Sierrapaloosa 2003

“I'd post my "Trek Book" for all to see, but I don't know how to scan 24 x 12 pages.”

“I don't care what "Sierrs South" says, if we're not staying at Redwood Meadow, and sleeping under the Sequoia trees, I'm not going!!!
8^D

If we go with the 4th of July date we could start by going over Sawtooth Pass, past Columbine Lake, down into Lost Canyon, up to Big 5 Lakes, then over to Little 5 to continue the trip as described.”

“I would rather make a week of it and take a little more time. If we went in on the 4th and out the 13th (or there abouts) we could spend a little more time smelling the roses. I don't think I could handle many back-to-back 6 mile plus days.”

“In on the 4th and out on the 13th, doesn't leave much time for people to fly in and out.

Pepper, remember who's suggesting this trip. I'm sure you would only find the first and last day tuff. (That's for the Sawtooth version)(The shorter verison it's the first, second, and last days that are tuff)”

“Nav - I haven't looked at any topo maps, but what does the Sawtooth version do to the mileage?

Pepperdog - I wonder if those of us who are concerned with the daily mileage could separate from the fast group after the first 3.5 days, and add a day or two to the end of the hike and sleep under the redwoods?

No matter what, it appears the first day is going to be tough.

This all assumes that the snow pack isn't a problem.

Also, if SN goes in on July 3, then a group going in on July 4 would not even see her dust unless it went in the opposite direction. At that, it would only mean one night together. Not sure if direction is an issue on this loop hike.”

“I usually don't see SN's dust anyway (but I like seeing her around camp).

I like the idea of having a couple of daily distance options so the power hikers could blast away. This is going to be a week of vacation time for me so I am more than willing to dawdle (and sleep under the redwoods).”

“I, for one, think it would be great to see SN's bust. ... Oh, you said.... never mind....

:)”

“hehehe Fritz...

I'm not too much up for separating the group easily. Better to set a decent iten, and enjoy the company. I am all for dawdling and farting around, but 5-mile days would drive me a little crazy. July 4's purdy near the longest days of the summer, so 6-8 mile days is easily doable, even in the Sierras. Even with lotsa dawdling. For the niner day, begin early with the sunrise and animals, ya just cain't beat it!

I'm in with the group tho, no doubt!”

“I am kind of hoping for the 4th to 13th week, since I just submitted my crew's 2003 vacation schedule, last week”

“over july 4th works best for me too.”

“naked ape makes a good point. But I guess I would want to really get in much better shape if I was going to average more than 6 miles/day. Dang, I was in that kind of shape after Whitney in 2002 and let it go.”

“I am already so psyched for this trip. I leave it to the experts to figure out the best for us as a group because although I am there to experience nature I am there to meet TTers too.”

“Hey, I like the dialog that's been generated on this trip and have the dates marked. I'm taking a weeks vacation and when it get's closer we can talk about airport schedules, shuttles and the like.

I was so impressed with the planning that went into Montanapalooza I'm sure this will be a success story as well.

Om, you'll need a roll of film per day dear, as a reminder!!

P-dog and Navi, I'll pull up the rear with all Y'alls..I know the altitude will be an issue in terms of energy level just like it was in Montana. I never got sick but just felt drained that 2nd day. After that, I had my altitude legs and was fine.

This is going to be one for the mememory books and I can't wait to share it with Y'all!!

Tex”

“The first day or two will be the hardest because of the of the altitude adjustment, but after that it should get easier. I think that an average of 8 miles a day shouldn't be to big a problem.

Mount Kaweah (13,803')that might make a nice side trip for the very energetic.”

“Snow Nymph - I'm definately interested in some early season sierra weekend next year.

Last year we were able to go backpacking on Memorial Day weekend on the eastern side, but we had to be careful of the route because some of the passes would have been too difficult to cross due to snow and ice. By July 4th when we went into Palisade Glacier, the trails were clear.”

“WD, I'll be backpacking as soon as Mammoth closes. Last year it closed June 2nd. We were on Olancha Peak (12K+) the following weekend with only a few patches of snow. I think the West side will be doable by July.

I have to save my vacation for BC in Aug and the honeymoon in Feb, so I won't be able to do more than a 5 dayer for this trip (also have to leave enough time between this trip and BC). We can probably hook up the following weekend and hike out with the group if the group is coming out on a Sunday.”

“If we go with the 4th of July date, as most of you seem to like, here's my suggestion;
7/3 - 7/4 Thur.- Fri. fly in drive to trailhead.
7/5 Sat. Mineral King to Monarch Lk. 3+ miles.
7/6 Sun. Lost Canyon, via Sawtooth Pass & Columbine Lk. 4 miles.
7/7 Mon. Big 5 Lake. 3.5 miles.
7/8 Tue. Big Arroyo, Little 5 Lakes (optional cross country). 6 miles.
7/9 Wed. Hamilton Lk., via (optional 9 Lakes Basin),Kaweah Gap, Precipice Lk., Tunnel. 5+ miles.
7/10 Thur. Redwood Meadow via Bearpaw Meadow. 8 miles.
7/11 Fri. Out via Cliff Creek, Timber Gap. (optional Pinto Lk.)
7/12 - 7/13 Sat. - Sun. Drive /fly.

