real." I am certainly game for this, it is a trip of a (my) lifetime. I know of one hiking buddy here that talks pretty seriously of doing it, so I would be bring one or two, and can probably fit one or two in the Explorer at SLC. I'm thinking a minimum of a week in the backcountry. You can also fly into Rock Springs, WY, but its a commuter out of SLC or Denver. Haven't checked fares.”

“YOU CAN'T POST ABOUT A WIND RIVER TRIP ON A SIERRAPALOOZA THREAD!!!!

It's against the law!
Henceforth, please post on the new and improved "Wind-o-Rama" thread.

Through the wonders of copy and paste Shawn will be the first poster there. HEEHEEEHEEEE.”

“Wind-o-Rama. I like it.”

“Wind-o-Rama...makes me think of campfire scene in Blazing Saddles ;)”

“ROTFLMAO!!!”

“Here ya go, Navi.”

“I thought he meant the trip page http://www.thebackpacker.com/trips/trip.php?id=9”