While the mileage may seem low it is not leisurely (by my standards).

This plan leaves time for commutes and offers the best of the Sierra.”

“Navi the first half of the week seem short in steps. But if it's some of the exceptional Sierra's that I'm hearin'bout and seeing in books, then I'm air with a smile on!”

“I'll probably need to start on the trail on July 3rd or 4th and take 5 days for the trip. If the rest of the group doesn't start until the 5th, I'll go backwards so that I meet up with the group a night. That means I'd be finishing the trip on the 7th or 8th.”

“Looks okay to me, Navi. If I'm goin all the way to CA, I'm sure not in any rush.

It's your neighbourhood..... so whatever you think's best. I'm sure others can make adjustments as need be”

“We can only do the 5 day trip. I'm looking at a reverse trip so we can hook up for one day. WD, let me know what you're doing.”

“That 5-day sounds like something I'd like to do. I'm concerned about using up too much vacation time and not spending any time with the family. I think I get July 3 & 4 off.”

“That looks good to me.”

“Maybe we can have two groups going in opposite directions that meet for one night to camp together. One group could go in on the 3rd of July and take 5 days, and the other group could go the opposite direction and take more days to complete the route.

I like the following route, but in 5 days:

Day 1, Mineral King over Timber Gap (Gasp). Day 2, Over Black Rock Pass (Black Heart Pass) to Little 5 Lakes (great views). Day 3, Big Arroyo (glacial valley). Day 4, over Kaweah Gap, past Precipice Lake (Ancel Adams took a picture here) (view the precipice with the Angel Wings) walk through the tunnel to Hamilton Lake. Day 5, to Redwood Meadow (sleep under Sequoia trees) Day 6, Out over Timber Gasp.”

“I all for the itinerary Navi outlined. If anyone feels under worked I'm sure there will be ample side hikes that can be taken.

I am willing to be a point person for people coming into Sacramento Airport. If anyone lives in the Bay Area that might work better for other travelers.”

“I'm a little confused (so new?) WingdingO, you want to leave earlier, and take a shorter trail, and still meet us one night? 8^)”

“Any idea what to expect for temperatures, gear needs?”

“I don't think the route I posted is going to be the one I will end up taking. Snow Nymph has made a couple of good suggestions that will get us to Lost Canyon at the same time as your route has you there. I think that 35 to 45 miles in 5 days starting 7/3 is what sounds good to me. That would bring us back to the trailhead on 7/7. It shouldn't be too hard to design the trip so that everyone doesn't have to do the same route and daily mileage, but still gets to meet for at least one night.”

“Trailslacker, it's the Sierra, Highs in the 30's to 80's, sunny with the chance of snow showers.
Gear? It's on the trail almost all the way. Be prepared.”

“Wing, We got all winter to work on details. Now that makes me happy. 8)))

Was Snow talking about Franklin Pass?”

“No, talking about
Day 1: Timber Gap to Cliff Creek (camp below BR Pass)
Day 2: over Black Rock Pass to Little Five Lakes (camp at L5Lks)
Day 3: Nine Lakes Basin (do some exploring)
Day 4: Lost Canyon or Columbine Lake (wherever TTers are)
Day 5: Columbine Lake and over Sawtooth Pass to the trailhead

Still have to check it out on Topo! Will also check out other options”

“Without having to research back a gazillion posts, Can someone tell me the Dates of this thing?”

“July 4ish”

“Bummage, We'll be in the Black Hills about that time.”

“Darn- I think I'll go listen to some Disturbed Whoops wrong thread. Sorry you can't make it.”

“Maybe Next year.”

“Snownymph, sounds doable, except Day 4 (9 Lakes to Lost Cyn.). Check the mileage on that one, it takes me (Mr. slow poke) 2 1/2 days to do that.”

“So this trip is going to be during the week of July 4th?

8)”

“Starting the 5th.”

“Hummmmmmm...........

I may change my Vacation for this and come out there.

Would you guys like me to come along?

8)”

“That would kick all forms of ass, and be pip too.”

“Ok I will have to see how much money it will be to send my gear out to someone and how much it will cost for me to fly out there and if someone can pick me up or something like that.

8)”

“Sure Mike ...I'll try to keep up ;)

My ISP is moving things around so I can't get to my webpage or the photo storage area now ....those pics should re-appear soon at least that's what they are telling me”

“CMB - of course you are coming!!! Check into flights into Oakland, Sacramento and Southern Cal to get your best rate. I suspect there will be TT people at all those points to welcome you to California and help you on your way.”

“Someone would have to pick me up at the airport.

And of corse would have to take me back too.

I am such a pain in the @ss am I not?

July 5 to ?????

8)

I do want to come but I just think the Airfair will be very high?”

“C'mon Mike..... It just won't be Crazy without ya !!”

“I know I want to go I will figure something out.

8)”

“or starting the 3rd or 4th”

“I go along with your trip plan Nav.I'd hope the speedier packers could set their tents up and dawdle around so we could all stay together. I'm sure there's lots of rock climbing,fishing,photography and swimming that can be done to kill a few hours.”

“Crazy Mike....wanna get high?
Come to California and we'll take you higher than you've ever been!”